Banjo player Bud Wachter

Subject: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly
Date: 15 Nov 08 - 01:54 PM

To all banjo player's and Mudcats interested in banjo music: just listened to a record called "Bud Wachter", which was recorded in 1982. On this record, he did a charleston-medley,a ragtime-medley, puzta-improvisations and some other music. Technically great! But without any "feeling" I would say. Somewhat mechanically played. Who knows about this artist? And what about your judgement? I'm very interested in this because I might be wrong.

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: pdq
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 01:18 PM

Try this:

                                  Buddy Wachter


He is a rare 4-string banjo player of the "plectrum style". That type of playing has been all but replaced by bluegrass 5-string work. Wachter is brilliant and fun. Evidently he does not fit someone's taste but that is just how things work.

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: masha
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 01:23 PM

I had the pleasure to meet Buddy and hear him play a couple of weeks ago in Sacramento. A thoroughly nice, fun guy, and wow! what an amazing musician. I'm strictly an old-time banjo player, but Buddy's playing was just so much fun and so amazing that I would travel to hear him play any time. I don't think a recording alone could quite convey what a great performer he is.

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 01:12 PM

pdq/masha: Indeed, his artistry is magnificent. Perhaps because of this I was a little bit puzzled when listening to his first recording which was produced in Germany. Such a technical ability to play a banjo. Like Paganini on his violin!
I wonder why he's not really famous because of this. Or is he? At least in the United States? Or is too "excellent"?
I'm glad about your (2) comments.

Manfred

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: DADGBE
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 05:39 PM

I was also at the California Banjo Gathering as a staff accompanist. Masha is right. Buddy is a superb player and an absolute gentleman.

Leadbelly, you're right that he's not really famous - but fame often doesn't correlate with skill.

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 04:13 AM

"...but fame often doesn't correlate with skill." (DADGBE)

That's absolutely aggreed.

Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: olddude
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 06:23 PM

Amazing is the word Wow