I recently became acquainted with John Pedersen’s clawhammer banjo playing when I noticed his deluge of uploads on media/video library and YouTube. What immediately struck me is a sense of lightness, joy and playfulness. He’s doing a series he calls “50 Tunes for 50 Years of playing on my Newman Banjo” that I find myself being drawn further and further into.
In trying to analyze my response to his music, the one thing that stands out the most is the FEELING. It’s not that he’s playing different arrangements, or that he’s playing flamboyantly. It’s the way he imbues the tunes with a certain “something”, a something that obviously comes from his spirit. And that something evokes in me a fun, light, joyful, playful, childlike musical feeling. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone bring it forth in exactly the same way John Pedersen does.
When I listen to John Pedersen, I hear the music beyond the notes, a melodious sound signature that lifts me above the seriousness of the world. It reminds me of what originally drew me to the banjo: a sense of lightness, being unburdened, joyful, and in harmony with myself.
I know Jon and will see him in 2-3 weeks - I'll mention this. I'm sure he'll be quite pleased!
It's as if John is singing through his banjo. Each tune's distinct melody shines through with an understated clawhammer rhythm that drives it subtly without dominating or obscuring the melodic form. This, in addition to his expressiveness, allows me to listen to several of his tunes at one time, without becoming inured of his playing, allowing me to become immersed in the beauty of each tune's melody.
A joy to listen to the music.
His videos on YT:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPedersen-b5k
NAMM Oral History Interview
https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/john-pedersen-0
A lot of us octos learned a lot from listening to Jon's playing with Bill Spence's band.
I still play a number of tunes based on his versions, but dumbed-down to match my skill set.
Thanks, Jon!
Thanks Paul! I agree on all points, John's playing is exceptional! I am glad you created a separate thread to call special attention to his playing, he deserves it! banjered
Very nice touch and taste in his playing. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Interesting story about John's hollow rim banjo made by Richard Scott Newman.. The Mike Seeger connection is described in The Holophonic Story at the bottom of the page.
Edited by - Paul Roberts on 11/25/2025 06:23:19
Many years ago I attended a Mike Seeger concert at M.I.T. where he played several banjos in a variety of styles, as only he could do. The one I thought sounded the best was the hollow-rim. Made me want to take a router to mine!
quote:
Originally posted by Paul RobertsInteresting story about John's hollow rim banjo made by Richard Scott Newman.. The Mike Seeger connection is described in The Holophonic Story at the bottom of the page.
Paul, Thanks for the nice words. My banjo, being 50 years old, was one of the first that Richard made and quite a bit earlier than the Holophonic banjos. Possibly the first but maybe not. Mine is a 11" Whyte Laydie style of which Richard madel all of the rim parts. Early on we swapped out the tone ring bits with ones that I picked out from a large batch that had yet to be plated. My tone ring pieces are unplated brass. The change made an immediate difference and made me trade out my Fairbanks Imperial Electric #6. Too Delicate. The Newman has survived 50 years of banjo player treatment and horrific accidents without issue. I like it. I have played a few of the Holophonics that have come through the shop and they are pretty cool ,I played Mikes when he was here. And yet....I don't have one.
