Minstrel Banjo

For enthusiasts of early banjo

Last year I was able to get some casual footage of Joe Ayers, at his 19th century farmhouse near the James River in Virginia....

Views: 231

Favorite of 2 people

Comment by Mark Weems on February 25, 2013 at 12:48pm

For those who don't know who Joe Ayers is, he, along with Bob Winans, are responsible for the modern revival of interest in Early American Banjo. He was the first to re-publish the banjo tutors which we are all learning out of in one way or another, and his series of recordings of "Banjo Classic's" have influenced most of the great new players of our genre.

la http://joeayers.tumblr.com/

Comment by Rob Morrison on February 25, 2013 at 1:25pm

Mark and all-- Even though Bob Flesher taught me the style, it was Joe Ayers' tapes that really got the music into my head.  He's incomparable.  We all owe him a debt.--Rob

Comment by Tim Twiss on February 25, 2013 at 11:18pm

Nice. It is unusual to hear that second section as found in Gumbo Chaff book. I assume it is like a walk round...

Comment by Rob Morrison on February 26, 2013 at 8:56am

Tim--"Old Jaw Bone" is a song on Bob Winans' CD "The Early Minstrel Show."  I always thought of walkarounds as being primarily dance vehicles rather than songs, but I am frequently in error on many things, and I may be on this as well.--Rob  P.S.  It's tabbed out in Joseph Weidlich's big book, "The Early Minstrel Banjo."

Comment by Tim Twiss on February 26, 2013 at 9:18am

Thanks Rob. Perhaps I should have rephrased that. I understand the tune, but have just never thought about the "B: section. It is an addition to most versions we use. That added section is simialr to "dance" ...( better word than walk round ) as is in so many of those early minstrel tunes if you look at some of the original music...especially in the Hand Nathan book, where most tunes conclude a verse with a snappy instrument section.

Comment by Tim Twiss on February 26, 2013 at 9:18am

Sorry....Hans Nathan.

Comment by Tim Twiss on February 26, 2013 at 9:36am

btw....Gumbo Chaff is the only place i have seen this...Joe plays it pretty much "as is"

Comment by Mark Weems on January 12, 2014 at 10:40pm

Al, here is Joe playing De Old Jaw Bone exactly as it is in Howe's Preceptor. I love this. 

Comment by Mark Weems on January 12, 2014 at 10:45pm

Al, here is Joe playing a tune exactly as it is written in Howe's Preceptor. I love this.

Comment by Tim Twiss on January 12, 2014 at 10:55pm

That is a very impressive rendition of this flute piece. Good fit on both instruments. A melody....is a melody.

http://kevinkellybookseller.com/chaff.html

Comment

You need to be a member of Minstrel Banjo to add comments!

Join Minstrel Banjo

About

John Masciale created this Ning Network.

© 2024   Created by John Masciale.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service