Wow! You like bluegrass banjo? You like clawhammer banjo? You ought to check out Mark Johnson and his "Clawgrass" style of playing. He plays a blend of the three finger style banjo and clawhammer banjo. Using three fingers, (thumb, index, middle, of course) and always using a down stroke he plays traditional and his own wonderfully lovely compositions. His CD with the Rice Brothers and friends is WONDERFUL. You listen and think, that's a bluegrass roll.... yet that's a clawhammer rhythm... ???

I'm in favor of the innovative as well as the maintenance of old time music. I guess my tastes are eclectic. Speaking of innovative, I heard Mark Johnson perform with Emory Lester. What a mandolin player! Lightening fast and CLEAN! Mark and Emory play very well off of each other. If you get a chance to see them, GO!

Any other Mark Johnson fans?

BanjoMargo