Fifth Meeting

27 November 2011

Our meeting this month and the final meeting of 2011 took place at The Isobar, Bernard Street, Leith.

We welcomed a new member,  Ian Barrass-Sykes.

Points of interest agreed: -

• Classified adverts can be included in the newsletter.  Give details to Gordy.
• Some further thought and discussion by interested volunteers to create an EBC Pickin’ Festival.  Volunteers to take part, please give your name to Jay, Carol or Gordy.
• Any coming events that you think would interest fellow members, please let Gordy know for inclusion at meeting and/or newsletters

 Competition

Sad to say I did not receive any competition entries for a Club Logo so I will prepare one, which I hope, will fit the bill.

Workshop

The main theme of the November Workshop was to share tunes and some of the contributions were,

Jake played Wildwood Flower (also chosen for February workshop tune)

John D and Rob MacKillop gave a duet version of Sandy River Belles.  A great tune this one.

Red Rocking Chair from new member Ian.

Ali gave us Cripple Creek.

Carol introduced us to the ‘Ann and Frank Warner Tune Book’ and in particular, Going Across The Mountain (written in double C) and Great Hawk.

Rob played Paul Eno’s 1903 tune, A Ragtime Episode.

John D realised one of his ambitions and played a solo version of Grandfather’s Clock.  John played another super tune, which he penned himself however it is yet to be given a title.  ‘Untitled ‘ was super.  Well done John, the first of many I am sure.

I ventured forth with the song, Waterbound.

John playing his own composition

The reasons for the choice of tunes, and the history or stories behind them added greater interest for everyone.  I think we all take away much more than just a new tune or sound because music is “what feelings sound like”.

Our new member, Ian     

 Jake playing – Wildwood Flower                     

For a few members this was the first time playing in a session and, in some cases, the first time playing in front of an audience.  I asked how it felt for them and was pleased to hear that although nerve wracking, they all felt really uplifted supported by everyone.  Wonderful.

February workshop will include the song/tune Wildwood Flower and This Land Is Your Land, so bring along your choice(s) of version and lyrics.

February Presentation

The presentation for the February meeting will again be a Player’s Choice.  Bring along your choice of tune/song and give us an insight into your choice or any story/anecdote being it.  I’m sure everyone will want to jiney inny.  This will be our first meeting for 2012 and I am so looking forward to seeing and hearing you again.

February member profile will be Cat Campbell and her Banjo ‘Cello.

Rob sent me an email, which may be of great interest and we can discuss the abridged contents at the February Meeting: -

“The guy who made my banjo is Eric Stefanneli. He performs in France in a banjo group with his wife accompanying him. I rate him as the best classic banjo player on the planet at the moment. He intends to be in Edinburgh with his wife, Pat, during the last week of May, and I’m wondering if we can arrange for them to play with my group at an EBC meeting? 

A woodwork teacher from the Royal High School wrote to me saying his pupils are making a banjo. They will be running a week-long course at the end of May, so I suggested we get Eric over to help out…………..

Not sure if you saw my posting on facebook in the New Year holiday, but I was teaching a pupil at home, when I looked out the window and saw Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops coming to my door. Not sure if you know her or the group, but she is a mega star in my book. Spent a couple of hours playing and talking banjos. Great fun! I was a bit star struck…..”

Yes Rob, I do know Rhiannon Giddens and the Carolina Chocolate Drops.  She is a great player and singer.  Rob I got the tingly feeling just reading about it – you lucky thing.

Hope to see you at the February meeting.

Keep pickin’ an’ a grinnin’

Next Meeting

Sunday 26 February 2012

14:30 – 16:30 hours

Isobar, 7 Bernard Street

Leith, EH6 6PW

MEMBERS ONLY CLASSISFIED ADS.

1974 edition of Mel Bay’s ‘New Bluegrass Banjo’ by Sonny Osborne.  Good condition.

Contact Gordy at HootsmonMusic@blueyonder.co.uk or at the February Meeting.

 Two books with TAB by Rob MacKillop 

http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22172BCD#

and

http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=22173BCD

A Link to Rob’s Mel Bay Author site: http://www.melbay.com/authors.asp?author=711

 Have you an item for the classified ads?  Please contact Gordy with info and any photies.

(hootsmonmusic@blueyonder.co.uk)

Fourth Meeting

30 October 2011

Our meeting this month took place at The Isobar, Bernard Street, Leith.  The introduction time saw a plethora of unusual instruments – Bill Rennie with an old zither banjo, Vanessa with her gourd banjo (made by her good self) and Rob with a gourd banjo and Iain with a bass banjo

We welcome new members Ali Smith and Jack Stothard.  Ali is a newcomer to the banjo however she really loves the sound and is keen to learn so give plenty of encouragement please folk.  Jack is a bass player and he introduced us to Shirley (Shirley Bassy).  Jack plays bass but loves the banjo.  I think he plays a bit too.  We also have a visiting member all the way from Holland and his name is Douwe Hoogland (pro: dow wheh).  Some members were in attendance for the first time and I hope they enjoyed the experience and will return for more.

After the welcomes and introductions The Scottish Classic Banjo Quartet played two really good pieces, ’Calliope Rag‘ by James Scott and ‘Queen of the Burlesque‘ by Arthur Tilley (my favourite to date).  The Quartet are obviously working hard on their repertoire and they are growing in confidence and technique.  I am really looking forward to a full-blown recital in the hopefully, in the near future.  Well-done SCBQ.

I introduced Vanessa Ferdinand to the meeting.  Vanessa is in Edinburgh for the next wee while, from Cleveland – Ohio, whilst studying for her PhD.  Vanessa was persuaded to sing and play a rendition of ‘Oh Death‘.  Her gentle banjo technique and strong vocals was superb.  At the end of the meeting she gave us another song.  The song is called ‘The Magpie‘ and is one of her own compositions and very good it is too.  Thanks Vanessa, I am sure I speak for all when saying we look forward to hearing more from you at future meetings.

Vanessa playing Rob’s Gourd Banjo

This month’s presentation came from Mark ‘Woody’ Woods.

Mark is the banjo player and co-lead singer in the band The Dapper MacDan’s.  He plays bluegrass and Old Time music, preferring the Clawhammer style, which he finds more suitable to use for accompaniment when singing.  His technique is fluid and seems effortless, which makes the Old Time tunes so enjoyable.

Mark ‘Woody’ Woods and his Chuck Lee Custom Banjo

Mark  took up the banjo about thirteen years ago and got lessons from Rob Mairs.  Rob (another one) is a Glaswegian who played with Old Hickory back in the early days of the Scottish Bluegrass scene and is a very fine player.  After honing his skills with Rob, Mark started using video/audio resources from the USA. Mark started with Ken Perlman however he soon found and settled on the David Holt technique which he preferred and I quote “he is great for me”.  (Couldn’t put it better myself Mark).  He named his musical heroes as Johnny Cash and Earl Scruggs.

Joining Mark for the presentation was his friends and band members, Frank (guitar) and Ian (mandolin).  Ian also plays tenor banjo and I hope he will give us his thoughts on that style of playing at a future presentation.

Tunes Mark played throughout the presentation to demonstrate the various points he made were,

Cluck Old Hen – a favorite among players who use the Pete Seeger Bump Diddy (Brush Thumbing) pattern.  This gives a real foot tappin’ rhythm and hammer-on’s, pull-offs (more Pete Seeger terminology used widely today) and slides to add “Shading” to the tunes. Shading consists of adding various techniques, such as slides, pull-offs, hammer-on’s, triplets, double thumbing, and the “cluck” the “Galax” lick…around the basic melody line in order to make the tune sound more interesting.

Sandy Boys – this is more of a string band sound with mandolin taking the introduction and lead breaks.  A sung ‘chorus’ helps to involve an audience.  The right hand position uses either the index or the middle finger for the melody line.  This is a personal choice.  Use the back of the nail to hit the string note.  This can be hell on the nail so Mark uses an acrylic stick on nail (from Boots – nailcare section fellas) or sometimes a reversed metal fingerpick.  The latter give a great boost to the volume, which is sometimes needed at noisy, acoustic sessions.

In all cases the method used to develop a tune is;

1)      Choose a key that suits your voice, if it’s a song.

2)      Pick out and learn the basic melody in the chosen key e.g.  G A C D E

3)      Choose a suitable tuning.  Maybe double C tuning or use the capo at 2nd for double  D.

4)       Add the aforementioned ‘Shading’ as mentioned above.

Try and give the tune or song your style and most of all enjoy what you do.

Frank and Ian giving backup to Mark

Nancy (3 versions)

Break down parts of a tune and as well as the basic notes try using triplets and/or double thumbing.

Angeline the Baker (Angelina Baker orig.)

Try the technique of ‘double thumbing’.  Hit the first string then thumb on the second string.  This is better to use when starting to learn however move on to use the third and fourth strings as well.  A bit harder to master but worth the effort.

Soldiers Joy – requested by Hugh

Great tune for interaction from band members.  Demonstration of the ‘Cluck Lick’ (origin unknown) mostly used for backup.  A great sound.  Best used with a light gauge 1st string.  Hit the string with the index/middle as above the hit against next finger and dampen.  Phew!

Old time banjos have a much higher string action and usually a scoop after the 12th fret to allow easier clawhammer/frailling style of playing.  Mark uses a Chuck Lee custom made banjo (his third) with a metal tubaphone.  He likes the volume from this instrument, which gives more punch to the overall sound.  Mark showed the contrast using my Chuck Lee ‘Lone Star’ which has a wooden tone ring.  This instrument has a warm mellow sound and with a 12″ pot gives a great ‘Old Timey’ feel.

Bluegrass requires a different instrument with lots of metal, a resonator and low string action.  The music has a set line-up and is quite specific in choice.  Old Time – anything goes.  Mark always has a vision of an Ol’ Timer on a porch just pickin’ for enjoyment.

Mark finished with a couple of his favourite tunes just for playing.

‘Elk River Blues‘ and ‘Booth Shot Lincoln‘.  Thanks a million Mark.  We all enjoyed your playing and thanks once again to the Boys – Frank for great rhythm guitar, Ian with his superb mandolin licks and tasty leads and Jack for being Jack and bringing Shirley.  Y’all come back now ye hear.

Member Profile

This month’s member profile is of John Duffy.

 John with his Gold Tone Banjos

John is the proud owner of two Gold Tone Banjos.  One an ‘A’ and the other a ‘G’.  Both have a great tone and look great.

John, an Edinburgh man, took up the banjo in March this year.  He had tried to play an old banjo a while back however it was very difficult to play.  He signed up with a teacher (our own Rob) who advised him to dispose of the offending banjo.  A good piece of advice says John.  He replaced it with his present instruments.

The G and A Banjos

Q: Why an ‘A’ and a ‘G’?

A: I like to play clawhammer on the ‘A’ and Bluegrass on the ‘G’.

Q: What tunes are you working on at the moment?

A” I like to play Shay Grove and Cripple Creek.

Q: Any ambitions for the near future?

A: Yes, I would like to be able to take a lead break at a session.

I can see that goal being reached very soon John, thanks for the profile.

Points of interest agreed: -

• a donation of £1 per member at each meeting.  Any monies gathered will go towards agreed future projects.  Carol and Jay will act as ‘finance folk’.
• Classified adverts can be included in the newsletter.  Give details to Gordy.
• A decision to have a membership fee will be taken at a future meeting.
• There will be eight meetings per year.  December, January, July, August will be left out for holiday periods.
• There should be an annual concert with members performing material of their choice.
• Some further thought and discussion by interested volunteers to create an EBC Pickin’ Festival.  Volunteers to take part, please give your name to Jay, Carol or Gordy.
• Any coming events that you think would interest fellow members, please let Gordy know for inclusion at meeting and/or newsletters

Competition

Remember to have your ideas for a logo with Gordy by the November meeting.  The prize to the winner of the chosen logo will be, Pride in a job well done and a set of D’addario banjo strings.  (Wow, all expense spared).

Our meeting, the biggest turnout to date, ended with the song from Vanessa and a jam with the October choice of tune Shady Grove.

November workshop will include the gospel song/tune I’ll Fly Away, so bring along your choice(s) of version and lyrics.  Yup singing will be on the agenda again so get with the vocal chords.

November Presentation

The presentation for the November meeting will be a Player’s Choice.  Bring along your choice of tune/song and give us an insight into your choice or any story/anecdote being it.  I’m sure everyone will want to jiney inny.  This will be our last meeting for 2011 and we will back in February 2011 so come along and make it a good un.

November member profile will be Cat Campbell and her Banjo ‘Cello.

Hope to see you at the November meeting.

Keep pickin’ an’ a grinnin’

Next Meeting

Sunday 27 November 2011

14:30 – 16:30 hours

Isobar,7 Bernard Street

Leith, EH6 6PW

MEMBERS ONLY CLASSISFIED ADS.

 A new book by Rob macKillop:

http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22172BCD#

Have you an item for the classified ads?  Please contact Gordy with info and any photies.

(hootsmonmusic@blueyonder.co.uk)

Third Meeting

25 September 2011

Our meeting this month took place at The Isobar, Bernard Street, Leith.  The introduction time was well used by returning members with some showing off their new banjos (see new category below ‘Member Profile’).

A warm welcome was given to our friends The Scottish Classic Banjo Quartet who enthralled us once again with a new addition to their repertoire, Scott Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer’ arranged by Rob.  The sound of the reception afterwards gave a clear indication that this was a great choice of tune.

This month’s presentation was added to our Workshop time to allow solo performances from members playing their version of the old standard ‘Cripple Creek’.  There were 6 soloists and 6 different versions of the tune and all came with a different playing technique.  Excellent versions using Clawhammer and Melodic styles and a very up-tempo bluegrass version, Scruggs style.

Some members were outside their ‘comfort zone’ and playing before a listening audience for the first time.  They were fantastic and deserved their applause.

The EBC provides a great opportunity for soloist/groups to try out a new tune or for first time performers of any level or ability, to experience playing under the proverbial spotlight.  All our members respect, encourage and support each other in a ‘safe’ environment.  Every effort is made to promote the sharing of music on the banjo for the enjoyment of all.

The various versions were all very recognisable and just highlighted again the true versatility of the banjo.  It also confirmed the unwritten law – You can’t play the banjo and be sad for very long, the smile always appears.  Seems that I have just written the unwritten law, well that’s a banjo player for yuh.

Did the mix of styles and playing blend together?  Course they did, they were done by banjo players.

The solos over and the techniques discussed, we formed small groups with whoever we felt suited our needs and compared fingering, approaches to playing and any other points which interested us.  The room was very lively and I for one was disappointed to find that our time was near to the end.  As a relative beginner to playing banjo I was very appreciative of the hints, tips and patience which very freely given.  Cripple Creek will never be the same again.

Member Profile

Our first member profile is of Alan Ramsay.

Alan with his Stefanelli banjo

Alan is a member of the Scottish Classic Banjo Quartet and began his musical journey playing classical guitar.  However it was about 6 months ago that his interest was firmly changed to the sound of the banjo and so with the guiding light of Rob McKillop he started his study of the instrument.

Alan studies the music for classic banjo playing and he is presently working on a work by Bert Basset called ‘Lazy Rhythm’.  As a member of the SCBQ Alan is also studying the group’s current repertoire.

Alan recently acquired a new banjo.  It is a copy of an instrument made by a noted luthier named F.F. Bacon.  This Professional model was made by Eric Stefanelli, a very skilled craftsman.  You can view Mr Stefanelli’s work on -

http://ericstefanelli-banjos.com/

Stefanelli - Front : Rear : Headstock

Alan’s banjo has an interesting feature, an internal resonator and he plays using nylon strings, a combination which gives this banjo a wonderful rich and bright sound.

F. F. Bacon – internal resonator

 Points of interest agreed: 

• a donation of £1 per member at each meeting.  Any monies gathered will go towards agreed future projects.  Carol and Jay will act as ‘finance folk’.
• Classified adverts can be included in the newsletter.  Give details to Gordy.
• A decision to have a membership fee will be taken at a future meeting.
• There will be eight meetings per year.  December, January, July, August will be left out for holiday periods.
• There should be an annual concert with members performing material of their choice.
• Some further thought and discussion by interested volunteers to create an EBC Pickin’ Festival.  Volunteers to take part, please give your name to Jay, Carol or Gordy.
• Any coming events that you think would interest fellow members, please let Gordy know for inclusion at meeting and/or newsletters

 Competition

We need a logo for letterheads, posters etc.

If you have an idea please submit it to Gordy by the November meeting.  The prize to the winner of the chosen logo will be, Pride in a job well done and a set of D’addario banjo strings.  (Wow, all expense spared).

Our meeting closed with a rendition of a fine standard, ‘The Sunflower Dance”, by the SCBQ.  What a great finish to a superb afternoon.  Thanks everyone.

October workshop will include the song/tune ‘Shady Grove’, so bring along your choice(s) of version and lyrics.  Yup singing will be on the agenda so limber up the vocal chords.

October Presentation

The presentation for the October meeting, will be given by Mark Woods,

banjo player for the Dapper McDanns, a very popular band at festivals and sessions.  Mark is an accomplished Old Timey player and singer and he is equally at home playing Bluegrass using the Scruggs style.  The affectionately known Dappers are kept busy with gigs so we are very fortunate to gain an entry in Mark’s diary.

October member profile will be John Duffy and his superb ‘A’ Banjo.

Hope to see you at the October meeting.

Keep pickin’ an’ a grinnin’

Next Meeting

Sunday 30 October 2011

14:30 – 16:30 hours

Isobar

7 Bernard Street

Leith

EH6 6PW

MEMBERS ONLY CLASSISFIED ADS:

Have you an item for the classified ads?  Please contact Gordy with info and any photies.

(hootsmonmusic@blueyonder.co.uk)

Second Meeting

28 August 2011

Our meeting this month took place at the new venue, The Isobar, Bernard Street, Leith.  The manager, David, gave us a warm welcome.  The room was very comfortable and everyone relaxed very quickly.

The summer, for want of a better word, found our numbers a bit depleted however the turnout was still good.

It is becoming apparent that the start of the meeting is a time when members like to chat, compare banjos, techniques and tunes with banjos were swapped over for a wee shottie.  This seems to help add friendly banter to the atmosphere.

This month’s presentation, given by Iain Maclachlan, was on his use of the three-finger (aka Scruggs) style.

Iain obtained his first banjo in 1968 whilst playing in a folk singing band with his brothers and friends.  Most of the instruments were guitars and so Iain thought he would play banjo.  He had no idea how to play it and so began by just one finger and thumb.  Other banjo players came to his attention over the next wee while and he ‘discovered’ the three-finger method.  From then on, largely self-taught, he made a gradual development of his skill.  Iain met other banjo players at sessions and found that they all were willing to share tips, tunes, techniques etc.  This banjo ‘tradition’ still seems to operate today regardless of the skill of the musicians, hence the birth of the EBC.

Iain demonstrated the forward roll, which is the basis of the style he developed for himself.  He brought two of his banjos with him,

The Stealth Banjo – This model was developed by Scott Vestal, of the Sam Bush Band, from an idea after playing a gig in Penicuik.  Scott was on tour in the UK and was booked by Dave Logan.

Stealth Banjo

It is worth noting, at this point that, Dave and his wife Margaret were responsible for many great concerts in Penicuik featuring some of the best American bluegrass bands at the time.  They included, Good Old Persons, Bob Paisley, Del McCoury, Joe Val and many more.  Local bands, The Runaway String Band and Okefenokee were given the supporting roles.  Thanks to Dave and Margaret, Bluegrass music in Scotland became more established and accepted in the Folk and Country Music Clubs throughout Scotland.

I digress, back to the Stealth Banjo.  After the gig, Dave Logan showed Scott Vestal an old zither banjo.  Scott took the idea and the Stealth was born.  This make of banjo has very clean lines with the high G string fed through a tube in the neck coming from the 5th fret thus removing the tuner from the 5th fret position to the headstock.

Tom Nechville Walnut Phantom banjo; this is another unique instrument in that the head is mounted on a set of ball bearings.  I saw Tom Nechville demonstrating this banjo which, with a turn from an allen key the neck separated from the body.  He then swapped it with a tenor banjo neck.  A few quick turns with an allen key and the instrument, now a standard 4-string tenor banjo, was ready to play.  The tuning was not far our either.  Iain can give more technical information if you are interested.  Like the Stealth, the 5th string is has it’s tuner in the headstock.

Nechville Walnut Banjo

Iain listed 4 points that motivated him to play banjo,

1          Earl Scruggs Banjo Book:  (Actually written by Bill Keith).  This book cost him the princely sum of £1.75p from Rae Macs bookshop.  Present cost is much greater and the text has been improved over the years.

2          Banjo Newsletter:  This is a monthly magazine for which Iain had a subscription.  It was only available from the USA at the time.  He has all the issues from 1977 to 2000.  Iain is happy to make his vast collection available to members on a ‘library borrowing’ arrangement.  (If you are interested in this valuable resource, please let me know and I will negotiate a suitable process with Iain – Gordy)

3          Foggy Mountain Banjo:  This is an album made by Earl Scruggs.  Iain listened to this album many, many times and learned all the tunes.

4          Christine, Iain’s lovely wife:  Iain met Christine, a New Jersey Gal, at a summer school in the U.S. where they were both employed as teachers.  Christine has been a great supporter of Iain’s playing over the years.  Iain said she even agreed to marry him knowing he played banjo.  Go figure – as the saying goes.

Iain explaining the ‘Scruggs Style’

Iain was asked to suggest a tune which could be used, as a standard for learning the various techniques used in the three-fingered style.  He suggested the tune ‘Dear Old Dixie’.  A demonstration then followed to great applause.

Iain also showed the ‘Don Reno’ method of playing which requires a two fingers technique.  The tune he chose to demonstrate the method was Dixie Breakdown.  Another album, which was suggested as an addition to your own collection, is Bob Black’s, Ladies of the Steamboat.  Bob is a wonderful player and the album is terrific.

The camera was too slow for Iain’s speed of fingers during Dear Old Dixie

Iain mainly uses his banjos these days when playing Scottish traditional music at ceilidh dances.  He played a couple of tunes and issued tabs for, Athole Highlanders, The Brown Haired Girls Will Dance and a bluegrass version of Kitchen Girl.  Iain’s present style of playing does not lend itself easily to the use of a capo because of the constant key changes required when playing the music in sets.  He did stress however that the capo has an essential place when playing other styles of music e.g. bluegrass.  There is no right or wrong way of playing a tune.  If it suits you, then use it.

Carol and Jay enjoying Iain’s playing from the edge of their seat.

The presentation ended with another tune or two and a very warm applause.  Thanks Iain, for a great afternoon.

If anyone wants to hear ceilidh banjo, Iain’s band, the Thunderdogs, are playing a public ceilidh on Friday 30th September at St Peter’s Church Hall, Lutton Place. Tickets are available from Iain at £6.

Workshop.

The tunes, which were issued last time for use in the workshop, were Red Rockin’ Chair and Cluck Old Hen.   It was interesting to hear how members approached the tunes.  We had clawhammer, melodic and bluegrass styles.  There was a very gentle version of R.R.C. from Carol, which reminded me of the playing of Mary Z Coz.  Wonderful.  The styles were discussed and problems shared and I think everyone had some benefit from the workshop.  It was great that so many offered to play solo and everyone was very supportive.

Jake giving us a solo

 Next month’s workshop will be to take the tune Cripple Creek.  It would be great if you all could have it well rehearsed in your own choice of style.  We could then listen to soloists and then, as an experiment, all play at the same time, and see if the different styles blend together.  After all that is, I’m sure you will agree, the nature of the banjo player.

Keep pickin’ an’ a grinnin’

Next Meeting

Sunday 25 September 2011

14:30 – 16:30 hours

Isobar

7 Bernard Street

Leith

EH6 6PW

We had a great response to the invitation for the inaugural meeting of the Edinburgh Banjo Club (EBC) with 13 attending, and apologies from 7 others due to other commitments/gigs.  Rob MacKillop welcomed everyone and explained the thoughts behind starting an EBC.  The Club is for people, players/non players alike, who enjoy the banjo.  All styles of playing are welcome. At this first meeting there were players of classical, 3 finger style, clawhammer, song accompaniment, tenor, ragtime, bluegrass, old timey, ceilidh, minstrel and traditional.

It is hoped that the format of the Club meetings will develop as we go along, as it will be set by the membership.  A basic format we will continue with is:

Introductions

Presentation/Recital

Q&A session

Workshop

Future meetings content:

It was suggested that in the future we might have a formal concert and workshop from members of the Club or Guest performers.

 REVIEW Of The First Meeting – 31st July, 2011

Performances

Rob MacKillop introduced the members of The Scottish Classic Banjo Quartet, who performed their first ever gig at our meeting.  The instruments in play were 5 string banjo (Alan Ramsay and Rob MacKillop), banjorine (Alasdair Dewar), and cello banjo (Cat Campbell).   The Quartet played a very pleasing programme of four tunes dating from the early 1900s:

The Sunflower Dance; Calliope Rag; The Snowflake Polka; The Banjo Rag

Their playing was wonderful and the combination of the sounds was perfect for the intimate surroundings, and the players were given a well deserved round of applause.  The group exists to explore the repertoire for the early 20th-century banjo orchestras. They hope to expand the group with other players in the future, and if you are interested in joining, contact Rob – robmackillop@gmail.com.  I am pleased to report that all the members of the Quartet are now members of the EBC.

Rob followed the Quartet’s recital with three solo pieces and gave a brief history of the tunes, their origins and composers.  He played Ballad #1 and Albumblat by Alfred Cammeyer, and Rose Leaves Gavotte by Joe Morley.

Rob followed the Quartet’s recital with three solo pieces and gave a brief history of the tunes, their origins and composers.  He played,

Ballad #1 and Albumblat by Alfred Cammeyer

Rose Leaves Gavotte by Joe Morley

Rob’s performance was again given a warm applause.  Rob completed his Presentation by having a free flowing discussion covering his various instruments, styles of playing, and influences.  As a wee bonus he played really good clawhammer banjo to accompany the group singing ‘Shady Grove’.

Questions and Answers

This part of the meeting was hosted by Iain Maclachlan.

Iain is a superb technician of the Bluegrass three finger style (aka Scruggs Style) of playing.  He now specialises in playing Scottish Traditional Music using this style of playing.  Iain is a well-respected teacher of the ‘Scruggs’ style and has had his arrangements of Scottish Fiddle tunes published in the internationally read, “Banjo Newsletter”.

After a brief demonstration of this style, Iain slowed his examples down to a medium – slow paced tempo followed by a suggested performance speed which gave rise to a sharp intake of breath from some of the listeners.  The Q&A flowed very freely and I think this will prove to be a popular part of our future meetings.

N.B. both Iain and Rob have had music books published by the now famous Mel Bay Publications.  Ian also has published a book in tab format of his favourite traditional pieces.

Communal Playing

A suggestion was made from one of our members that we could feature a tune(s) for the next meeting, which could be played by beginners, and more experienced players in their respective styles.  This could be the basis of the Workshop section of our meetings.  This suggestion was warmly accepted by all.  (Thanks Jake)

The tunes agreed upon are,

a)         Red Rockin’ Chair

b)         Cluck Old Hen.

For the singers among you there follows versions of words to these songs and chords and music/tabs for the tune.  If you prefer to hear the tunes, there are many versions of each on YouTube.

Red Rockin’ Chair

1. I’ve got no use for a red rockin’ chair Ain’t got no Honey Baby now, Lawd, Lawd Ain’t got no Honey Baby now

2. Who’ll rock the cradle, who’ll sing the song? Who’ll rock the cradle when I’m gone, Lawd, Lawd Who’ll rock the cradle when I’m gone

3. Now ah’ll rock the cradle ah’ll sing the song Ah’ll rock the cradle when you’re gone, Lawd, Lawd Ah’ll rock the cradle when you’re gone

4. Ah’ll all I can do it’s all I can say I can’t go along this away I can’t go along this away

5. Ah’ll all I can do it’s all I can say I’ll sing it to yo’ mama next pay day, Lawd, Lawd I’ll sing it to yo’ mama next pay day

6.=1.

Cluck Old Hen

Chorus

Cluck old hen, cluck and sing

Ain’t laid an egg since ‘way last spring.

Cluck old hen, cluck and squall

Ain’t laid an egg since ‘way last fall.

My old hen’s a good old hen. She lays eggs for the railroad men.

Sometimes one, sometimes two, sometimes enough for the whole damn crew.

Chorus

Sometimes nine, sometimes ten that’s enough eggs for the railroad men.

My old hen, she won’t do, she lays eggs and taters too.

Chorus

The old hen she’s raised on a farm, now she’s in the new ground diggin’ up corn.

The first time she cackled, she cackled a lot next time she cackled, cackled in the pot.

And here are the TABs in 3-Finger and Clawhammer styles: Red Rocking Chair and Cluck Old Hen

…and The Middle Eight

Please note that any member giving a Presentation is free to bring along guests to the meeting to accompany their recital, along with any instrument for their needs. There may be other members of the Club who would be willing to provide accompaniment to your Presentation.

The hunt is on for a suitable Venue for the EBC monthly gathering and the success of our first meeting has highlighted the need for a larger room.  Now that we have an idea of numbers and content of the meeting, it should make the search easier in finding a suitable room/hall.  Carol suggested a Community Education Centre in Edinburgh, which will be investigated.  It is probably a forgone conclusion however, that venues will be as rare as hens’ teeth during the Edinburgh Festival season and so a return to 15 Spring Gardens may be a temporary option for the moment.

We will let you know well before the next meeting regarding the location of the Venue.

Useful links

http://robmackillop.net/ and www.ClassicBanjoRM.com

http://www.maclachlan.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

http://www.leemusiccompany.com

Next Meeting

Sunday 28 August 2011

14:30 – 16:30 hours

15 Spring Gardens

Edinburgh, EH8 8HU

Tel: 0776 037 2959

Newsflash – A possible, permanent, venue has been offered and negotiations are underway to agree on seating arrangements, libations and costs etc.

Watch this space…….