When I was kid back in the 70s, I was always thrilled when the 5-string banjo work of Grandpa Jones was featured on an episode of Hee Haw. I haven’t really heard any of Grandpa’s music since then, but I remember it featuring sounds similar to strumming. His playing had much more of that sound than any of the other frailing or clawhammer banjo styles that I’ve ever heard. ‘Such a unique sound! Here’s a video of me trying (and failing) to recreate the wonderful frailing style of Grandpa Jones on my tenor banjo with a pick
Edited by - Compass56 on 09/12/2024 05:50:43
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Originally posted by Compass56When I was kid back in the 70s, I was always thrilled when the 5-string banjo work of Grandpa Jones was featured on an episode of Hee Haw. I haven’t really heard any of Grandpa’s music since then
Do they not have youtube where you are?
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Originally posted by Joel Hooksquote:
Originally posted by Compass56When I was kid back in the 70s, I was always thrilled when the 5-string banjo work of Grandpa Jones was featured on an episode of Hee Haw. I haven’t really heard any of Grandpa’s music since then
Do they not have youtube where you are?
Yes "they" do have YouTube where I am, but my main focus is learning to play standards in a variety of jazz setting. Learning those tunes in a bunch of keys, learning the various rhythmic styles that might be utilized on those tunes, learning to improvise over changes while maintaining the groove established by the bandleaders with whom I work--This stuff is always on my mind, and I honestly have trouble focusing on all the other great musical styles out there. This morning I woke with those wonderful memories of watching Grandpa Jones on Hee Haw with my grandparents, and I wanted to honor that memory by trying to recreate what I remember him doing on the banjo.
Very good, I was just confused as we pretty much have all of recorded music history at our fingertips.
Staying focused is good. But sometimes it is nice to watch Hee Haw on youtube.
Grandpa Jones did put out a banjo instruction book, and I believe reprints are available. I have one, but can't put my hands on it at the moment (like so many things).
Just in case you haven't noticed, Grandpa Jones played a five string banjo NOT a tenor and certainly did not use a flat pick. Try using the right tools for the job and use your thumb on the short string and you might get somewhere near.
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Originally posted by Jimmy SuttonJust in case you haven't noticed, Grandpa Jones played a five string banjo NOT a tenor and certainly did not use a flat pick. Try using the right tools for the job and use your thumb on the short string and you might get somewhere near.
Yes, I addressed all of those facts in my original post. I said that Grandpa Jones did a version of clawhammer or frailing style on 5-string banjo. I went on to say that I woke up that morning with the warm memories of watching his appearances with my grandparents on Hee Haw 50 years ago. I wanted to honor those memories by approximating his style on tenor (my main instrument) with a pick. I was definitely not trying to imitate what he did or how he did it.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone with this video. Doing so was not my intention, nor was it my intention of trying to imitate the banjo stylings of Grandpa Jones. I was feeling nostalgic about those Saturday nights watching television with my grandparents, and I wanted to honor those memories on my tenor, but I could have done that tribute on lap steel or pedal steel or classical guitar or any other instrument I play. I woke up, grabbed the first instrument I saw, and played something similar to what I remember. That's all.
I'm not "offended", and I can't see how anyone else would have been.
For longer than documentation exists, good music has influenced the development of other good music even if it is not on the same instrument.
For example, it's known that Django Reinhardt idolized Louis Armstrong and studied his recordings while developing his unique and distinctively swinging guitar style. If Django had taken the viewpoint that Armstrong's approach could only be effective when played by a horn, the world would have been deprived of Django's undeniably beautiful artistry.
Tony, keep on playing that great music you share with us all. I for one appreciate your personal and thoughtful perspective in interpreting ALL those tunes that have meaning to you - whatever their genre. Your playing speaks to all willing to listen with open ears.
(BTW - you do Eddy proud, my friend!)
Joel, I appreciate that. I didn’t think you were offended.
Bob, thank you for your extremely kind words. You have always been so supportive and kind to me, and I really appreciate it. You’re an amazing musician, and you’re an even better person.
Bob, on a different topic, I know you played in a quartet with Eddy, Cynthia, and one other banjoist. What years were you in that outfit, and are there any albums that features that lineup? I’d love to hear them.
Speaking of Eddy, thank you for saying that he would approve of my work. Every time I strap on his banjo, I think about how important it is for me to do the very best I can. I owe Eddy that much and so much more.
Sorry if my post sounded offensive in any way I didn't mean it to be that way and I wasn't criticising what you did. I just wondered how a flat picked tenor could possibly sound anything like Grandpa.
I don’t remember much about Hee Haw but I remember seeing Grandpa Jones banging out That Good Old Mountain Dew clawhammer style at the Grand Ole Opry in the late 40’s.
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Originally posted by Compass56...
Bob, on a different topic, I know you played in a quartet with Eddy, Cynthia, and one other banjoist. What years were you in that outfit, and are there any albums that features that lineup? I’d love to hear them.
I did play as a periodic "substitute" 4th member of the band, particularly for performances around 1982-84-ish (about the time that Howard Alden moved primarily to guitar and became more nationally known). In that time, I effectively subbed for either Howard or Frank Vignola several times - occasionally working with others in the 4th chair including Pete Compo, Joel Eckhaus, Mike Peters, and Wayne Wright. When with the group, I always played cello banjo and Eddy moved into the tenor chair. When Frank was available, he usually played piccolo banjo (tuned an octave above the plectrum).
Unfortunately, I never recorded in a studio or pro recording situation with the group. However, I suspect that there could be an audience-recorded cassette tape somewhere which might have captured one or more of my appearances with the group; likely from one of the appearances we made at several "banjo rally / gathering" events over those years.
Interesting, Bob. Thanks for sharing.
Piccolo banjo? Wow.
Does anybody here own/play one?
I’ve never seen one so I’m curious.
They must be as scarce as rocking horse ####...?
Edited by - guitarbanjoman on 09/17/2024 19:40:32
Take a look at Piccolo Place
piccoloplace.org
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Originally posted by guitarbanjomanInteresting, Bob. Thanks for sharing.
Piccolo banjo? Wow.
Does anybody here own/play one?
I’ve never seen one so I’m curious.They must be as scarce as rocking horse ####...?
Come to Palmyra, NY (near Rochester) next month for the American Banjo Fraternity Fall Rally and you can see and hear my Stewart "Little Wonder" piccolo (along with a whole "orchestra" including Banjeaurine and Cello/bass banjo).
These are all 5 string regular banjos, so might not be what you are looking for.
The website " Piccolo Place" was a real treat to see. The old songs and photos brought back long forgotten memories of my childhood days during WW2. I was ashamed of how poor we were then, but I remember the very happy get togethers with relatives playing guitars, fiddles,banjos, harmonicas, etc. They were the happiest days of my life.
To JOEL: It would be wonderful if the old banjo types with orchestra could be recorded at PALMYRA, and put on this forum. Jim
