Posted by blamethebanjo on Saturday, May 24, 2008
There is a short piece in the first part of the Scruggs book that mentions reasons one person chooses one instrument over another. I don't feel like anyone has to think very hard on that subject. At least to me it seems simple enough. I was drawn to the banjo sight unseen. Based solely on the sound I knew this was something I wanted to know more about.
Banjo critics will say it is a harsh, unpleasant noise that irritates the listener. Yes, I have heard that said and not because of my limited talent. Some don't like it no matter who plays it. That is their right. I read a comment in Bluegrass Unlimited made by a guitar player saying the banjo has been overexposed. Thankfully the magazine printed my response in which I charged that no other instrument in recent memory could take that title away from the guitar.
The guitar is the first instrument I was exposed to and I love them. I just happen to love the banjo more. I never acheived any form of masterful style on the guitar either but I wanted it to back up my singing and learned enough to do that. I guess.
I can't say for sure who was playing the first notes that peeked my curiousity but I feel confident it was whoever the current banjo player was with Bill Monroe on my Dad's record. Then of course I heard Earl Scruggs and saw him on the Beverly Hillbillies with his banjo.
I remember thinking the movement of his hands didn't seem fast enough to do what he was doing. I knew he was playing it but how on earth was he getting that much sound? I am probably not the only one to wonder about that. There is still an element of mystery when I hear Earl play. I guess it is a gift. Anyone else could play the same notes on his banjo and it still wouldn't sound just like Earl.
Far from harsh or irritating it moves my soul moreso than any other music. Somehow resonating in my spirit happy and sad at the same time. The feeling I get is old and new. Like somewhere I heard this before. Before I can remember. No stranger to me.
Be the first to comment on “Of Banjos, Bagpipes and Bugles.”
You must sign into your myHangout account before you can post comments.
Newest Posts
'Radiused?' 1 hr
'tone rings' 1 hr
'LeVan Banjos' 2 hrs
'Gum Tree Canoe' 3 hrs
'Brass Flange' 4 hrs
