Minstrel Banjo

For enthusiasts of early banjo

You know, it seems that when music is actually played, there is always good support for it, and many interpretations, styles, and techniques are acceptable.

Talking about it is when it gets weird....Personally, I grow weary of the "oh there's more than one way to play it" discussion. Gosh...PLAY IT...share it. The music speaks for itself. Describing these abstract concepts just goes to the zone.

I feel certain a discussion resulting from posted music goes further than speaking of these imaginary arrangements.

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There are plenty of folks who don't play banjo but they express their interest by talking about it. Those who play banjo grow by talking as well as playing. Isn't that what you are doing with your comment? I view discussion as part of the collective creative process and I suspect that without discussion there is little individual growth. Art in my opinion is at its best as a discussion not a lecture.

 

I get that Bart, thanks.....but my point is...specifically...what is a variant arrangement and what does it sound like?

Lot's of discussion is good about something that exists. I'd just like to hear samples...references that make the points being discussed.

 I'm trying to pick this stuff out as best described in the tutors, and for the most part Tim, Greg and a few others do a good job reflecting that. I still sound like a wagon with 3 round wheels and one square, But it's coming along. I post as I can. There are some that will debate the crap out of it or post excerpts from this or that, but never ever post a video of what there claiming.  It would be nice to see and compare. 

I love discussion...don't get that wrong. I just get tired of starting from that dead old horse.."I don't think everyone played like it is in the tutors"....well, then wtf is it?

I hear lots of good stuff that is not like the tutors. The points you can discuss are the intangibles you just heard...groove, feel, tempo, phrasings, arrangements. Those things are a delight to discuss and compare. Sometimes it just amy suffice to say "Man...I dug that version".

You have different types of music. Some things are set arrangements and compositions. I don't know that you would hear too many different arrangements or variations  of Japanese Grand March, or Naragansett Jig. On the other hand, to think that everybody played Arkansas traveller the same is just stupid.

I totally get it Tim.  The idea of "it doesn't sound like the tutors" rather than, "I dug that version".  We're not a drumline where if one snare in the 8 players decided to play an accent on a certain note because they thought it added to the piece.  Unless there is a "banjo-line" out there :P?  I hear this a lot lately due to my son's music.  He's one and half.  Do you know how many versions there are of "Ring Around the Rosie" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"?!  I know what I grew up with, but musicians who cater to kids or who make a livving off of writing, playing and selling kid's tunes are putting stuff out there that is nothing like it.  At first I thought "Why did they butcher that songe?!", but when my little guy dances around and smiles, then I think "Huh, who really cares?  He's enjoying it, it doens't sound bad, it actually sounds good for a little kids sond done a different way.  I doubt any laws were broken."     

Yes.....spot on. Thanks.



Matthew Mickletz said:

I totally get it Tim.  The idea of "it doesn't sound like the tutors" rather than, "I dug that version".  We're not a drumline where if one snare in the 8 players decided to play an accent on a certain note because they thought it added to the piece.  Unless there is a "banjo-line" out there :P?  I hear this a lot lately due to my son's music.  He's one and half.  Do you know how many versions there are of "Ring Around the Rosie" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"?!  I know what I grew up with, but musicians who cater to kids or who make a livving off of writing, playing and selling kid's tunes are putting stuff out there that is nothing like it.  At first I thought "Why did they butcher that songe?!", but when my little guy dances around and smiles, then I think "Huh, who really cares?  He's enjoying it, it doens't sound bad, it actually sounds good for a little kids sond done a different way.  I doubt any laws were broken."     

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