TheChief - Posted - 02/23/2013:  08:51:08

In retrospect, I think we all knew The Flame Club was probably a front for other things. We didn't know anything and didn't care so long as we could work there two or three times a year, a week each time and were always assured of getting paid. The owners didn't bother us and were never worried, nor did they complain about the crowd.

I'm not sure but we might have been the first bluegrass act to ever play there. The Flame is NOT where we were robbed. That was at an auditorium in St. Paul.

There were a few other clubs throughout the states like the Flame. Boston had The Hillbilly Ranch, Kansas City had The Chestnut Inn, DC had Hunters Lodge, Los Angeles had The Palomino Club. Fun, classy places to play. Some I can't remember..OH, The Lone Star in New York City, and a good one in Toronto. All these places were Country Music "joints." There used to be a place here in Nashville, all country, fun, classy, prestigious, place to work...but, came (and went) under new management. 

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

 

Pants - Posted - 02/23/2013:  22:48:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by bevans

Hi Sonny and Chief fans! I just wanted to share the news that I will be appearing on "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor on Saturday, February 23rd, broadcasting live from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota (where it's currently 26 degrees and snowing!). It's an almost all banjo show with yours truly, Noam Pikelny, Joe Newberry and Suzy Bogguss. Very exciting stuff for me that doesn't happen everyday!

Follow this link for show info and to find a local station that carries the show in your area. In the Nashville area, Chief, WPLN-FM 90.3 will carry the show live at 5 p.m. on Saturday and will rebroadcast it on Sunday at 2 p.m.

There will be video next week also, up on the APHC homepage.

Wish me luck!

All the best,

Bill Evans

billevansbanjo.com

youtube.com/user/BillEvansBanjo

---

I tuned into NPR and caught the very tail end of this earlier and got unreasonably excited to hear a banjo-centric program. Looking forward to hearing the whole thing tomorrow!

TheChief - Posted - 02/24/2013:  09:45:29

We're taking over...

s

El Dobro - Posted - 02/24/2013:  11:07:06

Bobby told me about the time his shoes were robbed.

TheChief - Posted - 02/24/2013:  15:36:57

Bobby and Johnny Dacus both had shoes stolen off their feet..whilst they were ...ah...asleep. Columbus, Ohio.about 1959.

we had a good career..interesting at times, but good.

~

s

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 02/28/2013:  10:08:43

Sonny,
I don’t know if you want to answer this or not as it is mentioned in another thread and there can be some argumentative folks on the hangout. But I wondered generally what a player of your caliber thought about as you played. I have heard you speak of the focus when you played and I wondered if you could be more specific about what you focused on or if you could describe your focus?

It is always interesting to me to see what excellence thinks about because I have always believed that “Great men are those that perceive that thoughts rule the world.”

Thanks for your time.
Ken

El Dobro - Posted - 03/02/2013:  11:32:31

More stories, we need more stories.

momo - Posted - 03/02/2013:  14:31:17

Sonny , by all means ! More stories, we need more stories.  Thats untill that book you talked about putting together a couple of years ago materializes.

TheChief - Posted - 03/12/2013:  16:41:21

Hey Ken;

Sorry to be so long answering...Been busy being sick..cold..Interesting, I had the brush with a stroke on Earl's birthday, Jan. 6, 2007 and strange though it may seem, I haven't had colds, flu, or anything related since then. Until about three weeks ago. Then it was probably more allergy than anything else. I need Flo nase!

I guess the best way to answer your question about the thought process whilst playing would be to explain it this way. Early in my playing career I had to concentrate not so hard on the notes I was playing but the following line of notes that I wanted to play, and make sure to leave myself in the proper pattern (right hand) or position if you will, so I could get into the next line smoothly. I wonder if you understand what I'm trying to tell you. Hard to say it in words.

Later when I knew the neck of the banjo much better, and after I had played those 50-100 tunes so many times it was just second nature to me and I was able to kinda let my mind wander. It was actually fun to be able to play like that..knowing what the banjo would do, and being able to play what I heard in my mind...the main actor in this and the reason I was able to play this way was the quality banjo I had to play and the fact that it would produce anything I wanted it to produce. You all have heard me rave and carry on about that Granada and the role it played in extending my career, but I swear to you, it's the truth.

Sorry to be so lengthy, and perhaps "Big headed",  but everyone has their own way of doing it and I suppose if you were to ask them you would get several different answers. It's all in how you hear it and what you want to hear...coming back at you.

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

 

Edited by - TheChief on 03/12/2013 16:46:20

banjoman56 - Posted - 03/12/2013:  19:08:00

I don't think anyone could argue that your Granada, or Earl's for that matter didn't have a lot to do with the great music you guys played. When you have a good instrument, it just seems to give you confidence and banjos just don't get any better than those Granadas.

TheChief - Posted - 03/22/2013:  14:15:49

Rob McCoury is in the midst of doing a banjo album. Of course, I've told you before, he is one of the best banjo players in existence. Maybe he will get an opportunity now to let everyone who loves good straight ahead banjo playing to hear it. My brother is going to sing a song on it (you know that'll be great) and although I can't play the banjo, I've been asked to do "something" and I agreed to do just that, although I will describe it as "a whole lotta nothing!"....in the words of Bill Monroe.

I'll let you know of the progress.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

AlWAYS DID, ALWAYS WILL

GOD BLESS AMERICA  

Woolpersteve - Posted - 03/22/2013:  15:24:22

Sonny, I heard a rumor about this thing with Rob last week and I am scratching my head as to where I heard it .Maybe I will remember by tomorrow .

El Dobro - Posted - 03/23/2013:  12:38:00

TheChief - Posted - 03/23/2013:  16:25:04

Sunset Park? West Grove, PA.?

El Dobro - Posted - 03/24/2013:  18:13:47

Yep, Sunset Park. You were showing Rob the break to Why Don't You Tell Me So.

TheChief - Posted - 03/24/2013:  18:34:51

Not an easy song to play in F, and doesn't sound right played elsewhere.

s

fgodbey - Posted - 03/24/2013:  20:37:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Not an easy song to play in F, and doesn't sound right played elsewhere.

s

---

How does this sound, Sonny?  Talbot comes in at about the 0:36 mark:

youtube.com/watch?v=vchy1TWET4U

This is also real good:

youtube.com/watch?v=5e3P1DE-H2Y

--Frank

And this:

youtube.com/watch?v=udBe0Owhuqg

Edited by - fgodbey on 03/24/2013 20:41:22

TheChief - Posted - 03/25/2013:  08:49:38

Hey Frank;

I'm somewhat a fan of Talbot's banjo playing, in that he has a good right hand. This version of Why Don't You Tell Me So is OK but If you're comparing this to Earl's version, which I assume was Dave's intention, IN MY OPINION, it comes in at about a 7. This is not to say that it's bad, knowing Dave Talbot he might have meant to play it this way, it's just that there's a lot left out, but this song is terribly hard to play correctly, as Earl played it. And I repeat, THIS IS MY OPINION!...which is like Chevrolet's and Fords...everybody has one!  ;-)>

He did some good work with the Grascals.

~

s

PS..I can and will expand on my opinion if you want.

Edited by - TheChief on 03/25/2013 08:53:56

bhrb75 - Posted - 03/25/2013:  12:12:07

I have never heard anyone nail that break, when trying to replicate what Earl did.  In my opinion, yeah Chief, you aren't the only one with one of those...lol, that's one of the most difficult to play correctly,  not so much because of the choice of notes, but the feel and the way they all fit together.  It's kind of like Cabin In Caroline in that the bass needs to be walking with that swingy type of beat for the banjo to fit into the "slots" of the rhythm.   Most people now don't understand that type of timing because they didn't have big band and early rock and roll so that rhythm isn't in their head.   That's not to say that I can play that way, for I struggle with those type songs. It's merely an inference drawn from observation.

Brandon

apherigo - Posted - 03/25/2013:  12:35:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by bhrb75

...that's one of the most difficult to play correctly...

Brandon

---

Well, except for Wagon Wheel!!  LOL

Aaron

TheChief - Posted - 03/25/2013:  14:12:34

Brandon;

To play the tunes in question I have an opinion on the outcome of both breaks. The right hand is the key and one must really listen intently to the original recordings to even come close. Why Don't You Tell Me So (Earl's banjo solo) and Cabin In Caroline (Earl's banjo solo when he goes to the 5 chord..or D) I don't want to say they are both mistakes, but I do believe he got into patterns that made no sense at all, but was good enough to come out of them sounding very good. Reason for my thinking? He never played either of them that way again! 

Once while we were playing a show at Hallem PA, or Lancaster PA, (Cripple Creek Park) a guy came to me and played those two breaks perfectly. He asked, "Is this about right?" I was really surprised and I told him they were right..and they were. His name, I believe was Larry Smith and If I have it right, he's the guy who bought Jim Smoak's original RB4 flathead from Chris Warner.

Smoak played with Bill Monroe in 1953 and Chris was with Jimmy Martin in 67-69 and again in 85. Both guys were excellent traditional (Is there really any other) banjo players. In fact, there is an article being written as we speak,I think for BU, about Chris.

I have a 77 Chevrolet pickup, and the above...that's my opinion. That and 5 dollars will get you a cup of coffee! Or a half gallon of O====gas.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 03/25/2013 14:24:01

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 03/25/2013:  14:42:29

Sonny,
Thanks for your time, answer and thoughts in your reply to me of 3/12. It gives me a lot to think about.
Thanks again,
Ken

fgodbey - Posted - 03/25/2013:  15:12:55

Here's a photo of Larry Smith from 1968 at Berryville VA.  He was with Del McCoury at the time.  Larry moved to Kentucky later and pretty much quit playing the banjo because of hand problems, but he played solid rhythm guitar when we got together for jam sessions.  Good guy, good picker & singer; he died way too young.  The banjo in the photo is, obviously, NOT the Smoak banjo, which seems to have disappeared.

--Frank

Larry Smith

 

steve davis - Posted - 03/25/2013:  16:23:36

Is that a top tension Wildwood banjo?

mahogchief01 - Posted - 03/27/2013:  20:32:41

Sonny is right, the "Why Don't You Tell Me So" solo is very hard. I would guess that there are only 2 or 3 people out there that can play it "exactly" like Earl. One is Sonny. Now he might say he can't play anymore, but I bet he could talk you through it and teach it to you. The other would be Wynn Osborne. I still believe that Wynn is probably the best I have ever heard at playing Earl's solo's. I know alot of other great players out there, but I still think Wynn is as good as they come when you talk about being a Scruggs style player. I had the sincere pleasure of watching him up close a few times back in the 80's and he just nailed it. What a great talent. If I could play just half as well as Wynn, I would be happy.


Mick

TheChief - Posted - 03/28/2013:  15:13:42

You're right Mickey. Wynn could really do it at that time.

You all realize that Earl has been gone 1 year today. Doesn't seem that long. I thank Scott Street for reminding me.

~

s

TheChief - Posted - 04/16/2013:  21:15:00

You all probably heard but if not;

Bill and Lola Emerson lost their son John who was 53 years old, on April 11.........Cancer.

So sorry to hear this. Bill and Lola are two of my best friends and I can't even begin to understand what they are feeling.

 ~

 s

 Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

 PO Box 647

 Hendersonville, TN. 37077

 615-824-0096

 chiefbanjo@comcast.net

 sonnyosborne.com

 IN GOD WE TRUST~

Edited by - TheChief on 04/16/2013 21:20:38

RayD - Posted - 04/16/2013:  21:27:07

So sad to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Emerson family.

RayD

markbyrum - Posted - 04/17/2013:  10:44:16

I am sorry to learn of the passing of John Emerson, Bill and Lola's son.  Please pray for comfort for them.  Bill is a great banjoist - one of the leading second generation pickers, in my view, having started back in the early 1950's, not long after Sonny.  It is a sad thing for a parent to bury a child.  Been there - done that - it is hard!

Mark Byrum

TheChief - Posted - 04/18/2013:  12:16:34

It just can't get much worse.
~

s

Woolpersteve - Posted - 04/18/2013:  12:25:47

Such sad news . So sorry for Bill and family.

TheChief - Posted - 05/01/2013:  07:13:35

Joe Mullins has been playing a Rocky Top version, and a gold maple Chief for the past few weeks. Trying to decide which one he wants.
Bill Emerson, Bill Evans, Aaron McDarris, Jeremy Averill (his 3rd) , Rick Stern (His 4th Chief), and all have given Mr. Rocky Top good reveiws.
My Brother and I recorded the song "Rocky Top" and it was released on Christmas day 1967. The song is still as popular, thanks in part to The University of Tennessee (it's their official fight song) and the fact that "old Rocky" is a Tennessee State song. that helped in no small way...it just keeps on giving.
I'm thankful, and pleased with that.

Sadly, my son in law passed away a couple weeks ago. Cancer. Leslie White was one of the really good guys.

S

RayD - Posted - 05/01/2013:  08:43:38

So sorry to hear about your family loss. It truly doesn't get any harder than that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

RayD

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 05/01/2013:  10:26:56

Sorry for your loss Sonny.
ken

RB00 - Posted - 05/01/2013:  19:09:34

Condolences Sonny. So sorry to hear this.
Len

chief3 - Posted - 05/02/2013:  04:46:30

Pam's and my condolences are offered to you and the family Sonny.

TheChief - Posted - 05/02/2013:  08:55:52

Thank you all. Les was more like a son than son in law. I knew him since he was about 11 yrs old.

s

TheChief - Posted - 05/02/2013:  08:59:22

CORRECTION...JOE IS ALSO PLAYING A GOLD MAHOGANY...not Maple.

s

bcampbe5 - Posted - 05/02/2013:  09:15:50

Sonny,

So sorry to hear about your family's loss.

-Brad

Norm2704 - Posted - 05/02/2013:  17:14:23

My condolences to you and your family Sonny....

Norm

TheChief - Posted - 05/03/2013:  06:35:36

Thank you all. He was 52.

s

TheChief - Posted - 05/19/2013:  12:52:04

I'm proud to say that Joe Mullins is now playing a Rocky Top model Chief Banjo exclusively.Joe and his band, The Radio Ramblers play authentic hard bluegrass music the way his Father taught him. Paul (Moon) Mullins was the number one reason Bluegrass music survived, and thrived in the Dayton-Cincinnati area when he (Paul) became a disc jockey on WPFB in Midedletown, Ohio. Paul is gone now but Joe is carrying on the tradition. He owns and operates 4 radio stations in the Xenia area. Xenia is 20 miles from Dayton. He must be a pretty busy boy. Radio stations and being on the road with a top quality band (and they are good) would not leave time for much else.

I'll have a picture of Joe and his RT banjo, along with The Radio Ramblers within the next couple weeks.



Life is good



s



Sonny Osborne Banjo Company

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

In God We Trust

Edited by - TheChief on 05/19/2013 12:56:01

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 05/19/2013:  13:24:28

I love Joe's playing and his bands sound. He will give it a good test drive out each time. I will look forward to hearing him with it at Bean Blossom this summer.
ken

TheChief - Posted - 05/19/2013:  20:06:51

Joe's song, "Blue Million Tears" is number 8 on this Month's national countdown on WSM.
That band is good folks, real good.
s

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 05/19/2013:  20:14:54

Here is Joe with the song:

youtube.com/watch?v=Fk32msQoMZY

At 2:04 he does the Mullins tongue chew just like his daddy did.
ken

TheChief - Posted - 05/19/2013:  20:22:33

He sure does.
Paul and I have played fiddle and banjo for hours. If anyone loved it more I haven't met him yet.

s

The Pope - Posted - 05/20/2013:  16:18:38

Live link: youtube.com/watch?v=Fk32msQoMZY

Pittsburghin - Posted - 05/21/2013:  06:56:31

I do believe I'll pick their album up off itunes today, can't resist a sonny osborne recommendation! Thanks Sonny!

laceyth9 - Posted - 05/21/2013:  08:22:41

Just so happens that Joe does an Osborne Brothers medley too. Highest form of flattery is to be imitated (at least a good attempt) :)



Tim L.

youtube.com/watch?v=eSgX_xqRu-c

Edited by - laceyth9 on 05/21/2013 08:26:20