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Banjo player Bud Wachter

15 Nov 08 - 01:54 PM (#2494654)
Subject: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly

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.


16 Nov 08 - 01:18 PM (#2495246)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: pdq

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.


16 Nov 08 - 01:23 PM (#2495252)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: masha

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.


17 Nov 08 - 01:12 PM (#2495960)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly

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


17 Nov 08 - 05:39 PM (#2496173)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: DADGBE

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.


18 Nov 08 - 04:13 AM (#2496460)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: Leadbelly

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

That's absolutely aggreed.


18 Nov 08 - 06:23 PM (#2497186)
Subject: RE: Banjo player Bud Wachter
From: olddude

Amazing is the word Wow