The Banjo And Blues

The banjo is a wonderful instrument with its own unique sound. Generally, we associate it with Dixieland, Country-Western, or the blues. We often think of the blues and the banjo as going hand-in-hand, but the banjo actually changes according to where it’s being played.

African Americans have been playing the banjo and the fiddle for nearly 300 years. Caucasians also have been playing it since the late 1800s and early 1900s, and both races shared their strumming style and appreciation for the banjo. Region also influences how the music sounds. If you hear it played in the Mississippi Delta, then travel to Virginia Piedmont, you may not know it’s the same instrument.

The great thing about banjo playing is that many black players shaped the music and style of the banjo starting in the late 1800s. One of the most mentioned is a man named Gus Cannon. Gus played under the name of “Banjo Joe”, usually being accompanied by Blind Blake. During 1927,Banjo Joe cut several recordings for Paramount in which his “frailing techniques”, slide playing, and roll patterns became so famous.

The modern banjo sound is very different from the old style. We can listen to the banjo in square dance, swing, and bluegrass, to mention a few styles. Back in the 1800s the music was more intimate, like a group of friends listening or jamming together. In those days it was a smooth style, but with lots of rhythm, while today’s playing sounds stiffer. The banjo is still a beloved instrument, but many long for the old time players like Allen Shelton, that weren’t as inhibited.

Cordelia Tremont provides a range of resources at her web site: Red Banjo, where you will find information about different types ofbanjo. Why not take a look: http://www.redbanjo.com
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