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Interstate performance for Derick

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

 

Reproduced from an artile by Jessica Magliulo which appeared

in the “Bunyip” Gawler area local paper

 

HE’S quite possibly the only banjo-picking plumber in Willaston, and this weekend, Derick Winterbottom will strut his musical talents at the Kelly Country Pick in Beechworth, Victoria.

The winter Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music convention, in its 11th year, boasts three days of concerts, music and dance workshops, jam sessions and instrument displays, attracting up to 500 people from around the country.

Describing himself as a “closet performer”, Derick will participate in the event for the first time, joining some of Australia’s foremost bluegrass musicians.

“We’ll be playing music at the Kelly Country Pick at the historic town of Beechworth, next door to Glenrowan where Ned Kelly was running around the hills,” Derick said.

“It’s in the old priory, where the monks used to live – a religious order come function place… my mate reckons it’s fantastic.”

The traditional bluegrass band consists of acoustic instruments one ‘picks’ to play, including the upright double bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle, five-string banjo and the dobro – a resonator guitar.

“It’s mainly acoustic, you don’t plug into the amplifiers like rock-and-roll,” Derick said.

“Where it came from originally was the Scottish-Irish music taken across to America with the immigrants; it went to the Appalachian Mountains and used to be called mountain music.

“Before TVs and radios they would play for their own enjoyment and dance on a Saturday night.

“Bill Munroe – they call him the father of bluegrass – his band was called the bluegrass boys, and created the name, ‘blue-grass’.”

Derick bought his Gibson Mastertone banjo 20 years ago from fellow player Jeff Bridgland, whose woodcarving skills are displayed on the banjo’s resonator in a unique American eagle.

Since then, Derick has been playing to a small circle of family and friends, and jams with other musicians at the Prospect RSL the last Sunday of every month.

“There are some really good players here in Adelaide, a few guys here who can play as good as the American acts,” Derick said.

“I’ve got a couple of mates who are in a band in Adelaide, the Bridgland Brothers – they’re one of the main bands in the concerts over the weekend.

“If you’re good enough, they’ll call you up to come back and play again.”

Aside from the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd, Derick said he’s looking forward to networking with other players and fans, and learning from the pros.

“You meet people you’ve seen at festivals, fans from interstate… you join in and jam and meet real experts that give you a few clues on how to play better,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to going – number one it’s a break from work, and number two, it’s a unique experience.”

 

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Banjo in Antarctica

Friday, April 3, 2009 3 comments

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Playing Since: 1980
Experience Level: Novice

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing] [Helping]

Occupation: Master Plumber

Gender: Male
Age: 81

My Instruments:
Gibson R B 250 Mastertone (it's a cracker)

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Del McCoury. Alison Krouse and Union Station Jerry Douglas Tony Rice Ralph Stanley Earl Scruggs J.D. Crowe Osborne Brothers The Dillards Cherryholmes and lots more

Classified Rating: not rated
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 3/29/2009
Last Visit 3/25/2014

Born North of England ,Master Plumber by trade Married two adult children . Always loved B/Grass music learning 5 string banjo Beg to intermediate level Favorite tune "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy" all Gospel B/Grass "The Lewis Family" I have 10 L.P. Vynal recordings of "Lewis Family" The Sleeves of which are collectors items for the picture locations alone Played my banjo in Antarctica 1991 at Davis Station where I lived and worked for apprx 6 Months. Nickname SPIKE

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