Mike Moss's Videos (Minstrel Banjo) - Minstrel Banjo

A visit from the Classic side of the force -- Mocking Bird variations

2012-09-03T17:24:50.684Z

Here's "Variations on The Mocking Bird" by Parke Hunter, or perhaps should I say "Variations on The Three Stooges" ;-)

Here's a typical Parke Hunter showpiece based upon Septimus Winner's famous tune, which was also a staple of minstrel shows. George W. Johnson, the first African American phonograph recording star, famously recorded a whistled version of this tune.

This is an interesting example of cross-over in Classic style to the Minstrel repertoire, which was considered "characteristic" of the banjo, including the typical "bird call" special effects which were often present in minstrel acts.

Home Sweet Home - Tremolo Style

2012-03-25T15:57:49.251Z

Arrangement by S. E. Turner

This isn't a "real" minstrel banjo vid, but "Home Sweet Home" was a staunch minstrel banjo standard and Frank Converse played a set of tremolo variations to this tune which were probably similar to this. The first part is finger tremolo (similar to duo style on the mandolin or plectrum banjo) and the last bit is chord tremolo, commonly known as the "finger wiggle" in Classic banjo circles.

This Classic banjo arrangement was published in BMG magazine.

Shuffle Along - Morley (Classic visit)

2012-02-07T20:04:14.606Z

A visit from the Classic side!