Banjo

RAYZORBLADE

I know some of you, especially those of you who were born before the 1970s, will remember the movie Deliverance.

THIS is not about that, but in I have to say, for some reason, I have always been intrigued if not almost in-love with the instrument: the banjo.

One of the worlds most renowned banjo players was originally from northeastern New Brunswick, Canada: Mr. Maurice Bolyer, from the Le Republic De Madawaska (across the river from Aroostook County, Maine, USA).

That man, when I heard some of his recordings, I swear he could pop the cap off of a beer bottle, or any bottle for that matter.

I have considered learning how to play the banjo.

I know it has roots in western Africa, which to me, makes it all that much more worthwhile to give'r a go.

Dunno, but you have to marvel at the intense pickin' that goes on when you hear the banjo.

In the North American picture, the banjo really carried on well into the fabric of 'roots' music here (Canada/USA).

Merci Monsieur Bolyer, and so many other amazing North American banjo players. Whew!!!

Aztec

Hey Ray, didn't that band that played on New Years have a banjo player? Or was it an accordian? Both? Damn, I'm getting fuzzy headed the older I get!

~Aztec

RAYZORBLADE

Yup Aztec, you're not that old.

Those Sleeman Ales, didn't cloud your thinking completely.

Yup, there was a banjo player/accordian player.

I love those guys that played.

Best night to check out that stuff: every Sunday night at the Cameron House 10 p.m. onward.

http://www.thecameron.com

smurfette

Rayzorblade - The banjo rules!!!

I love blugrass, especially Bill Monroe, Flatt, and Skruggs.

Aztec

I love those guys that played.

They were awesome! Why didn't that guy speak any English? LOL!

I'll never stop with the Sleeman Ales. They're smooooooooth!

Best night to check out that stuff: every Sunday night at the Cameron House 10 p.m. onward.

Cool! I'll remember that. Fuzzy headed though I may be.

~Aztec

RAYZORBLADE

Aztec, that's Max.

He can speak English, but because of the nature of the band, which plays Mexican based tunes etc., Max spoke in Espanol, which he is fluent in.

But he's a Canuck, and a lovely one too I might add. His wife is a sweetie too.

Great musicians.

neverthere

Hey Ray, my grandad played both the banjo and the banjo mandolin, it was so great! He played MANY instruments, accordian, guitar, chanter, piano, all self taught, he couldn't read music!

If you wanna play it, go for it, I think it is great!

Diana

Aztec

He can speak English, but because of the nature of the band, which plays Mexican based tunes etc., Max spoke in Espanol, which he is fluent in.

Yeah, I figured that out but, I was joking. I had a blast on New Years and the band was great! I really liked their music.

~Aztec

RAYZORBLADE

Neverthere: did your grandad play around these parts, or elsewhere in Canada?

He sounds like an incredible musician.

Self-taught, and despite not able to read formal sheet music, still.....I have seen many musicians, do similarly. Some of the Cree Indians from northern Ontario, mixed with Scottish blood, played the fiddle beautifully, but could not read sheet music, but could crank it out something fierce.

I saw a documentary, where these Cree/Scots went to Scotland (The Orkney's) to play with a fiddle group there, and WOW! what a film. It was nice to see these Canadian Cree gentleman play by ear. They'd listen a bit, then pick up their fiddle and before you know it, they had the folks in Orkney flabberghasted.

Diana, did your grandad play in a band, or just family gigs?

I think this talent is amazing. Yes, I've been talking about this 'banjo' thing with a few local musicians, and they've been suggesting, I give it a go.

Who knows....

Aztec

Hey Ray, you could take up the banjo and I'll relearn the violin. We can go on tour!

~Aztec

Banjo

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