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Frank Hamilton banjo videos on YouTube

14 Jul 22 - 04:55 PM (#4147345)
Subject: Review: Frank Hamilton banjo videos on YouTube
From: Stringsinger

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL02ygkgnVehTOUcGoinIGSuMpTYV8GIvX

Hi Mudcatters,

I'm thrilled that my videos on Pete Seeger's banjo playing style is now available on YouTube.
As you know, Pete adapted the 5 string banjo by making it a real musician's instrument creating counter-lines and accompaniments for songs that were carefully crafted. His dynamic range
enabled audience to join with him in singing. He developed his "whamming" style to facilitate this.

The traditional banjo players generally played the tune on the banjo solo while singing at the same time. There were no counter-lines or arrangements that could be classified as thought-out accompaniments using the same musical tools that a guitar player would use.

Peggy Seeger was an exception. Also, Dave Sear, Joe Jaffe, Erik Darling, my friend
Mark Dvorak and Dave (I can't remember his last name but he was a friend of Pete's and played with Fred Hellerman).

There are others but this style has been eclipsed by Bluegrass and Clawhammer.

One Pete recording which I highlight as being one of the best classic folk albums is his
ten inch "Darlin' Corey" featuring brilliant arrangements of folk songs.

I hope you will find these videos useful and an index into Pete's remarkable banjo style.



15 Jul 22 - 04:36 PM (#4147414)
Subject: RE: Frank Hamilton banjo videos on YouTube
From: GUEST,Hootenanny

Frank,

I think there were people around before Pete, real musicians that is, who used the five string as a real musical instrument. Oakley, Van Eps etc.

Also, my idea of a "traditional" banjo player is not one who is interested in making "brilliant arrangements of folk songs". Surely when performing a song a brilliant arrangement by a banjo is a distraction.


15 Jul 22 - 10:41 PM (#4147435)
Subject: RE: Frank Hamilton banjo videos on YouTube
From: Stilly River Sage

It depends on how you feel about banjos, Hootenanny!


16 Jul 22 - 03:52 AM (#4147454)
Subject: RE: Frank Hamilton banjo videos on YouTube
From: GUEST,Hootenanny

I only have three I'm afraid.