www.cynthiasayer.com
Experience Level: Expert/Professional
cnsayer has made 6 recent additions to Banjo Hangout
Interests:
[Teaching] [Socializing]
Occupation: musician
Gender: Female
My Instruments:
I am a plectrum banjoist, and endorse for OME banjos -- I love them & have two.
By the way, that "Banjo Experience Level" multiple choice question is bothersome.... I am definitely a "professional." An "expert?" There is ALWAYS more to learn! But I do aspire to keep growing....
Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Too many to list!!! Ranging from Elmer Snowden (my banjo hero!) to Beatles to Bela to Django to Bonnie Raitt to Tom Waits to Tiny Grimes to Hank WIlliams.... and so many more...
Classified Rating: (+4)
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 3/6/2008
Last Visit 1/28/2025
Contemporary, edgy, and soulful, Cynthia Sayer breaks all the banjo player stereotypes as she single-handedly brings the 4-string banjo to the forefront of jazz. Celebrated as one of the top 4-string jazz banjoists in the world today and praised for her “drive and virtuosity” by The New York Times, Cynthia is a founding member of Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band with whom she played and toured for over 10 years. Her solo career has taken her well beyond these New Orleans roots as a dynamic performer, instrumentalist and vocalist, and whose eclectic, swing-based shows embody the rarely heard range and versatility of the 4-string banjo.
Sayer has played with many leading jazz, popular & roots artists, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Les Paul, Marian McPartland, Wynton Marsalis, Marvin Hamlisch, Andy Statman, Tony Trischka, John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Charlie Giordano (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), and many others. Recent press includes being featured in Downbeat Magazine, being the guest on the popular NPR show “Piano Jazz,” and the national TV & radio show, “Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.”
Cynthia has accumulated numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including induction into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. Her new CD release, “JOYRIDE” is receiving rave reviews. Cynthia’s soundtrack credits include several Woody Allen Films on banjo, ukulele and piano. Her piano playing with Woody Allen’s jazz band is highlighted in the award-winning documentary film “Wild Man Blues.” Cynthia is also a subject of the recent PBS TV documentary, “Give Me The Banjo,” has performed at the White House, was the Official Banjoist for the New York Yankees, and is the topic of a Trivial Pursuit question!
