I didn't realize they did that in Philadelphia - I need to get over there. Nice rendition of "Hello, My Baby"


David

Thanks, David.

Well, it's Mum season and I'm back to scavenging through the videos. Here's one of Quaker City String Band in 2002....first prize in the String Band category for the fourth straight year. They have a great banjo section which is featured at 2:00 into the video and again at 3:27.

youtube.com/watch?v=phNWMPp-wH8

Incredible!

Fralinger in 2002.....terrific dynamics in this set.......exit number is very sweet...."Some Day My Prince Will Come"

youtube.com/watch?v=29oy058yyVM

Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/18/2010 08:27:20

Yes, yes, and yes! This mum stuff is too great.

Tony L.

Tenor Player,
Love the accordian and banjo together. Playing presently with an accordian and mandolin player and it produces a nice mix. Sometimes in these mummers bands the brass becomes to dominating. I feel they are sometimes substitutes for lack of good and solid melodi players on the banjo. Love the sound of some mummers bands however.

There's no brass allowed. They're all saxophones, which is a reed instrument. The dominance of the saxophone in modern Mum bands came by way of evolution. They obviously create a more powerful sound. And power wins. It is, after all, a competition.

Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/23/2010 10:52:46

Takes me back. I was stationed in south phillie in the 80's. Never got to the parade but saw it on the tube. I was into Appellation Lap dulcimer.

Steven, when you say stationed....at the Navy yard?

Interesting article about the unique setup of a Mummers String Band....

philly.com/inquirer/front_page...viewAll=y

Thanks, Anthony. That's an interesting article.

Andrew

Sure thing, Andrew.

Had our final rehearsal last evening. The big day is tomorrow. The jitters have arrived. LOL

= Anthony =

Edited by - rudykizuty on 12/31/2010 06:56:21

Yesterday was the 111th Annual Philadelphia Mummers parade. Yesterday surpassed all other years in most fun I ever had on Broad Street. Here is link to my group's performance.

youtube.com/watch?v=P2IO5IQ17BQ

I start out in the center of the band, but wind up on the far right from "Good Old Summertime" onward.

= Anthony =

AND, the winner was that old gang of mine, the Quaker City String Band.....we marched next to last and all we heard up the street was that they were going to win it, hands down. They sure did. Congratulations to the guys at Quaker City on bringing the trophy home to where it belongs.

youtube.com/watch?v=tlm8Kz3g9j0

= Anthony =

Another video of the champs....I do believe this to be the greatest banjo reveal ever on Broad Street....and the playing was most excellent....both in the water game prop and up in the front of the band.....

youtube.com/watch?v=5PG3PIxqab...U&index=1

and their exit number....

youtube.com/watch?v=I3gYoe7xXEw

quote:

---

Originally posted by rudykizuty

I know that not many here are very familiar with the Mummers tradition in the Philadelphia area, so I thought it was high time that I start posting links to some fantastic examples of what's going on with this long standing tradition.

As you can see, banjos are only a part of the overall package, but the banjo is the premier instrument that most people think of when you say "String Band" in Philly. Things have evolved to where they are now greatly outnumbered, but 100 years ago, most bands were made up primarily of banjos and mandolins. Thus the term "string band".........ENJOY!!

PS......Ferko is my odds on favorite to win the 2011 competition this coming New Year's Day ;)

youtube.com/watch?v=wod5P-JZdNE

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by yellowdog

Hi Anthony

I've finally found a Mummer, (you), who might help me locate a tune that I remember the mummers bands playing on TV in the 1950's. I've searched years for it including looking at mummers youtube videos. The song has the phrase, "Hello, Hello, Hello" repeated frequently in it and it was frequently included in their New Year's Day parades. Can you tell me anything about this tune or where I might find it?

Thanks,

Frank Geiger

---

John, Thanks for sharing the 1947 Ferko number. That's a new one I hadn't seen before.

Some of my favorite clips from this year's Philadelphia Mummers String Band Show of Shows, which took place this past Saturday. What a blast we had. Good music and good times with friends from bands all over the PMSBA. Good crowds for the shows this year too.

Quaker City starts off their performance in the practice pit with a beautifully penned and played rendition of "Smile":

youtube.com/watch?v=a-nO-0TKUTk

The top 4 bands each year serenade the remaining bands in the West Hall setup area after their performance for the paying crowd in East Hall. Joseph A. Ferko String Band after each of their performances:

youtube.com/watch?v=CuLNft9p-ys

youtube.com/watch?v=hCg1jy8lUZs

Johnny Evans.....was a pleasure to finally catch up with you and chat at this year's shows. I thought you might enjoy this clip. Brian Reed penned this one for Greater Kensington. I love that kid and am so glad to have him with us in GOSB.

Ladies and Gents....12th Street Rag performed by the Greater Kensington String Band, a rendition arranged by my friends, Mr. Brian Reed.

youtube.com/watch?v=50CWXrcLCrk

quote:

---

Originally posted by rudykizuty

Johnny Evans.....was a pleasure to finally catch up with you and chat at this year's shows. I thought you might enjoy this clip. Brian Reed penned this one for Greater Kensington. I love that kid and am so glad to have him with us in GOSB.

Ladies and Gents....12th Street Rag performed by the Greater Kensington String Band, a rendition arranged by my friend, Mr. Brian Reed.

youtube.com/watch?v=50CWXrcLCrk

---

Another serenade provided by my old alma mater.......Quaker City.....loved seeing them bring home this year's championship. My wife and I can be seen dancing and enjoying ourselves on the far left somewhere around 4:15 next to Big Bob Shannon.

youtube.com/watch?v=WNM6Cy7VJN8

And here is our band...Greater Overbrook. Small band, lots of youngsters, sounding better each year. Trying to keep the tradition alive and build a future with these kids. I'm really proud of them....unlike the old fart (yours truly) who didn't know the exit had been changed and looks it at about the 6:45 mark LOL

youtube.com/watch?v=dM736PRxM4Q

Anthony,

Great stuff, working with the next generation(s) will keep you on your toes!

PG