Suzzane & Jim

Subject: Suzzane & Jim
From: Banjer
Date: 17 Dec 00 - 07:02 AM

We attended the Reenactor's Christmas party, hosted annually by one of our fellow reenactors in Madiera Beach, Fla. In attendance, as they usually are, were the team of Suzzane & Jim, a touring minstrel couple. This time of year will find them here in Florida. They have unbounded talents. Last night they sang and played Christmas carols using a variety of instruments. All present, even some neighbors peeking over the fence, joined in the singing. This party always coincides with the Christmas boat parade. The boats all lit up make quite a sight. They will be in Brooksville at the Brooksville Raid on January 13, 14, and 15. If you are in the area they are worth a listen and a chat.....

Also present was teh 97th Regimental Fife and Drum Corps. Well, two fifes and two drums anyway. When they played 'The Little Drummer Boy' it was as if I was hearing it for the first time. Good time alll around. The Fife and Drum Corps will be at Brooksville also.

Subject: RE: Suzzane & Jim
From: Arkie
Date: 17 Dec 00 - 05:01 PM

Suzzane & Jim have played at the Folk Center in Mountain View and are a talented couple. They have been playing festivals at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri over the past few years as well. Nice to see them mentioned here. Add another word of encouragement to see them if you get a chance.

Does the 97th Regimental Fife and Drum Corps also masquerade as the 97th Regimental Stringband from time to time? If so, they are also well worth anyone's time as they are one of the most entertaining bands in old-time music.

Subject: RE: Suzzane & Jim
From: Banjer
Date: 17 Dec 00 - 07:12 PM

No Arkie, The 97th Fife and Drum Corps are a seperate entity. However the party was held at the home of Rick Mock, the base player for the 97th Regimental String Band! Also present was Mark 'Mad Dog' Luce, he generaly plays the guitar with the group. A lot of the music I have learned to date, the songs anyway as I play by ear, was learned from the 97th recordings and live sessions that I have attended. My banjo instructor for a while was VGO, who left the 97th a few years ago for other pursuits. Unfortunatly he couldn't teach me much in terms of music theory, (I couldn't tell you what key something is in) but he did give it a hell of a try!

Subject: RE: Suzzane & Jim
From: Troll
Date: 17 Dec 00 - 07:25 PM

VGO could have taught you though. He is the most amazing talent I have ever come across. He can play anything with strings and in almost any style.
I remember one Fla. Folk Fest. about ten years ago when he and Roy Bookbinder got together in the campground. They'ed play a blues tune and then one would say "Now Robert Johnson would have played it this way" and do it and " Manse Lipscom would have done it like this." It was incredible.
Vgo (vee-go)now has a band called Banjos Unlimited with his lady,Terry and friend Bobert (that's his real name. Bobert) Great stuff.

troll

Subject: RE: Suzzane & Jim
From: Banjer
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:24 AM

Yes, Troll, VGO could very well have taught me but alas I just couldn't grasp or retain a lot of what I needed to. It was not lack of effrot on his part by any means! I can play most anything if I hear it a couple of times AND if it intereststs me....I have seen the new group perform at several renactments and a few other venues. You're right, he can play anything...