frailin - Posted - 03/30/2015:  07:25:22

I finished Mary Z. Cox's show over the weekend.  She's really fun!  Thought I'd put it up for a few days.

Click on pic for show.  

Mary is a bundle of energy, which makes her a moving target for video.  But you can't deny her pure joy in playing the banjo!  With 2 masters degrees to her credit, Mary is the only OT Performer I've interviewed (so far) that KNEW she wanted to be a recording artist early on.  She's dedicated her life to it!  In her own words, "It's my job to get this music out!  Clawhammer banjo is a gift from God!"  :) 

In her program she plays some really nice banjos... and sings!

And a basket of bassets makes a cameo.  

As an old-time performer, Mary's joy is contagious!  Clearly, others agree.  

Enjoy!  

frailin - Posted - 03/30/2015:  08:27:58

This morning I'm editing Mac Benford's "Conversation."  This was too good not to just stop and share.  

If Mac were to design a T-shirt... :)  

Click on Pic

Yanni - Posted - 03/31/2015:  10:11:46

Wonderful Craig.  I really enjoyed that!  Mary, you have a way of playing a tune simply, making it sound so easy but having a depth of feeling I love.  Fantastic :)

Ian

frailin - Posted - 03/31/2015:  10:16:51

Mary's show just set a new record for the number of views in a 24 hour period (over 300).  :)

frailin - Posted - 04/01/2015:  11:07:03

Ok.  Today I'm posting the last free show for a while.  I have a REALLY HARD TIME NOT putting these shows up for all to see as soon as they're done.  I learn so much about the person, the music, banjos, etc., I just want to share.  But I'll soon be putting all these programs onto DVDs and if I keep giving them away... well, you get my drift.  

So today I'm taking down Mary Z. Cox "free" show (over 425 views in under 3 days!) and replacing it with Mac Benford's.  Last one.  Seriously.  I'll try.  

Click on pic to watch.   Limited time showing.  

Mac tells a great story of his "fall" into traditional music (hint: he was set up in childhood through cartoons).  Also, you get to learn of his influences and love for Kyle Creed and Wade Ward.

If you know of Mac, you know of his time with Dr. Humbead's New Tranquility String Band & Medicine Show and, of course, the Highwoods String Band.  The Highwoods pretty much changed my musical life in the '70's.  I swear, if I had to do it over again, I'd want to be in that band.

Mac had many stories to share about the Highwoods.  I'm sure there's stuff in here even you hardcore fans haven't heard before.  For instance, before he joined Fat City, did you know Bob Potts was in a band that played on stilts?  

But hearing Mac recount the tale is half the fun.  Walt told me some similar fun stories, with a different twist.  But I won't be editing his show for another couple months. 

Anyway, enjoy this conversation with Mac.  I sure did!  And again, last show for a while.  

Maybe.  

INFP47 - Posted - 04/01/2015:  14:12:53

Thanks for posting that, Craig. Mac is one of my banjo heroes. I will never forget the first time I saw Highwoods, late at night in the parking lot at Union Grove in '73. I didn't know who they were until someone told me and I  could barely see them but their sound blew me away.  I later had a chance to talk with Mac and get a lesson from him - he's a great teacher.  Looking forward to your conversation with Walt. 

Edited by - INFP47 on 04/01/2015 14:15:13

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 04/01/2015:  15:05:04

Wonderfully done, Craig.  Thanks for sharing.

Lew

dbrooks - Posted - 04/01/2015:  18:53:34

Great interview, Craig. I remember the impression the Highwoods had on me at the KFC Bluegrass Festival in downtown Louisville in the early 70s. I was there for the bluegrass music and was just struck by what I heard from the Highwoods Stringband. I don't think I understood it all at the time, but I waited around for their next set.  It would nearly 30 years later after my family had grown that I would get involved in banjo and guitar again and find myself playing old-time music chasing these memories of the Highwoods.

David

JanetB - Posted - 04/01/2015:  19:31:58

Mac Benford sure radiates a bright, happy aura.  His CD Half Past Four with all Ed Haley tunes is one of the best ever.  Thanks, Craig.

Porchgirl - Posted - 04/02/2015:  10:27:10

Thanks for sharing this, Craig! Your work makes my music world wider and deeper. Thanks to Mac for inviting us all into his home, story, and music!

Banjo Moan - Posted - 04/05/2015:  01:59:19

So great Craig!!!!!

I gravitated to the Ithaca scene and found so much to treasure there.

but one of the best days I ever had was when i woke up to a phone call:

"can you put a band together to play in the lobby at the Rongovian Embassy prior to the Highwoods Reunion tonight!"

"sure thing"


I hope they have another reunion now that the RONGO is back....

frailin - Posted - 04/08/2015:  07:35:59

Been a busy week south of Lake Wobegon.  

I finished both Brad Leftwich and Dan Gellert's interviews.  Wow.  Just "wow" on both!  Interesting how these two performers could be viewed as opposites in so many ways, yet each can achieve such amazing, charismatic/moving music!  When you watch their programs, you'll see and hear what I mean. 

There was even some crossover in the conversations.  There was a terrific (now hard to find) cassette produced by the two of them a while back.  

Brad included some great Tommy stories.  He'd visited him for 14 years!  

Dan brought out guitarist/wife Debbie and recorded a second funky tune.  :)

-----

My goal is now to have Volume 1 of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" finished in time for Clifftop.  It's lofty, but I like deadlines (remind me of that later).  When I get back from the Asheville Round (week after next), I'll tell you who is going to be on it... maybe Volume 2 as well.  

Ok.  Back to editing.  

Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 04/08/2015:  17:10:03

As was raised by others in another thread - this series really should have Art Rosenbaum in it. I hope that happens. Maybe it's not possible - but that would be a real pity.

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 04/08/2015:  17:36:06

On art rosenbaum, see:


frailin.com/frailin/Old_time_P...mers.html

frailin - Posted - 04/08/2015:  17:46:25

Marc.

I meet with Art on 4/28. He's yet another hero of mine. :)

Emiel - Posted - 04/09/2015:  13:36:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by frailin

Marc.

 

I meet with Art on 4/28. He's yet another hero of mine. :)

 

---

frailin - Posted - 04/09/2015:  15:35:08

Well, as usual, I got started on something... and it was too good not to share.  

You just never really know what to expect when you're interviewing an old-time performer.  

Case in point, Walt Koken.  

Click on Pic.

kwl - Posted - 04/09/2015:  17:12:06

Craig, that was an interesting introduction to "Walk" (sic) Koken's interview. Thanks for posting  it.

frailin - Posted - 04/09/2015:  17:18:33

Oops.  Fixed.  Thanks for noticing.  :)

kwl - Posted - 04/09/2015:  17:20:59

You're welcome Craig. I was entertaining my six year old autistic grandson with the videos when I noticed it.

maryzcox - Posted - 04/13/2015:  13:19:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by frailin

Mary's show just set a new record for the number of views in a 24 hour period (over 300).  :)

---

Craig--you can take this down if its inappropriate for this thread--but putting it here so you will be sure and see it & give you a little chuckle.  This is a short informal video of me playing "oyster shack style clawhammer." To make a living playing clawhammer banjo in Tallahassee--you got to be willing to play oyster shacks with jazz/swing bassists & funk guitarists--LOL--it is a lot of fun !

frailin - Posted - 04/16/2015:  10:23:05

It's after-tax day!  Yay!  Now I can concentrate on the FUN coming up next week; I'll be making the second Round of interviews for the first 3 Volumes of "Conversations with Old-time Performers!"  Yee-ha!  :)

This trip will be through Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia (Note: Not my most current map, but representative).  Some wonderful folks down there makin' fabulous OT music and history!  I hope to capture their stories and sounds. 

In the meantime! Been busy editing (up to 12 hour days).  Volume 1 will be 11 OT Performers plus a Bonus track (Extra) of a Performer from the Banjo Builder Series (thanks, Smithsonian Folkways!).  The other Volumes will follow suit.  

I've got 10 Shows edited/finished but they're not all Volume 1.  I intentionally did some later-appearing programs for various reasons (i.e. insights into their relationships with other OT performers, common past colleagues, technical/filming/sound challenges, etc.).  So when I come back from the Asheville Round, I'll have to knuckle down if I hope to have the Volume 1 done in time for Clifftop.  There I said it (committed).  

Here are some highlights from the last 3 finished shows.  

----------

I'm sure most of you know Walt Koken.  :)  Walt is amazing.  In addition to his great stories (Highwoods String Band, Fat City, growing up musical, etc.), Walt is a great story teller!  

We covered his family, his lifelong musical adventure, the Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle Tunes and more.   

He also played me some FINE fiddle tunes from that book!  And if THAT wasn't enough fun, 2 1/2 hours later, Clare shows up!

----------

Goin' into this, I have to admit, beyond Clare Milliner's masterful playing skills and Fiddle Tunes book I didn't know a whole lot about her.  Glad that deficit got remedied!  Clare is a hoot to hang with.  Like Walt, she's also a great story teller.  And her very personal story of connecting with the OT music and community is one less-commonly spoken of, but very, very powerful.  Changed her life!!  (Mine, too).

Clare has lots of musical genes.  Here she's talking about her less musical (father's) side of the family... or so she thought.  She didn't really find out about his skills until later in life.  Her grandfather played guitar and harmonica and her grandmother played both banjo and fiddle.  Little Brown Jug was a favorite. 

And Clare has a greater (compassionate) view of the world of OT music.  She's choosing to share it by establishing a non-profit with the goal of suppling stringed instruments and teaching to children on the remote island of Exuma (in the Bahamas).  She's already seeing success.  And you too can participate!  

Then she and Walt rocked the joint in fine OT tradition by playing some French Carpenter and Edden Hammon's arrangements of standards... right from THE book!  :) 

​

----------

And last, but certainly not least, meet banjo player Lukas Pool.  

Many of us have already had the good fortune of playing tunes with the next generation of OT performers that actually studied it in school!  But few of us (self included) really understand just what is being taught.  

I invited Lukas to be a part of the series specifically because he represents some of the best and brightest coming out of programs such as the Berklee School of Music in Boston (he had a scholarship!).  He answered my questions.  If I was excited about the potential before, I'm blown away now.  The future of OT music is in VERY GOOD HANDS!!  

Lukas' story is also warm.  He grew up in Mountain View, AK, a place known for its love of Traditional Americana music.  In fact, his folks owned a B&B.  The whole family used to accompany guests on the rockin' porch starting right after breakfast.  

Then his parents then bought the local music store.  Oh, and did I mention his dad builds banjos?  Look for good stuff from Lukas there, too.  :)

But the highlight of the visit was listening to the delightful musical conversation between Lukas' banjo and his girlfriend and fellow Berklee grad Eden Forman's fiddle.  They started with American OT and then played Scandinavian.  It was stunning... and romantic (you'll see/hear).  Charlie the dog played a role.  

So.  As you can see.  Been busy.  

----------

So you know, Walt, Clare and Lukas will all be on Volume 1 of "Conversations with Old-time Performers."  I'll announce the rest of the roster after their shows are finished.  In the meantime, I've some packing to do.  

Yee-ha!  

Edited by - frailin on 04/16/2015 10:31:03

dbrooks - Posted - 04/16/2015:  17:56:00

Another fine update, Craig. Safe travels.

David

Edited by - dbrooks on 04/16/2015 17:56:12

Bob Sayers - Posted - 04/16/2015:  20:41:02

I understand the obvious constraints on Craig's time and travel, but I still wish that he would make it up north again to interview Connecticut banjoist Guy Wolff. I've never met Guy personally, but I enjoy his YouTube videos immensely. He's one heck-of-a-player on early banjos. He's also a member of the great generation of functional potters. It'd be nice to get a glimpse around his studio. Another great interview would be Vermont banjoist and luthier William Seeders Mosheim. I met Will last fall at the Early Banjo Gathering and he has a very nice webpage. Sorry, Craig, if I'm giving you headaches by suggesting more names!

frailin - Posted - 04/17/2015:  05:18:40

As with the Banjo Builders, there are many more talented, qualified candidates for interviews than time and money to capture them.   It's good of you to endorse these players though.  Clearly they've touched you with their music. And that's what matters to a performer.  :)

frailin - Posted - 04/21/2015:  15:08:10

Day 2 - On the Road.  Recording near Asheville, NC 

Left the house at o'dark 30 Yesterday. Caught a red-eye to Atlanta.  Got up at 3A (couldn't sleep!) thinking about the all the fun I was about to have.  Fortunately, I have a VERY patient wife (I let her sleep to 4A).  :)

-----

Landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International at 10:15A.  A car rental and short drive later, I was at Rebekah Weiler's at noon (not bad!). Good thing we started on time.  Once the weather turned south (rain, hail, TORNADOES!), we were done! 

Rebekah has a barn on her property that was converted to an outdoor stage (they host a small festival every summer).  Made a VERY cool setting for our conversation.

Rebekah and I chatted about all sortsa things, especially her early influences.  

She had the good fortune of growing up around and in the music (Murfreesboro, TN... Uncle Dave Macon).  So many greats passing through spending time, sharing their music and their love of same with her.  Fortunately for us, it took deep root!  Rebekah's knowledge and skill assure us that this OT music tradition will continue in fine form.  :)

Once that was finished, Rebekah impressed me even more by introducing me to her fiddle pal, Austin Derryberry.  You'll be hearing and seeing more of Austin in the future.  He rocks OT!  And he's only 16. 

These two really have a great musical rapport... powerful, smooth, clean and fun!  I got a couple numbers down, but that's about when the heavens opened up.  Hard to hear much when quarter-size hail hits a tin roof.  :)  

-------

Today I woke up in one my favorite places in the world - Bryson City, NC.  

Lovely, beautiful place populated by people of the same design.  One of them is OT great, Frank Lee. 

Frank shared some warm, personal stories about growing up in Atlanta (i.e inspiring local music including family members) and serendipitously meeting up with art and banjo teacher Art Rosenbaum in college.  The Freight Hoppers were in there too (of course) as was how Frank ended up in God's country (Bryson City).  But did you know Frank's day job was as a sign painter?

And did you know he was into old aluminum boats?  How 'bout boat motors?  Wow!  Lots to see and more stories.  

As long as I was in town, Frank and I stopped by the BC library to check out Banjo Builder Jeff Delfield's latest work.  Yup, Jeff brought it to work.  Guess we know what this guy does on breaks.  Wonder if the head librarian gets "shush'd!"  Somehow banjos and libraries like banjos and churches don't seem to... never mind.  

Anyway, we talked, Frank played (the new banjo sounded great!).  It was all lovely!!  But Frank was gonna take me for a boat ride in onea them fancy old boats... until I talked too much (we ran outa time).  :(.  Maybe by next trip down to God's country.  

At least it wasn't hailing. 

Edited by - frailin on 04/21/2015 15:08:36

chip arnold - Posted - 04/21/2015:  15:34:27

Rebecca and Frank are two fine and skilled people. Anyone who can see the beauty in a vintage outboard and a vintage boat is a fine feller in my book. 

Delfield - Posted - 04/21/2015:  16:29:53

It was great to see you again Craig!  Can't wait to see all the interviews in this series.  

Here are a couple photos of you enjoying that banjo, if I may be so bold.

Craig playing DCS 11" Fretless

Craig checking out construction

 

 

frailin - Posted - 04/21/2015:  16:51:30

Nice, Jeff!  Great seeing you today and thanks for the pics.  Thanks ESPECIALLY for not posting a VIDEO of me playing a fretless (for which I'm clueless).  :)

RebekahWeiler - Posted - 04/21/2015:  17:32:57

I guess you could say Austin and I "played up a storm"...so much fun! Thanks for including us in the project!

frailin - Posted - 04/21/2015:  17:34:56

You guys played up a storm alright!  

frailin - Posted - 04/23/2015:  05:42:05

Day 3 - Wednesday's "conversations" with two more OT music heroes. 

I think Asheville, NC is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  The fact that it's a hot bed for those of us that love OT music just makes it that much more appealing.  After a scenic drive through one of the classic (aka: older - 1920's-40's homes) sections of town, I found my way to Laura Boozinger's cozy home.  

I've been a fan of Laura's for a long time.  Her incredibly rich and precise banjo playing is matched only by her creamy voice.  Be it a ballad or some raucous OT tune about moving to Italy, Laura can always capture and deliver both the "moment and message."  

Laura is at the right place at the right time, too.  She loves to teach others of the music, its history (wisdom, too) and its community.  As Executive Director of the Madison County Arts Council, she does all she can to promote the music (and other arts) to inquiring minds both young and old.  

More about her story:  After moving around the country with her family as a child, Laura found both home and community at Warren Wilson College.  Having David Holt as both an academic AND banjo teacher clearly influenced her appreciation.  Many years later, she still speaks glowingly of her experiences.  

There was another mentor along the way that helped... John Hartford.  

This pic (taken by David Holt) is prominently displayed in her family room along with a beautifully handwritten note of appreciation and encouragement from John.  Aside from mentoring, John also accompanied Laura on her CDs.  What wonderful stories!!  

And if that wasn't warming enough, my next interview assured me of a powerful "OT community appreciation day."  :)  

------

David Holt is incredible.  I know of no other living OT performer that has done so much to successfully preserve and promote the genre's history, its music, its people, its community OR its future.  And on top of that, David is warm and engaging... a most positive influence.  It's easy to see why Laura speaks so warmly of him and his many gifts.

I've met many people in my life that can easily talk about things (such as change), but David is a "doer"... he actually makes things happen!  Early on in his life, David was impressed by some banjo greats, but there's a deep family influence in there, too.  Both the music and community drew him in... and he willingly followed.  As a young man, in learning from the old-timers around NC and VA, he was touched by the depth and richness of the music's history.  A natural "student," David took it all in and, in turn, began to share his learnings.  Laura tells me, at Warren Wilson College David would teach on subject HE wished to learn more about.  "His passion in learning about this music was contagious.  He is a great teacher!"  If you spend a few moments with David, you can sense that desire to both learn and share.

David discovered performing was not only another way to educate and share, but it was fun!  Among other performance highlights, he found himself on Hee Haw.  Making friends where ever he went was also a part of his path.  As with Laura, John Hartford was among them.

David is also tech savvy.  As TV spread to cable, more opportunities to perform and promote cropped up.  David reached for them.  History, music, current performers and more were common subjects.  He documented all he could back then and continues to do so today!  Wow!  Thanks for that, David!  So much of OT culture is preserved thanks to you.  :)  

What touched me the most about David was his love of Doc Watson.  Fourteen years they performed together spreading the music, history and joy of OT.  Kinda hard to top that.

This guy is a personal hero of mine.  I'm humbled and grateful to share our OT community with extraordinary people like David Holt.  

Ok.  Time to hit the road for Swannanoa.  Today is Rayna Gellert.  Yee-ha!!  

frailin - Posted - 04/23/2015:  17:08:22

Day 4 - Fiddle Phenom, Rayna Gellert   

If someone were to ask me "who was your favorite OT performer to interview?" I'd be hard pressed to name just one.  As creative artists, they're all so uniquely (and beautifully!) different.  It's a part of the texture of our music community.  But if I were forced to compile a list of the top 5, Rayna would definitely be within.  "Remarkable human being" comes to mind.  

Up to today, I've only watched Rayna perform in videos (i.e. Uncle Earl playing at the Kennedy Center).  I own several of her CDs and like to play her versions of my favorite OT tunes.  Beyond her driving rhythmic play, I've sensed a playfulness to her style.  It's like a giggle... a wink... but the message is "joy."  She's really delighting in the musical "conversation" between instruments, players and audience!  

Rayna clearly understands messages within the music. She studies them. Once interpreted and understood, she's deliberate in her delivery.  She can expand and interpret the tune but always does so with respect.  Not that she has to think about it as she performs, it's just a part of her nature.  Deliberate, accurate, meaningful, respectful, joyful!  

She also speaks lovingly of the OT music community... "music becomes the language between us" (my paraphrase).  It's no surprise that our verbal "conversation" was equally as thoughtful as her approach to her music.  Deliberate, accurate, meaningful, respectful, joyful!  It was an intense hour, but incredibly enlightening.  

Rayna's musical gift was shaped early on by her mom and dad (Dan Gellert), music teachers, many mentors and community... most notably, her college experience at Warren Wilson.  Wow.  That's the third time I've heard of this place in the past 2 days.  So I went there.  

The campus is stunning!  I can see it as the setting for the beautiful stories Rayna, Laura Boozinger and David Holt told me.  

I'll save the rest of Rayna story for the show.  In the meantime, here's a pic of Napoleon, a stray that became part of her family.

But I have to say again, what a fun job I have.  I meet the most remarkable people.  

PS - Thanks for documenting the documentarian, Rayna.  :)

Edited by - frailin on 04/23/2015 17:17:36

frailin - Posted - 04/25/2015:  17:24:01

Day 5:  John Herrmann - Banjo Legend

   

Day 6: Seth Swingle.  Meeting the first of two Fulbright Scholars that play old-time music.  

 

I had never met Seth before.  I’d only recently learned of him from two VERY excited banjo colleagues who both said “you really need to hear this guy!”  I trust the opinions of these friends.  But the performers included in this series were selected for more than just the ability to find their way around a fingerboard.  So I did some research.  

 

 

Once I discovered Seth graduated from the University of Chicago studying history of the Middle East, then pursued a Fulbright Scholarship to spend time in Mali West Africa studying indigenous instruments and music, I was intrigued.  Seth also spent almost a year with Mike Seeger at the tender age of 14, learning playing styles and tunes from the master. What would draw a young man so? And where is he taking all this knowledge?  

 

 

Ok.  I'm SO glad I decided to include Seth Swingle in this series! :)

 

First thing I was struck with was his warm demeanor.  Many home-schooled kids have such a confidence.  His parents were Peace Corp volunteers in Africa in the 80’s and upon returning to the US, sought out a life of meaningful work while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. That’s how they ended up in rural Virginia. Seth came from good stock.  :)

 

 

Seth was captivated by the banjo early on in life when his parents took him to Merlefest.  The fact that the banjo came from areas in Africa close to where his parents spent many productive years is probably more than just coincidence, but let's let the mystery lie.  That first banjo led to his discovery of traditional old-time music.  The die is cast.  :)

 

 

Seth's stories of Mali and the people, their relationship to their traditional and pop music and how this has led to his deeper appreciation of traditional old-time is fascinating.  How all this weaves together in and around the banjo is also a great story.  I’ll leave that in the show for you to discover.  

 

What a great future in OT music this young man has before him.  

 

----------

 

Now it’s 5 hours back to Raleigh to meet up with Joe Newberry.  :)

Edited by - frailin on 04/25/2015 17:33:39

frailin - Posted - 04/26/2015:  14:32:03

Day 7:  Been lookin' forward to this one for a long time:  Mr. Joe Newberry.  :)

I love this guy!  

Joe Newberry has got to be one of the kindest human beings I've ever met.  On top of that, he sings, plays the banjo and writes amazing songs.  Wow!  What's not to love!?  

Joe and I set a record for the longest interview today.  It would've helped if I'd shut up, but you can't NOT want to engaging when talking or listening to Joe.  Two minutes into his story, I was hooked.  Backgrounds like this make great Hollywood movies.  But in this case, it's true!

Joe comes from both singing (dad) and dancing (mom's-side) stock.  And the generation prior (on each side!) was equally as gifted (i.e. poetry).  Joe grew up with music... it's as close to him as breath.  Where his sister was called to the pulpit, Joe's calling was to the music. But their paths are similar.  Where his sister preached hope and salvation, Joe's music spreads love, joy, kindness and healing.  Both deliver TRUTH from their souls. A dozen appearances with Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion are testament to the fact that Joe knows the music, its message and people.

My private concert today included a few of Joe's favorite tunes and two touching Newberry original songs.  I won't say we cried after one (or more) of them, but we did take a moment to remove our glasses and share our thoughts on the subject matter (mother, other loved ones now gone).  Wow.  

Yes, I waited for this day... and it was well worth the wait.  I'll take my time editing this one.  Probably shed a few more tears (of gratitude) as well.  Thanks for the music, Joe.  

Yup. I love this guy.  

Edited by - frailin on 04/26/2015 14:33:39

frailin - Posted - 04/27/2015:  18:20:46

 

Frosty Morn - Posted - 04/28/2015:  07:09:55

This series will be such a treasure!

frailin - Posted - 04/28/2015:  18:04:57

Day 9:  Last day on the road - Art with Art Rosenbaum.  

BanjoBuddy-1 - Posted - 04/29/2015:  07:58:04

Art is one of the loveliest, most sharing persons, I have ever met. I haven't seen him since the '88 Tennessee Banjo Institute, but I think of him often, he has made such a strong impression on me, not as a great banjo player, which he is, but as wonderful person, who gives to everyone around him. John (BanjoBuddy) Huerta

JimHand - Posted - 04/29/2015:  08:00:04

Craig, I can hardly wait for this to come out. So looking forward to seeing this. From your pics and descriptions, it will be monumental.

frailin - Posted - 05/24/2015:  18:05:29

Hi Folks.  I've got some exciting announcements coming up!  But first, if I could ask a favor... 

I've prepared a VERY short survey looking for feedback on the Banjo Builder series.  This will help me in making future shows.  

If you've PURCHASED any of the Volumes, please give me your thoughts on the series.  Here's a link to the Survey Monkey Questionnaire.  It's easy.  :)

surveymonkey.com/s/BanjoBuilders 

And as always, many thanks for your input!  

Craig

frailin - Posted - 05/25/2015:  07:37:59

5/25/15 - Good morning, folks!  

I'm delighted to report Volume 1 of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" is now through edit and at the programmers being converted to DVDs.  With any good fortune, I'll have it back from the duplicator in time for Clifftop (if not a little before).  

Here's the packaging!    

And here's the roster of Performers on the premier (Volume 1) offering:  Rayna Gellert, Chris Coole, Rebekah Weiler, Howie Bursen, Mac Benford, Walt Koken, Clare Milliner, Lukas Pool, Seth Swingle, Stephen Wade and John Herrmann.  

Each Volume will contain both "new/emerging" and "established" artists.  Volume 1's "Extra" is an interview with Dwight Diller from his "Conversations with North American Banjo Builders" program, previously included on Volume 3 of that series (the "Historians").  This program appears courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways.  :) 

If you'd like to order Volume 1 now, you can do so at the website (oldtimeperformers.com).  I've set up the same Paypal "Buy Now" button (and process) I used with the Banjo Builders so (hopefully) there will be no surprises for anyone.  :)

The plan is to be shipping Volume 1 of the new series the last week in July.  Placing an order now assures you a copy from the first pressing.  It also helps me decided how many to order.  :)

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I'm now editing these wonderful folks for Volume 2 (in alphabetical order): Steve Arkin, Laura Boosinger, Mary Z. Cox, Dan Gellert, Mark Johnson, Frank Lee, Michael Miles, Arnie Naiman, Joe Newberry and Ken Perlman.  The "Extra" will be Adam Hurt's interview from the Banjo Builder series.  I will begin taking orders for Volume 2 (also at the website) later this summer.

And (tentatively), these folks will be on Volume 3 (alphabetical listing):  Paul Brown, David Holt, Brad Kolodner, Brad Leftwich, Reed Martin, Terri McMurray, Steve Rosen, Art Rosenbaum, Chirps Smith and Richie Sterns.  The "Extra" will be Taj Mahal's interview from the Banjo Builder series.  I will begin taking orders for Volume 3 (also at the website) early this fall.

I'm really excited for you to hear and experience these incredible personal stories!  As with the Banjo Builders, they're not only surprising (i.e. how people creatively continue to pursue their "gifts"), but highly motivating!  I never cease to be amazed at the diversity, artistry, originality and depth of knowledge/wisdom/understanding that's present in the old-time music community.  Wow!!  And, at this point in my life, I continue to feel blessed at discovering (and being a part of) this precious culture.  Such richness and texture!  

Ok.  Enough of this posting nonsense.  Time to get back to the REAL fun... editing these amazing shows!!  Yee-ha! Got all day today!!  

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As always, thanks again for your support in this venture, and being a part of our incredible music community.  

Edited by - frailin on 05/25/2015 07:39:49

cmox - Posted - 05/26/2015:  13:57:04

Yippee! Just ordered one, Craig.  Really looking forward to this one.  Thanks for making another video for the collection.

maryzcox - Posted - 05/27/2015:  05:18:39

Me too! Just ordered volume 1 & looking forward 2 seeing & listening to all the wonderful banjoists & seeing their banjos too 

Thanks Craig for doing this.  :) The old time banjo world is fortunate indeed 2 have a top notch videographer & interviewer documenting old time performers & music of the 20th-21st century--it is truly a labor of love on your part 

Thanks 4 all you do,

Mary Z Cox

maryzcox.com

Florida folk festival 2015/Mary Z Cox

 

 

 

frailin - Posted - 05/27/2015:  09:25:29

OMG!  You folks that have answered the survey so far are a hoot!!  

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your insights, opinions and experiences with the Banjo Builder series!  It DEFINITELY helps me produce more/better work!!  

I'm going to let a few more people weigh in on things and then I'll post some highlights.  

Thank you thank you!  :)

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For you folks that haven't completed the survey but have watched the Banjo Builders, here's the link for the survey (below)...

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I've prepared a VERY short survey looking for feedback on the Banjo Builder series.  This will help me in making future shows.  

If you've PURCHASED any of the Volumes, please give me your thoughts on the series.  Here's a link to the Survey Monkey Questionnaire.  It's easy.  :)

surveymonkey.com/s/BanjoBuilders 

And as always, many thanks for your input!  

Craig

Edited by - frailin on 05/27/2015 09:28:03

Porchgirl - Posted - 05/27/2015:  14:05:55

I'm very excited to get my Volume I -- thanks, Craig!

frailin - Posted - 06/01/2015:  07:21:31

Too much fun.   

Volume 1 is now being programmed and THANK YOU to those that have already PRE-ordered their copy!  

So I've been working on Volume 2 Shows most of the past 2 weeks.  Thought I'd put up another freebie as a "taste of what's to come".  

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I've been a fan of Ken Perlman as long as I can remember.  To finally meet him in person was like refreshing a friendship with an old friend (which is what I consider him to be).  What a a talented, intelligent, warm (and funny) human being.  Enjoy!!  

Click here to view show.  Will only be up a couple days.  

frailin - Posted - 06/01/2015:  07:38:55

Ok.  Privacy button now DE-Activated.  Program free to watch.  Sorry.  :)

Yanni - Posted - 06/01/2015:  11:48:13

Thanks as always for your generosity in sharing Craig.  I have learned so much through watching your videos and I can't wait for them to come out. (hopefully as downloads, lol)

Ian