Strumelia's Videos (Minstrel Banjo) - Minstrel Banjo

Jim Along Jocie (Hammons) gourd banjo, fiddle

2017-11-02T00:28:13.579Z

Figured I'd post this older video again, because of the gourd banjer. :)
Lisa on gourd banjo, Brian on fiddle.
Not your great great grandfather's minstrel version. lol.
I learned this banjo tune from listening to a recording of Burl Hammons of West Virginia (1908-1993). This version bears almost no resemblance to the more familiar versions of "Jim Along Josie". I like it because it is spare but has a lot going on under the surface.
I'm playing in F, 'sawmill tuning', on my pig-head gourd banjo. Brian plays fiddle tuned down.
The tune starts out a bit rough, but warms up nicely by the hearth. Sorry about the dark fireside lighting. A little home made music

Silver Lake Waltz at the Sweeney cabin, Appomattox VA

2017-09-24T16:41:33.969Z

Saturday night in the Sweeney cabin, Appomattox VA Courthouse national park Sept 2017. During the Joel Sweeney early banjo gathering. Jacalyn and I playing Silver Lake Waltz. To my right is Joe Ayers on his gourd banjer. Mark Weems providing a lovely fingerpicked chord accompaniment on 1800s guitar. What a great evening it was!

Carve That Possum

2017-09-22T21:14:16.746Z

The great Dave Kirchner singing and playing a banjo he made. I accompanied him on bones, ankle rattle, and chorus.
This fun old song from the 1800s "Carve That Possum".
This was at the public concert at Appomattox Courthouse National Park during the Joel Sweeney History of the Banjo weekend in Sept 2017. A bunch of us early banjo enthusiasts attended from various states. A fun gathering for sure!

Pretty Saro - penny whistle

2016-10-24T01:58:24.535Z

Not a minstrel banjo nor minstrel tune, I know, but perhaps I'll be playing some minstrel ditties as I get better at this thing.
I'm practicing a tune from the American Appalachian ballad called Pretty Saro. I've been learning to play penny whistle..tin whistle..for two months now. As a beginner I have a long way to improve...but it's proving to be such an enjoyable journey!
I'm playing a Jerry Freeman tweaked Blackbird 'D' whistle.

'Bob Ridley-O' Hinckley Plough Bullockers (UK)

2016-06-29T14:40:02.787Z

I didn't realize that Bob Ridley was imported into America.
I just love this video!- note especially the many musicians and great instruments being played by musicians in the background.