International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

Dieses Banjo-Festival hatte Alles,was ein First-Class-Meeting ausmacht:das Multi-Talent Ruedi Bleuer und seine charmante Frau Bea betreuten die Musikanten,Aussteller und Gäste allerbest;Banjo-Collector Hellmi Fischer&Sissi stellten top-line Banjos aus und beantworteten alle Fragen zu den wertvollen Schätzen;Dag Benend und Uli Falk ergänzten neben F.Elsener/Saitensprung das Angebot an Folk-Instrumenten und Noten-Broschüren aller Art.
Nach herzlicher Begrüßung vom Team des Hotels "Zum Goldenen Kopf" - ein Haus,in dem es sich vorzüglich speisen und wohnen läßt - hörte man bereits Banjojammen in unterschiedlichen Besetzungen:Achim Hippenstiel,Rolf von der Düsseldorfer Banjo Club,Uli,Dag,Ruediger Klemmer und die liebenswerte Catou eröffneten den Reigen swingender Banjomelodien.Initiator und Chef der neugegründeten Münchener Banjo Band Hans Dengler & Frau Karin begrüßten die Schweizer Banjofreunde und nach und nach trafen die Zuhörer des Freitagskonzertes ein-der Besuch war gut
und jeder hörte dank excellenter Anlagenaussteuerung hervorragend.Ruedi Bleuer (tb,pb,gui) begrüßte Fans und Spieler und stellte sich dankenswert mit seinen Musikern Alan Rogers/piano und Hansjoerg Schaltenbrand/Kontrabass
den Solisten als Begleitmusiker zur Verfügung.
Herrlich tolerant fand ich die Öffnung zu unterschiedlichen Musikstilrichtungen mit ihren jeweils typischen Instrumenten: traditionelle Banjoliteratur für 4-saitige Banjos,Five-string Bluegrass und mountain-styles,klassische Guitar,Flamenco und
Gitano-Musik,Swing und Dixierepertoire - Alles verstand sich prächtig!Den Anfang im Programm machte Ruedi Horatht/tb mit Roger Esser/gui;Hansi Looser/5-str.bjo mit Guitarristin/vocal; Ruedi's Tochter Daniela präsentierte ausdrucksstark und gekonnt
swingenden Jazz-Gesang,begleitet von piano,bass und zwei swing-guitarren(Ruedi spielt eine L-7,akustisch und sehr swingend!);Hellmi Fischer und Ruedi brillierten mit "Nola" auf dem Tenor-und Plektrumbanjo;RenéZenter erzählte musikalisch die Geschichte des "banjaars" der BaumwollPflücker aus dem vorletzten Jahr-
hundert bis zum neuzeitlichen Blue-Grass-5-stringbanjo; klassische Guitarrentöne hörte man bei MauroMistelli und Robert Ammann faszinierte mit Flamenco-Guitarrenmusik-sehr erholsam zwischendurch nach furiosen Banjoeinlagen der Solisten.
Uli,Dag,Catou und Achim spielten den ruhigen,harmonisch sehr wohlklingenden Banjopart,gefolgt vom Meister Ruedi Bleuer,absolutes highlight aller Konzerte!Seine austrainierte rechte Hand und sein gekonntes,dynamisches Spiel ist phänomenal!Ich
beobachtete Zuhörer,die paralysiert schienen...virtuos z.B. der "12th Street Rag" mit humorvollen Einlagen,gespielt auf seinem VEGA Artist Tenor und gleichermaßen gekonnt auf seinem Plektrum-banjo-ich halte Ruedi für d e n Spitzenmann unserer Zunft in Europa!Das wunderbare Konzert schloß mit der Versammlung aller
Banjospieler auf der Bühne und es wurde bis nach Mitternacht gemeinsam gejammt.
Der Samtag begann um 10Uhr mit RuediŽs workshop "die rechte Hand"-hier konnten sogar "alte Hasen" noch dazulernen!Nach kurzer Mittagspause folgte Rainer Daub mit guten Tips fürs Tenorbanjo,gefolgt von Bernhard Schwendter's workshop "entspannt Üben".Am Nachmittag schloß ich dann mit dem Übungsteil"Improvisationstechnik
innerhalb verschdiedener Banjostimmungen". Nach kurzer Erfrischung startete das Samstag Konzert,welches "rappeldicke"gut besucht war im Hotel-Restau. Absolute Publikums-lieblinge waren "DIE JUNGE GENERATION":die 15jährige Stepperin
(Weltklasseformat) zu "DuellingBanjos" vom 5-string-bjo-Virtuosen Eric Cousin/Sherleen Müller; Tochter Aline Schwendter/piano spielte mit Papa Bernhardt,und natürlich Daniela Bleuer/jazzvocal umrahmt von Ruedi's swingender Rhythmusgruppe!wie auch am Vorabend gestalteten Banjosolisten und Guitarristen abwechslungsreich das Programm,
Erlesene Spezialitäten und gekühlte Getränke reichte das Hotel-Restau. Einen schönen Abschluß hatten wir mit dem Frühschoppen am Sonntag von 10 bis 12Uhr in der Hotel-Lounge : Gäste und Fanserlebten hier noch einmal herrliche Bnjotitel und old-time-jazz,gespielt von sieben Banjosolisten und "Brouce"/cl&sax,Musiker von Ruedi's band und Alan am piano.Auf der Rückreise waren wir uns einig,daß dieses in liebenswert-
familiärer Atmosphäre stattfindene Banjo-Festival mit "Europäischen Spitzenmusikern" GROSSE KLASSE war!

Best regards,
Hans Jörg Elter
www.guitarelter.de

The Banjo Gang is a string band from Brno city, Czech Republic. The band was founded in 2002 by two banjoists Martin and Vasek. They play traditional jazz music and ragtime with wonderful enthusiasm.

Vaclav Novotny - tenor banjo, tuning C-G-d-a
Martin Skrobak - tenor banjo, tuning D-G-b-e
Kamil Mazalek - double bass


Noel Induni says: "Those guys are good. It is always nice when the emotions of the players come through in the sound of the song. They seemed to be having a good time playing which makes the listener have a good time too.


Brněnská skupina, založená v roce 2002 na základech bývalé skupiny Stalaktit. Dnes jediný autentický banjo-band v naší republice.

Václav Novotný - tenor banjo, zpěv, standard ladění, replika open back od Rosti Čapka, barytonové uke banjo

Martin Škrobák - tenor banjo, chicago ladění, Dung-Beetle, open-back a barytonové uke banjo od Rosti Čapka

Kamil Mazálek - kontrabas

Virtuozita Vaška Novotného a živočišná muzikálnost Martina Škrobáka jsou základem originálního provedení klasických jazzových standardů z New-Orleanské doby. Mimo tradiční jazz tvoří repertoár skladby Jaroslava Ježka, ragtime a další. Originálně navazují na tradici string-bandů jako byli Banjo Kings, nebo italští Banjo Clan.
Prostě hudba, kterou musíte slyšet živě, protože jedině tak pocítíte tu nádhernou radostnou atmosféru „řvoucích" dvacátých let s úsměvnými českými texty.

Banjo Battle! Loverfield Jazzband CH feat. Sean Moyses GB.
Die Loverfield Jazzband darf stolz sein, seit der ersten Ausgabe der Jazz Tage Lenk immer mit mindestens einem Konzert an der Lenk präsent gewesen zu sein. Das «Hausorchester» dieses inzwischen zum Grossanlass gewachsenen Festivals gehört einfach dazu – und hat seine Gäste und Fans noch nie enttäuscht. Immer werden neue und überraschende Titel aus Dixieland, Swing, Gospel und Blues präsentiert. Nicht umsonst wurde die LJb am Ascona Jazzfestival 2007 mit dem «Ascona Swiss Jazz Award» als beliebteste Schweizer Formation der Hörer von Radio Swiss Jazz ausgezeichnet.
Absoluter Höhepunkt in der Loverfield-Agenda sind und bleiben auch 2008 die Jazztage Lenk. Und nun, zur 20. Ausgabe, wird selbstverständlich auch die Berner-Band ein etwas spezielleres Konzert geben: Auch wenn in der «Szene» sehr viele Banjo-Witze im Umlauf sind (und die auch der Loverfield-Bandleader gerne zum Besten gibt!), liebt man halt die Könner auf ihrem exotischen Instrument! Deshalb präsentiert die LJb zum Jubiläum wieder einen Special Guest: Sean Moyses, der in England geborene und in Deutschland lebende Superstar auf dem banjo, wird uns alle mit seinem exzellenten Spiel begeistern.
Lassen wir uns also überraschen, was auf der Kronenplatz-Bühne zum Jubiläum abläuft! Apropos Jubiläen: Ein Loverfield-Musiker feiert seine 15-jährige, zwei ihre 20-jährige Mitgliedschaft in der LJb.

Det Baumann: bass, guitar, vocal, whistle
Rolf Suter: trombone, clarinet, bass
Peter «Pedro» Lüthi: drums, vocal
Hansruedi Jordi: trumpet, fluegelhorn, piano, vocal
Rita Trachsel: banjo, guitar, vocal
Peter Trachsel: clarinet, alto & tenor sax, lead

Loverfield Jazzband feat. Sean Moyses: banjo

Mo. 14. Juli, 20.30 Uhr, Kronenplatz, Lenk, CH.
Di. 15. Juli, 11.00 Uhr, Parkhotel Bellevue, Lenk, CH.
www.jazzlenk.ch

With the 2008 MBF on October 18th it's our 10th anniversary and we are currently working on the programme.
FREE ‘PRIZE BANJO’ DRAW
Yet again our stalwart sponsor EAGLE MUSIC SHOP are donating a ‘Banjo & Gig bag’ for our Free Prize Banjo Draw. The draw will be made at the end of the Concert and presented to the winning ticket holder in person only (not a representative). If the winning ticket holder is not in attendance, the prize will be re-drawn.
If you have any wishes for a workshop on any particular style, technique or with any particular tutor then please let us know asap and we will see what can be arranged.
MBF 06 CDs
The last few CDs of last years Concerts are available from Reg Stranks at £8.45 including p&p
WEB SITE
The domain "www.midlandbanjofest.com" has recently been registered and will become our new home over the next few months. The current domains will remain active until the new site is ready when you will be automatically transferred there.
GRAND BANJO BASH
Those of you in attendance at the end of last year's Concert will remember that we finished with a Grand Banjo Bash. Building on this success we have now decided to make this a permanent fixture. We are increasing it to three tunes: Five Foot Two, Bill Bailey and When the Saints. Bring your banjos, everybody joins in!
The general plan is to have the majority of the banjo playing the backing, our professionals: Howard Shepherd, David Price, Dave Thompson and Ray Bernard will add their style and expertise in chord/melody throwing it backwards and forwards between them.

TRADE STANDS
Once again we welcome our trade stand guests, the fee is again £10.00 per table. Please contact Reg Stranks (reg@regstranks.wanadoo.co.uk) to reserve your table a.s.a.p as we understand that last year trade was quite brisk and tables may be at a premium.
AND FINALLY...
Don't forget to book your rooms at the Bretby Conference Centre, prices still as last year, +44 (0)1283 553440. or click here to link to their web site.
The Bretby Conference Centre is of a very comfortable 4star standard with a full service of hot & cold snacks, hot meals, licensed bar, hot & cold soft drinks all prepared by quality Chef’s. In addition there is adjoining accommodation, £45 single, £54 (double or twin) room cost (£27 each for those prepared to share inclusive of full English breakfast & VAT. The Conference Centre is situated 3 miles South of Burton on Trent,Staffordshire within the Bretby Business Park in the village of Bretby,on the A511 Ashby Road, a short taxi ride from Burton on Trent railway station. Hull Ferry docks approx., 108 miles (170 km) with good motorway connections. East Midlands airport approx., 15 miles (24 km).

# posted by International Jazz Banjo Newsletter : 9:03 AM

All day at The Little Theatre (which is mainly used as a cinema) several pubs within staggering distance. Tables outside The Little where we can sit and chat, have a beer or three, and make a merry noise! Experience shows that we get a significant number of musicians coming by, who join in the jam session. A good way to make street music.
During the afternoon we shall be screening Bluegrass Country Soul. This is the first feature film ever made about bluegrass music. Shot on Labor Day Weekend in 1971 at Camp Springs, NC, it documents the first Bluegrass Festival. Live performance, commentary, interviews, history. With Ralph Stanley & his Clinch Mountain Boys, Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe and many more. 90 minutes of Banjo Bliss. First screening in the UK!
In the evening, a Grand Concert with Clarke Buehling, Kate Lissauer, Dan Walsh, Jürgen Kulus and the Bath Banjo Club. In the tradition of the Festival, there may well be others who turn up for the gig and add to the evening’s entertainment. It might be you . . . !

Hi everyone,

I had a fun experience for 3 months last fall, coaching banjo and guitar to 2 actors on a movie being filmed in Toronto (Canada), where I live part of the year. The movie, called “The Love Guru”, is being released this June, and will be a fun summertime movie, written and acted by Mike Myers, the star and creator of all the “Austin Powers” movies. It also features the beautiful Jessica Alba, as well as Justin Timberlake and many other popular North American stars.

There was a lot of music in the movie, but the best part is the fact that banjo was being used (although it was a 5-string). It’s amusing that the movie is supposed to be set in India, yet this Indian character plays a banjo! This actor is Manu Narayan, who performs on Broadway, and is very talented. I also coached him on guitar for another scene and he picked it up very quickly. If this film is being released in your part of the world, check it out for some light hearted fun.

Regarding banjo and guitar, I’ll be back in Pforzheim , Germany for 2 nights, May 30 and 31, performing at the Bottiche-Rathskeller. If you would like to reserve a ticket, please call Rainer Daub at (49) 723-135-6500.

I think that many tenor banjoists will be happy to learn that I have now finished a Volume 2- Book of Chord-Diagrammed song arrangements, as well as companion CD. This one is called 42 EASY READING SONG ARRANGEMENTS For Tenor Banjo (Completely Chord-Diagrammed). You may look up the information or purchase it online through my website: www.timallan.com.

From July 25 to August 1, I’ll be performing on the JazzSea Cruise, leaving from Seattle and heading to Alaska. There will be a number of Dixieland bands onboard this completely music-oriented Holland/America ship along with jamming opportunities for all musicians.
Aside from a concert performance, I’ll be conducting the Banjos Aweigh banjo band, composed of any banjo player who wants to play on the cruise. We will rehearse every day, then we’ll put on a special concert at the end of the cruise in the large performing theatre. I will also offer private lessons for various instruments. If you are interested in this cruise or, perhaps, the Caribbean JazzSea Cruise in January 2009, then look up www.jazzsea.com.

Hallo Alle,
Es gibt Neuheiten.....
Am Sonntag 18.Mai wird es in der wunderschönen Altstadt von Bülach ein Open Air Brunch Banjofest geben.Und die Stadt Bülach als Partner, möchte sich für das nächste Banjofestival 2009 mit einem Banjo-Altstadtfest beteiligen.Mehrere Bühnen usw...
Interessierte Banjobands und Solisten sollten sich melden.Es wird ab Juli ein OK geben und wir möchten möglichst früh mit dem organisieren beginnen. Das genaue Datum steht noch nicht fest.(voraussichtlich Mai-Juni)
Liebe Grüsse,
Ruedi.
www.banjomen.ch

Hi All,I'm Steve and I have an Eddie Peabody story.
It was in about 1958 or so, and I was a small boy, less than 10, living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a cold night and there was old frozen snow and ice on the ground. It was after dark and my mother was dressed to go out. She was on her way to a friend's house for a party, and for some reason, I wasn't allowed to stay home with my two younger brothers. We drove to a house in the northeast suburbs of Milwaukee, not too far from home, and went into her friend's house. A large home, with blue carpet and fireplaces and a full sized piano near the warm end of the large semi-formal living room. Others were arriving. I was the only kid, so I hid with the family dog. I was in altar-boy mode. Then in hops Eddie Peabody with his banjo under his arm! He goes straight for the fireplace and puts his banjo case down on the hearth near the piano, and pops it open.
By now I'm standing in front of him, not shy. He says "hello" and "would I like a picture of him"? I said "hello" and "yes, I would". At that, he picked his banjo out of the case and under it were several 8x10 glossies, one of which he signed and gave to me. I said thank you and the adults shooed me away so they could talk to him. It is late and some of the people, there were maybe 50 there, were drunk. I watched and listened to him play for maybe 45 minutes and he took a break. Then we all heard a loud drunk man say "If he's so friggin' good, let's hear him play 'Rhapsody in Blue' ". Well, Eddie was back sitting on the edge of the fireplace, where he'd sat since he got there. Without saying a word he picked up the banjo and played the most beautiful version of it I had ever heard some one play. It still brings tears to my eyes. The guy was all class. It was as if to say, "Not only can I play it but I can make you cry, fool." Wow.

By Steve Sindorf.

Hallo liebe Banjokünstler,

am Samstag, 24.05.08 nimmt die Münchner Banjoband an einem Casting für die RTL-Show "Supertalent" teil. Die zuständige Redakteurin war begeistert von unserem Angebot, da Sie wohl etwas aus der Dixie-Szene liefern soll und mit der Banjoband etwas sehr rares hereinbekommen hat.

Das heißt für uns, dass wir wohl relativ große Chancen haben, in irgendeiner Form auf dem Bildschirm zu erscheinen ???

Wir sollten also in möglichst guter Aufstellung antreten und uns ordentlich präsentieren. Deshalb meine Bitte an alle, die irgendwie Zeit haben (gerne auch neue Mitspieler), diesen Termin reservieren und an dem Casting teilnehmen. Sicher bekommen wir einen Mitschnitt der Aufnahmen und können das Ganze zumindest für Werbezwecke ("bekannt aus Film und Fernsehen") gut nutzen.

Unsere nächste Probe findet am Mittwoch, 14.05.08 um 19.30 in der Grund- und Hauptschule Holzkirchen, Baumgartenstr. 7 statt. Dort werden wir festlegen, was wir beim Casting spielen wollen (abhängig davon, welche Solisten dabei sind).

Noch eine Bitte an alle:
Ich brauche schnellstmöglich eine Rückmeldung, wer sicher an diesem Termin teilnehmen wird (bitte auch melden, wer sicher NICHT teilnehmen wird).

Vielen Dank und gebt Euch einen Ruck. Es wird sicherlich ein großer Spaß und eine nette Abwechslung. Für Fragen erreicht Ihr mich am liebsten per email (oder unter 0173/5661611).

Hans
--
Hans Dengler
83607 Holzkirchen
08024/3056-0

NEW, VERSATILE GOODTIME PLECTRUM BANJO BY DEERING.

Deering Banjo Company introduces the Goodtime plectrum banjo! Plectrum banjos are used popularly for American Dixieland Jazz and widely throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. The new plectrum Goodtime models are made of rock maple for the traditional brightness, power, and sparkle required with music played on this type of 4-string banjo. With a scale length of 26 ¼”, like their 5-string counterparts, plectrum style players will find the banjos have the same responsiveness, portability, and ease of play that have made the Goodtime banjos a world-wide favorite among professional and banjo enthusiasts alike. Retailing for $479 through $1159, the plectrum Goodtime banjos are being created with the traditional Deering peghead shape and are available in either a natural blond or in a rich, dark brown stain. Fabulous for casual players and enthusiasts alike, call your local Deering and Goodtime dealer to order one today! Or, you can call the folks at Deering Banjos through their toll free number, 800-845-7791.
Most noted for their use in Dixieland music, the plectrum banjo is also great for folk music and “sing alongs.” Versatility in tuning is a remarkable feature of the plectrum banjo. It can be tuned to the first four strings of a guitar (the same as a baritone ukulele), in open G tuning, or in the standard D, B, G, C plectrum tuning. The narrow neck makes it easy to play either by strumming or pushing down on the strings. With light gauge strings it can be played with the simplicity and ease of a ukulele but with more volume, bass, depth, and fullness. On a historical note, the word “plectrum” refers to a flat pick, commonly used to play this 4-string banjo and is a term that was used in the early 20th century instead of the word “pick.”
The Goodtime banjo line has grown from the much appreciated openback 5-string to include 5-string resonator and tonering models, left and right-handed styling, 17-fret and 19-fret 4-string tenors, and now the new 22-fret, 4-string plectrums. At its inception, the Goodtime banjo was meant only to be the openback 5-string version. Because Greg Deering is focused on customer needs, he has responded by expanding the Goodtime line to now over 40 versions of this ever popular American made rock maple banjo.
For more information on the American made, quality banjos from Deering Banjos, log on to their website, www.Deeringbanjos.com or call them at the toll free number, 800-845-7791 for more details.

Beste Banjoliefhebber,

Tijdens het Breda Jazz Festival (van donderdag 1 - zondag 4 Mei 2008) is eriedere middag van 12.00 - 18.00 uur een Banjojam, ge-organiseerd door Hans de Roon die
dit al vele jaren doet. Deze banjojam wordt gehouden op het terras van Chinees Eethuis Gantau Village, (Tel 076-5208929), Boschstraat 19 in Breda. Het is altijd een feest om dit bij te wonen. Iedere banjoist is welkom. Het muzikaal wordt omlijst met uitgenodigde blazers en andere jazz muzikanten.

met vriendelijke groeten

www.jazzbanjo.nl

Das 2. Internationale Banjo - Festival der Schweiz
wird wieder 2008 in Bülach stattfinden !

Freitag und Samstag 16. und 17. Mai
BANJO'S
Das zweite Schweizer Banjofestival findet statt: in Bülach (ZH) 15Min. ab dem Flughafen Zürich-Kloten oder 30Min.ab Grenzübergang Thayngen, (Schaffhausen-Bülach) im Zentrum der historischen Altstadt von Bülach. Im sehr schönen Hotel zum Goldenen Kopf. Siehe unten stehende Webseite.
Bitte die Zimmer-Reservationen direkt im Hotel zum Goldenen Kopf buchen.Mit dem Vermerk, Banjofestival. Es sind noch genügend Zimmer frei.
Die Konzerte sind Freitags und Samstags.
Am Samstag werden auch Workshops von renomierten Banjospielern durchgeführt; Details siehe Programm. Workshop Teilnehmer bitte mit mir Kontakt aufnehmen.

Organisation Ruedi Bleuer
Sponsoren :

Saitensprung Schaffhausen Banjo's
Foto Bären Zürich

Musiker Programm Kontakt
Workshop-Teilnehmer bitte anmelden
Das Banjo
Liebe Banjo Freunde,
Jeder kann zum guten Gelingen von unserem Anlass bestimmt etwas dazu beitragen. Zum Beispiel selber als Solist spielen, oder sich mit anderen Banjospielern zusammen, zwei oder drei Nümmerli einstudieren.

ES SOLL SPASS MACHEN !

Bitte macht Werbung für unseren Banjo-Anlass.

Mehr Info über das Banjo siehe Webseite von Gerhard Rehmann http://www.banjoist.de/banjos/typen.htm

Ruedi Bleuer.

Tim Allen kommt wieder für zwei Konzerte nach Pforzheim.
Er tritt am Freitag 30. Mai und am Samstag 31.Mai jeweils ab 20.00 Uhr
im Bottich im Ratskeller zu Pforzheim auf.
Außerdem bietet er am Sonntag, den 1. Juni, wieder einen
Gitarrenworkshop im Musikhaus Steinbrecher an.

Christian Loos möchte seine Tenorbanjo Sheet Music Collection anderen BanjospielerInnen zugänglich machen.
Über 300 Partituren, wovon der Großteil digitalisiert (d.h. gescannt ist), wurden über die Zeit mühsam zusammengetragen und archiviert.
Neben der Vielzahl an Tenorbanjo-Soli verfügt die Sammlung auch über einige Plectrumbanjo-Soli, sowie einer großen Anzahl an Orchester Tenorbanjo Akkordpattern.
Christian freut sich über neue Banjokontakte und das Tauschen von alten Banjonoten.
Hier ist seine E-mail Adresse: bertbrecht56@yahoo.de


Christian Loos would like to exchange and swap his Tenor banjo sheet music collection with other banjoists'. Over three hundred banjo pieces, which most of them are scanned, are ready to swap. Most of the compositions are written for the Tenor banjo, but some of them are also arranged for the Plectrum Banjo.
The collection contents also Orchestra Tenor banjo chord patterns.
Christian likes get to know banjo players and is happy to swap his sheet music with them.
His e-mail adress is: bertbrecht56@yahoo.de

Hello,

I am now offering private banjo lessons globally, no matter where you live, on the internet using a webcam!

I have had many requests to offer a teaching method over the years via video/DVD, CD, book, etc. But though I enjoy teaching, this was not appealing to me since I believe in a direct interaction approach for quality lessons. Webcams now have such good visual and sound quality that I decided to offer one-on-one lessons over the internet.

The requirements are simple: a high speed internet connection, Skype (a free download), and a webcam.

For those who are unfamiliar, a webcam is a video camera for computers, so we would see and hear each other live. I am glad to guide you on the set-up needed…. It’s easy, even for a computer-challenged individual like me! And it really works.

If you are interested, send me an email: cynth@earthlink.net. I’m glad to answer any further questions and look forward to hearing from you!

Warmest regards and happy spring!

Cynthia Sayer.

P.S. I’m also proud to report that my newest CD, “ATTRACTIONS” with Bucky Pizzarelli and other top NYC jazz artists, was selected for two “Best CD of 2007” lists! Please visit the Recordings page of my website to see extensive reviews (more still coming out!): www.cynthiasayer.com.

During my tour to the USA I met up with ace banjoist Dave Marty. We had lunch together and drank tea whilst playing a few tunes. I asked Dave to tell us a little about his career and this is what he said...

At the age of 12, I began teaching myself the ukulele. Shortly before I turned 16, I asked my Dad to get me something bigger (I had a guitar in mind.) So, for my 16th birthday he got me a banjo (an Epiphone Mayfair - 2nd from the bottom of the line). I had so much trouble adjusting to the size of the neck that I put it away for the next three years and kept on with my ukulele.
When I was 19 years old, I was in a pizza parlor enjoying my dinner when two guys appeared –one with a banjo who climbed up on top of the upright piano and the other who sat down at the piano. After hearing a couple of tunes, I decided I was as good as or better than the banjo player, and he was making money doing that. Then and there I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Shortly thereafter I took my banjo out of the closet, where I had put it three years earlier, and started practicing. Several months later I joined the musician’s union in late 1959. One month later I got my first professional job playing with a pianist in a pizza parlor!
Although I have worked in other fields during my musical career, my occupation for the last 48 years has always been that of a dedicated professional banjoist. I am completely self-taught, never having a single lesson, and learned everything I know by ear and from working with other top-notch (& a lot of not-so-top-notch) musicians.
Some of my early experiences with the banjo were playing in high school rallies and sports games with the band. After I turned professional, I played the beer hall/pizza parlor circuit, followed by banjo night clubs in San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, New York World’s Fair, Greenwich Village, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Atlanta, Kansas City, Florida, and Florence, Italy and Hollywood.
My first banjo idol was Eddie Peabody. As I heard him play was on the radio in the late 1950’s, I wondered why my banjo didn’t sound like his. I later found out he played a different tuning, (I used guitar tuning) and that he tuned each of his strings one note higher than normal. So, I bought all of his LP’s and studied his technique for a number of years. It was Georgette Twain who arranged my first meeting with Eddie in 1961. He and I remained close friends and kept in touch with letters and visits for the last ten years of his life.
Perry Bechtel was another one of my idols. I was fortunate to have met him in Atlanta eight years after I bought his first and only album, “The Man with 10,000 Fingers”; it was the first time I had heard classical music performed on the banjo. Perry and I were close friends and corresponded for over twenty years. What a difference in playing styles between Perry and Eddie.
Other banjo inspirations and recordings that I studied and admired very much were those of John Cali, Jad Paul, Paul Martin, Clay Landrum (Henry Clay), The Big Ben Banjo Band, Paul Miller (The San Francisco Marching, Trotting, and Walking Band), and Freddy Morgan (of Spike Jones fame.)

Musical genres that supply my motivation are from the 1800’s up thru early dixieland and traditional jazz, along with the big band music from the early part of the 20th century. I find this type of music exciting because of its musical perfection in substance and inventiveness along with the chord changes used in that era of music. Classical music excites me because of its exactness in structure and beauty.
Musically, the banjo ‘tugs’ at the American heart because of the ‘sound’ derived from the instrument; it is unlike any other American musical instrument and can be a happy one. Culturally, the banjo is a big part of very early American popular music and dixieland jazz and country & western music. Furthermore, music played on the banjo stirs up many memories, particularly for senior citizens.

Some major accomplishments during my career have been:

« Band leader and lead banjoist for the Red Garter nightclub chain nationally and in Europe for thirteen years (1963 to 1976).
« Along with David Sturdevant on guitar and Abe van der Meulen on side banjo, the three of us became the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band in 1970 and recorded our first LP, On a Slow Boat to China in 1976.
« Performed at Earthquake McGoon’s in San Francisco with Turk Murphy and his band as featured solo intermission banjoist, sitting-in with his band six nights a week for a decade (1970 to 1980);
« Featured Star Attraction aboard cruise ships world-wide for 17 years; (1980 to 1997);
« Toured with the late, great Morey Amsterdam as his opening act;

Recordings:

« Dave Marty “On The Job – Vol. 1 (Compact Disc) Available now.
« On A Slow Boat To China with the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band (LP);(out of print)
« Banjo Artistry of Dave Marty, Vol. 1 (cassette) The Banjo Artistry of Dave Marty - Live, Vol. 2, (out of print)
« Dave Marty in Italy, Vol. 3, (cassette) (out of print)
« Banjo Artistry of Dave Marty, Vol. 4, (cassette) (out of print)
« Banjo Artistry of Dave Marty, Vol. 5. (cassette) (out of print)

Dave will be appearing at the annual Spring Fling banjo festival in Boston, USA next weekend.

Ein Club von Banjospielern?ist eine glänzende und klingende Idee!Sechs Banjospieler, d. h. "alte Hasen" aus der Münchener Szene und "Beginner" aus der Umgebung fanden sich im Januar 2007 zu einem Stammtisch in den ehrwürdigen Räumen des Alten Wirts zu Ramersdorf zusammen und gründeten den Ersten Münchener Banjo Club.

Die Liebe zum Banjo und damit besonders die Pflege des traditionellen Dixielands waren bereits Begeisterung und Grund genug, Erfahrungen auszutauschen und zu fachsimpeln. Vor allem aber wird gemeinsam gespielt – und das heißt der so unverwechselbar schöne Klang vieler Banjos zusammen ... mehr sag i ned.

Natürlich ist auch geplant, sich der Öffentlichkeit als Erster Münchener Banjo Club zu präsentieren ...

Die GründungsmitgliederHans Dengler, Bernd Rauch, Uwe Reckmann, Gerhard Rehmann, Günter Schierlitz und Ulrich Walcher lauten die Namen der wackeren Recken, die sich mutig zu ihrem Instrument bekennen und den Ersten Münchner Banjo Club ins Leben riefen. Die folgenden Treffen brachten willkommene Verstärkung. Musiker aufgepasst: das Erzählen von geschmacklosen Banjowitzen wird langsam gefährlich!

Das Statutbrauch' ma ned! Es gibt keine Einschränkungen für die Mitgliedschaft, alle Banjos und deren SpielerInnen sind willkommen. Ein paar Ideen aus den ersten Treffen geben die gemeinsame Richtung vor:

regelmäßiger Stammtisch
Anlaufstelle für Interessierte und Anfänger
Organisation einer Banjoband mit dem Ziel, öffentlich auftreten zu können
Referate zu Banjo-bezogenen Themen, auch mal von Externen
Aufbau einer Banjo-Bibliothek
Mehr info über www.banjoist.de

Dear banjo friends. I am pleased to announce that my new banjo backings are now available for sale. My banjo backing tracks are fun for either rehearsing with or using on stage. It's like Karaoke for banjo players!

The triple CD package or CDs plus booklet has backings for Deed I do, Mr. Sandman, Temptation rag, Cecilia, You're driving me crazy, Somebody stole my gal and Chinese laundry blues, I'm looking over a four leafed clover, Pasadena, I've got a feeling I'm falling, After you've gone, Leaning on a lamp-post and High society.The original complete tune (to acquaint you with the melody, arrangement and words) is then followed by the "play-a-long" version with the banjo and vocal track removed.
Featuring musicians Fraser Gartshore (piano), Ralf Peyer (piano), Graham Collicott (drums), Michael Neusser (drums), Clive Fenton (tuba), Hayley Moyses (violin), Matthias Seuffert (clarinet and saxophone) and myself (rhythm guitar). This comes in two formats; a double CD and music booklet or tripple CD package, the third data CD containing the music, words and the arrangement for each tune in pdf. form which you may print out.
Ordering details are along with two short previews of the Pasadena backing track and the Mr. Sandman backing track on my website, www.SeanMoyses.com.

Best wishes,
Sean Moyses.

Dear banjo lovers
This information is just to update you what we are doing with the banjo community concerning the "Origin of the banjo" investigation. Over the last years we have found a lot of new and challenging facts that have forced us several times to change our theories. One of the latest was the discovery of the Griot five string spike gourd lute the Xhalam Gesere among the Wolofs in Senegambia which was unknown to scholars until that point. This instrumnet gives us a link to drone string banjos in the New World from the Griot side. The discovery of the Kolinko two string, plectrum played gourd lute still in use in the FRA-Fra ethnic group In Northern Ghana gave us a link to the very rich old plectrum played banjo traditions in the Carribien region, something that is still very much alive.
I would also like to point out that there are vacancies for any musicology students/interested to take up more research projects in West Africa. We will be more than happy to share all our new knowledge with any interested students and to help out for an amateur or professional research report, article or dissertation.
The main activity for me presently finalsie detailed plans for this years journey to Africa. I am also writing my second banjo article for the Swedish Musical Instrument Museum's annual booklet about the African predecessors to the banjo. My first article was about the banjo development in the New World, covering everything from the minstrel period to folk music in the 1950-1960´s. I also have endless hours of video recordings from Africa to be edited and published on Youtube.
My trips for 2008 are to North and West Africa. Here are my scheduled activities.
1) Southern Morocco in March:- From March 20th my wife Anneli and I will spend a week in the Atlas mountain region in Southern Morocco. That will hopefully allow me to look for the music cultures of the Berber/Tuaregs in a number of desert towns. We will start in Agadir at the coast and then pay visits to Marrakech, Taroudant, Quarzazate and Zagora. This will be an interesting trip. I hope to video Lotar, Gimbrie, Gunbri and perhaps Sintir/Haj haj lute instruments and players .

2) Senegambia in July:- This my fifth trip to Senegambia and will be in conjunction with the Senegambian "Origin of the Banjo" Conference. Dates will be 8th of July Stockholm-Banjul, 9th of July preparation for the trip in Banjul. Early leave for Southern Senegal and 10th to 18th of July the large round trip. Return to Banjul before the opening ceremony. 19th of to 21st of July will be the conference attendance from my side, 22nd to 24th of July are research activities in Gambia
24th-25th of July, from Banjul to Stockholm

Hopefully a few (a maximum of three) of you would like to join me for an adventure tour of the southwest part of Senegal,
- from Banjul to Zuguinchor
- eventual visit to Jola villages Mlomp and Youtuo depending on time available)
- from Zuguinchor along road N6 to Kolda.
- from Kolda to Velingara and from there
- perhaps a visit to the Niokola Koba National park
- and then up to Thambacounda (crossroad for many ethnic groups in Senegal).
We will then return to Banjul along the Gambia river south road from Basse. That will be a 600-800 km (500 miles) long trip depending on what we will find along the way and take about 7 days with a four wheel drive SUV. The whole idea is to search the following instruments:-
a) The Griot Mandinka Kontingo (same as Xhalam, Huddo etc). According to many sources the Mandika seems to have abandoned the lutes in favor for the Kora, Bolon and Bala. Still, it should be very interesting to interview a Mandika Griot Kontingo player. They could have more to tell us about the origin of the Griot lute than probably has been previously documented.
b) The Mandika folk harp Simbi. Are there any Simbi player (hunters) still around?
c) The Mandinka one string Molo player. Are there any players still around?
d) The (extinct? Mandinka folk harp Kurango. It is a four string harp lute very similar in construction to some of the folk lutes in the West African Savannah region, but the Kurango is a semi-spike harp with just a slightly bowed neck. We have to find out if anyone knows anything about this instrument. There is one rare sample left in the museum in Banjul.
e) All other Akonting like instruments and harps we can find and document.
f) Fiddle traditions among Fulas and Wolofs.
g) Search for the origin of the mystic Bania name.

This is of course an unrealisticly large wish during such a short period of time but if I just could find and document a few of the above point it would be a success.
3) Mali in November:- My wife and I have booked a two week adventur trip to Mali starting 5th of November. We will travel along the Niger river from Bamako up to Timbuktu with a two days visit to the Dogon people in the south mountain areas. We will visit and stay in following cities Bamako, Djenne, Mopti and Timbuktu. In Djenne the hotel owner is a Swedish girl Sophie Arin. I have sent her a mail asking for help to trace a number of instruments among the different ethnic groups. I am looking for Griot lutes from different ethnic groups, harps like Donce Nogoni and of course the Dogon Konou lute and the Ginggiru harp. I will also look out for the Diawara Kola Lemme gourd lute mention by Michael Coolen in his African lute articles. Also bowed lutes are of interest to document.

4) On the planning stage for 2009 is a two week trip to South Africa during the spring and the very long overdue research trip to Northern Ghana and Burkina Faso during the fall.

5) For 2010 perhaps visits to Northern Senegal and/or Guinea and/or Sierra Leone can be carried out.

All my new documentations will be published on Myspace and Youtube available for everyone.

Regards to you all and the very best for 2008.

Ulf Jagfors

The 10-day JazzSea Caribbean Cruise, returned to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 15, 2008 with many great musical memories, along with photos of some of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean.

It was my pleasure once again to conduct the “Banjos Aweigh” pick-up band, made up of around 40 non-professional musicians and enthusiasts, ready to practice and learn a 45 minute concert repertoire. In the band we had men and women from the U.S.A. and Canada, as well as the Scottish banjo player, Michael Hart, the director of the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festivals.

The band predominantly consists of banjo players, with a tuba or bass player in the mix. We have usually been lucky enough to find a good pianist and horn player or two, as well as fiddlers and harmonica players. To add rhythm and humour to the gathering, we have added washboards, spoons, and sometimes a “gutbucket”. I welcome any level of banjo playing ability, and I will try to include most other instruments into the band.

I never know who our musical surprises will be until we begin the cruise, so I try to make the concert songlist relatively simple, to accommodate various levels of performance. In fact, to further simplify matters, I now have the full concert printed up in booklet form, “The Banjos Aweigh Songbook”, so that participants, who cannot play by ear alone, will be able to read the music during performances. Some prospective band members will even order their songbook well in advance of their cruise, just to be prepared. It ends up being a great learning experience for novices. Just look at their faces in the accompanying photo!

If anyone is interested in cruising while listening to 5 or 6 different jazz bands, or even participating with Banjos Aweigh, just check out www.jazzsea.com for information on upcoming cruises. There is a 7-day Alaskan cruise leaving Seattle on July 25. Another 7-day Caribbean cruise will leave Ft. Lauderdale on January 3, 2009, and I’ll be onboard for both of these, offering lessons and workshops, as well as performing and conducting Banjos Aweigh.

“The Banjos Aweigh Songbook”, is NOT available online, but you can mail your order directly to me at the following address:
Tim Allan, 2513 Lewis Rd., Venice, Florida, USA. Each book will cost $18,00 pp, in North America, and $22.00 pp, overseas.

This time news from me! I'll be coming over to headline at a couple of festivals.
Firstly....
St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Banjofest February 15th and 16th, 2008
Annually, BBA hosts the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Banjofest at the Allenberry Resort Hotel in Boiling Springs, PA. A *FULL* weekend of tenor and plectrum banjo! ...workshops, jams, afternoon massacre as well as evening shows, display area {free table space to all who have something to sell}, evening banquet and of course.. door prizes! Thursday evening dinner and jamming this year happened at the new Player's Club in the basement of the Allenberry main building . It has become the early bird kick off for the weekend's activities.
And then it's off to the West coast for the 23rd and 24 February.....
Each year the Sacramento Banjo Band sponsors an annual banjo music festival known as Banjo-Rama. World class banjo stars are featured as soloists and in ensembles. Eddie Peabody, probably the most famous banjo player ever, performed at the very first Banjo-Rama. In addition to banjo virtuosos, there are several exciting west coast banjo bands. It's quite a musical spectacle that could just as well have been named the banjo Olympics. These musicians are not just plucking chords like grandpa used to do on the back porch! They are genuine pros!
Sean Moyses
Bill Dendle and Gary Ryan
Dick and Helen Martin
Charlie Tagawa, Nori Tagawa with Mary Horne
Paul Doerner
Jack Convery and Friends
Bill Lowery
Steve Peterson
Their fingers and hands are sizzling hot, moving faster than the eye can follow, playing everything from classical to popular music. You'll be surprised and delighted at their imaginative arrangements, versatility, and precise execution. Primarily 4-string banjos are played at Banjo-Rama. Banjo-Rama proceeds are a benefit for charities like the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The general public is invited to the public show on Sunday which features entertainers, banjo bands, banjo displays, tape & CD sales.
I hope to see some of my American colleagues along the way!

Ruedi Bleuer, Schweizer Banjovirtuose und rühriger Vertreter unseres Instruments, plant für Mai 2008 wieder ein Banjofestival in Bülach. Originalton Ruedi: "Jeder der gerne möchte kann ein paar Nümmerli vortragen. Mit oder ohne Begleitung von mir". Also Leute, meldet euch bei Ruedi! Seine Adresse lautet banjo-bleuer@bluewin.ch.

In Zusammenarbeit mit Lonnies Witwe Sharon Donegan brachte Liz Biddle im September 2007 bei ihrer britischen Plattenfirma Upbeat Recordings eine weitere Live-CD des "King Of Skiffle" heraus. 1981 feierte Lonnie Donegan sein Hit-Jubiläum unter dem Motto "25 Years Rock Island Line" mit Konzerten in Berlin, Hamburg, Liverpool und London. Das Londoner Konzert wurde live aufgezeichnet und bereits damals als LP bzw. Doppel-LP veröffentlicht. Nun also erstmals auf CD erhältlich!
Lonnie trommelte dafür die Erstbesetzung der Ken Colyer Band zusammen mit den dem Jazzfan bekannten Namen Monty Sunshine/Klarinette, Chris Barber/Posaune, Jim Bray/Kontrabaß und Ron Bowden/Schlagzeug. Und natürlich mit Ken himself an der Trompete!
Der Popstar Donegan, der 1981 auch durch die Tournee "25 Years Of Brit Pop" ( u.a. auch mit Mr.Acker Bilk und Cliff Richard ) geehrt wurde --- eine Tour, die ihn auch zum wiederholten Male vor die Queen führte --- genießt ganz offensichtlich das Zusammentreffen der Kameraden aus den Tagen vor seinem Pop-Musik-Durchbruch wie aus der das Konzert eröffnenden Ansage spürbar ist. Bei dem ersten Titel "Ace In The Hole" ist er als Sänger in Hochform, ebenso später bei "Jenny´s Ball". Es folgen lebendige Fassungen alter Colyer-Standards wie "Isle Of Capri", "Goin´ Home" und "One Sweet Letter From You", auch "Shine" ist sehr frisch, wenngleich dort die Blechbläser in ihren Soli auffällig oft die Anfangsphrase der Operettenmelodie "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" zitieren. Wer darin jedoch eine heimliche Liebeserklärung von Ken & Chris an Lonnie sehen würde, dürfte dieser Sache vermutlich zuviel Bedeutung beimessen. --- Der Klarinettenstil von Monty Sunshine ist nicht unumstritten, aber wem´s gefällt, der wird sich sicherlich über diese weitere Fassung von "Hush-a-Bye" freuen. Bei drei Titeln wird Ken durch Pat Halcox vertreten: "Jenny´s Ball", "Bugle Boy March" und "Ice Cream".
Den Abschluß der ersten Konzerthälfte bildet die alte Skiffle-Besetzung mit Ken Colyer ( Gitarre & Leadgesang bei "Take This Hammer" ), Lonnie Donegan ( Gitarre & Leadgesang bei "John Henry" & "Railroad Bill" ), Chris Barber ( Kontrabaß ) und Bill Colyer ( Waschbrett ). Bevor die "Skiffle Group" loslegt, erläutert Lonnie sehr anschaulich, lebendig und realitätsnah, was "Skiffle" überhaupt ist und wie es dank Bill Colyer zur Verwendung dieses Begriffs im Musikmarketing kam. Anschließend singt er sich in Ekstase wie man es sich von ihm bei dieser Art Titeln wünscht, während Kens authentische Worksong-Interpretation einen lässigen Kontrast dazu bildet.
Die CD ist erhältlich bei Upbeat unter der Bestellnummer URCD-214: www.upbeat.co.uk

(c) Lutz Eikelmann, 2007

Stone Street STRUMMERS Banjo Band

Special Spring Fling 2008 Announcement
Your Personal Edison Machine Recording !
Ever think of making a true " old time " recording ?
Now you have a once in a lifetime chance to record, own, and be part of Music Recording History !
Listen to Paul & Steve play " Breezin Along with the Breeze" April 3rd - 6th 2008
Spring Fling, Mansfield, Ma.
Steve Caddick & Paul Poirier, Co-Hosts Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band

Paul & Steve recording session
Here is What you Get !
1. Your own original wax cylinder of your personal recording.
2. Digital CD recording of your original recording.
3. A 5" x 7" photograph of you recording on an original Edison Recording machine.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity
Cost: $40.00 ( all proceeds are for the benefit of Ginny Luetje's Youth Banjo band )
Schedule Your Own Personal Edison Recording Session at Spring Fling 2008
Contact: Paul or Steve
Note: This offer is limited to the first 20 Spring Fling attendees who sign up for the recording session.
Edison Machine Recordings are provided courtesy of the Massachusetts Old Colony Antique Recording Society.

Dear IJBN readers.
I am contacting you from Melbourne, Australia, hoping you may be able to help me access information on a Victor Ellis, who lived at 193, St John's Hill, Battersea, London, in the early 1900s.
He manufactured the plectrum banjo I've been playing for the past 40+ years, but I have never been able to discover much about him.
That is, until recently... when I learned that he had lived and worked at 193, St John's Hill, from 1903 - 1911.
He was listed as "Ellis, Victor, Banjo Studio" in the local business directory of the time. But that's as far as I get.
The tyranny of distance just complicates matters... so I'm wondering if there is any way I can continue my search via the computer?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Ian Sanderson
Melbourne
Australia

Nach kurzer schwerer Krankheit verstarb am Donnerstag den 22.11.2007 im Alter von 61 Jahren Wolfgang Kreth aus Köln, Hürth.
Wolfgang war der Banjospieler der Gruppe Papa Joes Jazzmen , Köln.
Seit Jahren wirkte Wolfgang in verschiedenen Banjogruppen mit ,u.a. Banjoclub Cologne und Pastime.
Als studierter Musiker – Gitarre, Klavier, Barocklaute- hat er ein großes Herz für das Banjo und die Banjomusik. Seine Lieblingsinterpreten waren Harry Reser und Pete Mandell.
Für ihn war neben der professionelle Ausübung seines Berufes – Leiter der Musikschule Hürth – auch die professionelle Ausübung des Hobby wichtig.

Der Banjoclub Cologne im besondern Rolf Quak, Hella und Joachim Hippenstiel werden Ihn vermissen.

Die Beerdigung ist Donnerstag 29.11.2007 in Hürth Gleuel, Bellerstr. Friedhofkapelle 13:00 Uhr

Bitte keine Beileidsbezeugungen am Grab.


Joachim Hippenstiel
November 2007

Liebe IBJN – Gemeinde,

endlich habe ich mich aufgerafft um meine eigene website
www.banjo-art.piczo.com
fertigzustellen. Hier gibt´s Informationen wie ich Musik bearbeite, Stücke lerne, ob Tenor- , Plectrum- oder Gitarrenstimmung für einen Titel angebracht ist, Bilder von meinen Banjos und ein paar unterhaltsame Fotos aus allen Epochen
meines Banjoschaffens.
Ebenfalls neu: String Trio´s website:
www.stringtrio.piczo.com
mit Informationen über die Band, wann und wo wir auftreten (zur Zeit reichlich, wir können nicht klagen!), über Projekte, Titel in Arbeit, unsere alte und demnächst neue CD. Und natürlich auch Fotos und Links !
Schaut mal herein,

herzliche Grüsse, Christoph Cringle

Mankato banjoist and former Free Press newsman Lowell H. Schreyer, 78, died peacefully at his home, November 9, 2007, of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Wayne Eichstadt officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m., Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

A member of the Mankato Free Press news staff for nearly 14 years, late 1950s through the 1960s, he covered education, Blue Earth County government, flood disasters, major fires, traffic fatalities, crime, Vietnam War demonstrations, 4-H events, and entertainment in addition to writing feature stories. Visiting celebrities whom he interviewed included Eleanor Roosevelt, actor Hal Holbrook, dancer Ray Bolger, Grand Old Opry star Grandpa Jones, the comic Smothers Brothers, banjoist Earl Scruggs, crooner Rudy Vallee, movie star Basil Rathbone, publisher Bennett Cerf, flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya, ragtime pianist Max Morath and “Music Man” composer Meredith Willson.

He covered the first International Plowing Contests near Vernon Center and was on the entertainment committee that brought stars such as Roy Rogers and Bob Hope to entertain at those farm events.

Schreyer's favorite continuing assignment was covering the adventures of Rapidan hired man Charlie Poliquin and his “See Scout” boat struggling down the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers bound for South America.

In his secondary occupation as a professional banjoist, Schreyer played on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen steamboats on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers; under the baton of guest conductor Arthur Fiedler with the Minnesota Orchestra; and with the Marigold Dixielanders, Michael's Minstrels, the Elmer Scheid polka band, the Turkey River All-stars dixieland band, Terry Powell's Honky Tonk Revival, the Katzenjamers and other southern Minnesota bands. He also played banjo at Shakey's pizza parlors. Most recently he played with the Blue Ox Jazz Babies made up largely of old musician friends from the Marigold Dixielanders.

He and daughter Debbie played at the New Orleans World Fair and in 1988 toured Germany as a banjo duo with an International Banjo Festival concert group. After retirement from journalism, Schreyer played throughout the United States and overseas with the promotional dixieland jazz band of US Air and also toured coast-to-coast with the “Riverboat Ragtime Revue” on community concert circuits.

When members of his family grew up following Schreyer's musical bent, his favorite performing group was their “Schreyer Banjos” unit consisting of daughter Debbie and himself on banjos, son Ted on tuba, string bass and bass sax, and son-in-law Tom Owens on string bass, washboard and vocals. They were featured in various combinations at major jazz and banjo events including the St. Louis Ragtime Festival, the Sacramento Banjorama, the American Banjo Fraternity 50th Anniversary Concert, the Allenberry, Pa., Banjo Massacre, the Guthrie, Okla., Jazz Banjo Festival, the LaCrosse Banjo Jamboree, a Twin Cities Jazz Society concert, and many Fretted Instrument Guild of America conventions. The group recorded one CD, “Schreyer Banjos: Showboat to New Orleans.” Lowell also sat in on the Debbie Schreyer Trio “Banjo on the Boardwalk” CD made during her seven-year engagement at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. He played in the banjo orchestra at the 10th Anniversary Banjo Collectors' Gathering in Philadelphia November 3.

Schreyer's first banjo job was with the Roamers old-time band in his hometown of New Ulm during his high school years. He played all types of banjo—tenor, plectrum, classic five-string and minstrel—as well as zither, mandolin, drums and balalaika.

As much as he loved banjo playing, he loved his family more. As a result, he turned down offers to become a fulltime professional banjoist that would have kept him away from the family overly long.

Combining his interests in writing and banjo history research, Schreyer became nationally and internationally known in banjo circles for his articles and columns in fretted instrument publications such as BMG of London, England, and the FIGA magazine of the Fretted Instrument Guild of America. He authored chapters on the banjo in the books Ragtime: Its History, Music and Composers (1985) and The Banjo on Record: A Bio-Discography (1993). He also did a biography, The Eddie Peabody Story, (2000) on the famous professional banjoist who first inspired him to take up banjo as a teen-ager. Schreyer's most recent book was The Banjo Entertainers: Roots to Ragtime (2007).

In recognition of his banjo performance and writing, he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame in 2002.

Schreyer was born in New Ulm, Minn., Sept. 10, 1929, to Roman and Irma (Fritsche) Schreyer. He attended Washington School and St. Paul's Lutheran Grade School and graduated from New Ulm High School in 1947.

After his freshman year at Gustavus Adolphus College and sophomore year at Mankato State Teachers College, he took a break from schooling to work as a reporter and advertising man at the New Ulm Review. At the same time, he started his musical career performing on early live radio in New Ulm as “Hector and His Banjo” with the KNUJ Trail Riders country western band.

During the Korean War he went on active duty with the Minnesota Army National Guard, 1950-52. Once back in civilian life, he played with Rod Morris and his Missourians and Cotton Nixon and the Boll Weevils in Arkansas before returning to Mankato State College to continue his higher education under the GI Bill. He graduated with a B.S. degree in December of 1956 and immediately went to work as a reporter at the Mankato Free Press. In 1970 Schreyer was invited to become director of the Mankato State University News Service. Continuing his banjo activities on weekends and summer breaks, he held that position until his retirement in 1992.

He is survived by his loving and supportive wife Margaret (Woods) whom he married July 18, 1959; two sons, Tim of Chromo, Colo., and Ted and wife Vickie of Mankato; two daughters, Debbie and husband Tom Owens of Maplewood and Dori and husband Scott Murray of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Natalie, Jarrod, Jessica and Collin Schreyer of Mankato and Jack, Sammy Jo, Danny and Josie Murray of Cincinnati; one brother, Gene and wife Grace of Mankato and their children, Julianna, Brent and Christiana; and three sisters-in-law, Mary and husband Marvin Schweim of Mankato, Doris Woods and Darlene Woods of rural Lake Crystal; and additional nieces and nephews.

Lowell and wife Margaret were active as chaperones with the Schreyer family in organizing and touring with the original 77 Lancers bands. The Schreyer family was inducted into the Lancer Hall of Fame in 2007.

A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mankato, he served as congregational secretary for 43 years. Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Grade and High School tuition trust fund, the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum Eddie Peabody Film Restoration Fund, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or the donor's choice.

One of Lowell's final writing projects was this obituary. ( Jan. 6, 2007)

My friend Jackie Lynn MacCoy sent me this thought which I thought I
would share with you...
He was surely one of the greatest.
Sean Moyses.


In honor of our beloved Eddie, who went home to be with the Lord 37
years ago about now, a little after 7 in the morning, November 7th,
1970........

Some people have left some nice words on this site to remember
him..........AOL Image Search results for "eddie peabody images"

His music and spirit live on forever. We love you, Eddie.

"We’ll meet again" This was the promise made in 2004, also the opening number at the Banjo Party in Düsseldorf which was held and sponsored by the Düsseldorfer Banjo Club with Leader Günter Amendt.
After a 3 year break the DBC had the urge to fulfill the promise and run a festival again for all the banjo players around Europe as well as attracting a few overseas visitors.
Program Friday:
MC Dieter Grosche
Düsseldorfer Banjo Band...with 25 active members (terrific, but true)
Hans Jörg Elter Plektrum,
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Zeggert, tenor and Werner Degenhardt sousaphone
Trio Harmony,Christian Wegener plectrum, Romy Mäder, vocal&accordion, Martin Marczinke, vocal & tuba
John Huntsberger and friends...Dr.Joachim Hafkesbrink, Dr.Joachim Hamacher, Rolf Quack, Christian Schmitt, Joachim Hippenstiel
Sean Moyses
Tom Stuip and friends

Saturday
MC Dieter Grosche
Düsseldorfer Banjo Band
Bernhard Türk with Arnd Urhahn
Peter Bayerer with Rudi Redl
Jan Capec und Jakob Swoboda
John Huntsberger and friends w/o Dr.Hamacher und Christian Schmitt, additionaly Armin Runge Kontra Bass
Arno Hagenaars and Erwin Leijz

Through my longtime friendship with the artists I was able to have them on stage. Thanks for doing this for me and the club. There were different workshops on Saturday, they had mostly good feedback . We had also some exhibition stands with music stuff, banjos, guitars, etc, from Dag Bennend , Enzo Mucci, Sean Moyses and Tom Stuip
Special guests were : From Belgium - Catou Pecher and her husband Marc, who promises to send us many nice pictures, From Luxembourg - Ralph Bast and Herman Stute, From the Netherlands - Eric v.d.Lange,from Scotland - Bill Sommerville, who will report about the Banjo Party in Banjo Broad Sheet.....just to mention a few of many.
We had also our friend Jan Capec who recorded the whole banjo show on Video. If anybody would like to send recordings (audio or video) to myself, I will get them collated and presented for friendly distribution amongst the players/attendees.
Festival organisation and co-oordination was by Joachim Hippenstiel. Contact(Johippenstiel@compuserve.de)

My impression of the weekend was that it was one of the best banjo shows I have been to with lot of good music , fun and good friends.... what more do we need? I should mention this could not happen without the energy and power of the members of the Düsseldorfer Banjo Band, their wives and many banjo friends. Here is our "Thankyou!" to all the Düsseldorfer Banjo Club!!

Greetings, Joachim Hippenstiel.

Some feedback from our performers.....

Tom Stuip: Hallo Achim, I also really enjoyed playing there. Thank you for all the work you did organizing this festival. Tom.

Hans Jörg Elter: Thank you for doing so fine and the outstanding backup to have this wonderful party , with lot of good music and meeting all the banjo friends at least of the last 20 years or was it 30 years?

John Huntsberger: Highlight of my first trip to Europe as I was invited by Mr. Achim Hippenstiel to play at the All-German Banjo Rally in Dusseldorf where several of the top banjoists in Europe gathered for two nights of banjo playing, entertainment and fun. Many of the banjo players were unknown to me, although I recognized and met Sean Moyses, Hans Jörg Elter, Tom Stuip and Arno Hagenaars from The Netherlands, Peter Bayerer, and Günter Amendt, leader of the Dusseldorf Banjo Club.
Catou Pecher: I want to thank you again, you and all the banjoclub, for the wonderful moments we shared with all of you.the ambiance was good, the music was good, the food was good, the organisation was good, the choice of the musicians was good. We met a lot of nice people and we will keep contact.I recorded nearly everyting and I will put it on my website with the pictures that Marc took during the weekend.


"We’ll meet again"...Das war das Versprechen aus dem Jahr 2004 und auch das Einleitungsstück für das diesjährige Banjotreffen, der Banjo Party in Düsseldorf .Ausgerichtet von der Düsseldorfer Banjo Band mit Leader Günter Amendt.

Nach einer 3 jährigen Pause wollte die DBB für sich selbst und die vielen Spieler und Banjofreunde aus Deutschland und ganz Europa, dieses Versprechen einlösen.
Programm Freitag:

Programmführung Dieter Grosche
Düsseldorfer Banjo Band mit 25 aktiven Mitgliedern (unglaublich aber wahr)
Hans Jörg Elter Plektrum,
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Zeggert, Tenor und Werner Degenhardt Susaphon
Trio Harmony,Christian Wegener plectrum, Romy Mäder, vocal&Akkordion, Martin Marczinke, vocal & Tuba
John Huntsberger and friends Dr.Joachim Hafkesbrink, Dr.Joachim Hamacher, Rolf Quack, Christian Schmitt, Joachim Hippenstiel
Sean Moyses
Tom Stuip

Samstag
Programmführung Dieter Grosche
Düsseldorfer Banjo Club
Bernhard Türk und Arnd Urhahn
Peter Bayerer und Rudi Redl
Jan Capec und Jakob Swoboda
John Huntsberger and friends - ohne Dr.Hamacher und Christian Schmitt, jedoch mit Armin Runge Kontra Bass
Arno Hagenaars und Erwin Leijz

Durch langjährige Freundschaften mit den auftretenden Künstlern konnte ich diese für die Teilnahme gewinnen. Samstags wurden verschiedene Workshops angeboten, die zum Teil gut besucht waren. Ich persönlich hätte mir eine größere Teilnahme gewünscht. Ferner waren einige Ausstellungsstände mit u.a. Dag Bennend und Enzo Mucci, Sean Moyses und Tom Stuip

Besondere Gäste : aus Belgien -Catou Pecher mit ihrem Mann Marc, der uns noch viele schöne Aufnahmen (Fotos) schicken wird. Aus Luxemburg - Ralph Bast und Herman Stute , aus Holland - Eric v.d.Lange, aus Schottland - Bill Sommerville, der im Banjo Broad Sheet einen Artikel schreiben wird.
Um nur einige zu nennen.Ferner der Freund von Jan Capec der die ganze Session videomässig aufgenommen hat. Bezüglich der Koordination von Aufnahmen – Video/ DVD/ Audio - bitte melden bei Johippenstiel@compuserve.de. .

Mein Resümee: Eine gelungene, sehr musikalische und harmonische Veranstaltung, mit Flair, ermöglicht durch den Einsatz der Düsseldorfer Banjo Band, deren Ehepartner und den vielen Freunden. Ein recht herzliches Dankeschön der Düsseldorfer Banjo Band an alle.

i.A.

Joachim Hippenstiel



Hier einige Kommentare

Tom Stuip
Hallo Achim, I also really enjoyed playing there. Thank you for all the work you did organizing this festival. Tom

Hans Jörg Elter. Danke für Deine umsichtige Vorbereitung und kompetente Begleitung zu dieser wunderbaren Banjoparty mit viel guter Musik und dem Wiedertreffen alle guten Banjofreunde der letzten 20 Jahre! Oder waren es schon 30 Jahre?!

John Huntsberger schrieb: Highlight of my first trip to Europe as I was invited by Mr. Achim Hippenstiel to play at the All-German Banjo Rally in Dusseldorf where several of the top banjoists in Europe gathered for two nights of banjo playing, entertainment and fun.
Also ein Lob von einem alten Hasen in Sachen Banjofestival, der nebenbei als Schüler Frank Vignola und Howard Alden unterrichtet hat.
Catou Pecher: I want to thank you again, you and all the banjoclub, for the wonderful moments we shared with all of you.the ambiance was good, the music was good, the food was good, the organisation was good, the choice of the musicians was good. We met a lot of nice people and we will keep contact.I recorded nearly everyting and I will put it on my website with the pictures that Marc took during the weekend.


MY TRIP TO THE ALL-GERMAN BANJO RALLY

October 12th and 13th this year was the highlight of my first trip to Europe as I was invited by Mr. Achim Hippenstiel to play at the All-German Banjo Rally in Dusseldorf where several of the top banjoists in Europe gathered for two nights of banjo playing, entertainment and fun.
My nervousness about not knowing how words in English would ‘go over’ with the audience was at a high level. After performing and singing, my nervousness left as most people in the audience spoke and understood English far better than I understand German. “I Wish That I Was Born In Borneo”, “Floating Down That Old Green River”, “A Ghost Of A Chance” and “Borneo” went over well although the tremor in my voice didn’t prompt any offers >from a recording company! The group with whom I played included Joachim Hippenstiel on plectrum, Dr. Joachim Hamacher on bass sax, Christian Schmidt on clarinet, Dr. Joachim Hafgesbrink, on banjo and guitar and Rolf Quack, tenor banjo. Dr. Hafgesbrink played a Django-style “Dream” and “I’ll See You In My Dreams on guitar. Without the assistance of these very good musicians, “John Huntsberger and Friends” might not have received the applause and positive comments at the end of our two performances. And, yes, we could have called our group “The Three Joachims” and friends!
Many of the banjo players were unknown to me, although I recognized and met Sean Moyses, Hans Jörg Elter, Tom Stuip and Arno Hagenaars from The Netherlands, Peter Bayerer, and Günter Amendt, leader of the Dusseldorf Banjo Club. Perhaps the finest tenor player I have ever heard was Peter Bayerer and his B&D banjo. He was astoundingly fast, clean and produced beautiful music; some of the tunes were his own compostions. Sean Moyses was playing his beautiful Pietsch plectrum banjo – a work of art, as was his fine playing. A girl with him sang, “Amazing Grace” in a fine blues fashion. Hans Jörg Elter played his beautiful homemade plectrum banjo created while he worked at Richlieu’s Banjos. Bernhard Türk (Pietsch tenor banjo) , Jan Capec and Jakob Swoboda, an exciting Trio Harmony. Tom Stuip played his plectrum banjo in his superb soft and mellow style while wearing red shoes and a red shirt. I don’t think the shoes and shirt had anything to do with his playing, but certainly let you focus on his performance. Arno Hagenaars played with his outstanding Harry Reser style.
Should any of the readers get a chance to travel to Europe for a banjo rally, don’t hesitate in taking the time and using your money for events of this kind. They rival the ones here in America for the enthusiastic performances you will experience. And, feel free to contact me, John Huntsberger, for further information.

www.jazzbanjo.nl
PROGRAMMA / PROGRAM ZONDAG / SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2007

11.30 Deur open Festival
11.45 Workshop Hans-Joerg Elter (Duitsland)
13.00 Boschstraat Banjo Jam
13.30 Trio Harmonie Jena + Tom Stuip
14.00 Rocky van Schaik - Jongste Banjo Prof
14.30 Boschstraat Banjo Jam
15.00 Pauze
15.30 Boschstraat Banjo Jam
16.00 Hans-Joerg Elter (Duitsland)
16.45 Tom Stuip samen met
Hans de Bruijn op piano en
Ad Houtepen bas sax en vocaal
17.30 Boschstraat Banjo Jam
18.30 Einde / The End

LOKATIE / LOCATION
Gebouw Vereniging Artishock
Steenhoffstraat 46a - 3764 BM Soest - 035 601 95 77
Adres en route / Address and Route

BANJOJAM
De banjojam is voor iedere banjoist om aan mee te doen. Geen Banjo muzikanten die toch mee willen doen moeten zich eerst aanmelden bij de organisatie.
The Banjojam is open for every banjoplayer. Non Banjo musicians who want to join must report with the organisers.

ENTRÉE / ENTRANCE FEE
Entree is open voor iedereen !!
Uw bijdrage is € 7,00 voor de onkosten
Entrance is for everybody !!
Your sponsorship will be € 7,00 to cover the costs.

VERKOOP TAFELS / SALES TABLES
Gratis tafels beschikbaar
Free tables are availeble

ORGANISATIE / ORGANISATION
Management: Fetze Pijlman
Tel +31 35 6284592 / 6247562
info@jazzbanjo.nl

Hans-Joerg Elter is een van de beste Duitse Banjoisten en staat o.a. bekend door zijn vertolking van Take Your Pick, het nummer wat Arie Ligthart legendarisch maaktte. Hij trad op o.a. met Stephan Grapelli en raakte via hem geboeid op de Hot Club de France muziek. Hij is bekend van vele internationale festivals en is een beminnelijke banjoist.


Tom Stuip begon tenor banjo te spelen toen hij 12 was. Hij wilde eigenlijk liever een witte electrische gitaar zoals Tommy Steele had, maar financiën waren ontoereikend dus confisceerde hij de banjo van opa. De tenorbanjo werd enige jaren later omgezet in een plectrum banjo en een carriere vol roem en glorie lag voor de boeg. Belangrijkste banjoistische invloeden waren achtereenvolgens: Eddy Smith (Chris Barber's Jazz Band), Eddie Peabody, Elmer Snowden en Buddy Wachter.


Met zijn 21-jarige leeftijd is Rocky op het moment op het proffesionele gebied: de jongste banjoist van Nederland". Hij is begonnen op gitaar waarbij hij jazz en pop gestudeerd heeft bij Matthijs Spek te Utrecht. Tenorbanjo is nu zijn lust en zijn leven. Hij heeft o.a. opgetreden met Arno Hagenaars.


Het Trio Harmonie uit Jena treed op met een byzondere samenstelling t.w. banjo, sousaphon en accordeon. Door deze unieke samenstelling van instrumenten ontstaan er byzondere klanken en ongebruikelijke stemmen. Zij spelen niet alleen de traditionele jazz maar ook de muziek uit de 20 en 30-tiger jaren zoals Foxtrott, Tango en andere wereldmuziek uit die tijd.

The intent in bringing you this message is to let you know about a new banjo magazine for both the tenor and plectrum community. By reading this announcement, you will begin to see that FYI brings a new dynamic to informative sources for banjo related material. Its content is timely, yet timeless. It is visually a delight to see. It includes web site links that take the reader directly to on-line sites, and each issue comes to subscribers as an email attachment in .pdf format that can be read, saved and printed directly on your computer. You will, of course, need Adobe Reader to view FYI in .pdf format (its free), but FYI is subscriber friendly; our costs are less and you pay less than publications produced as traditional hard copy magazInes!


For Potential Subscribers contact Brad Boone at banjoi@aol.com

If this new approach to banjo publication peeks your interest, take this as your invitation to become a supporter by subscribing to FYI today. The first issue is slated to be ready for distribution by January 10th, 2008 and subsequent issues will be distributed on the 10th of each month thereafter. This offer serves to solicit your 12 copy subscription, now available at just $12.00 per year. This is not a traditional auction - just use the buy-it-now feature and pay using PayPal. When notified that your payment has been credited to seller's account, your name will be added to our subscription base and seller will confirm your subscription status. Our first issue will be released January 10th, 2008 and you will receive your first issue as an email attachment on that date. Our first issue, Volume 1, Number 1, features articles focusing on banjo personalities, perfecting the tremolo, learning ear playing techniques, a few ads, loads of pictures and graphics plus up-to-date news from the banjo community.

SPECIAL NOTE For Potential Advertisers

For those who market banjo related merchandise, the FYI format offers a unique ability for advertisers to reach a targeted audience. Your message is visually enhanced in full color and more conducive to attracting attention. Add to this the fact that your ad can include a web link that will immediately take the reader direct to your web site and you can begin to appreciate the added value of advertising in FYI. What makes this medium of particular value to your business is the extremely modest cost to bring your message into the 21st century. Would-be advertisers are encouraged to contact Brad at banjoi@aol.com for details.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING BANJO OFFERS OF ALL TIME!

Contributors include some of the world's best known teachers. Many articles focus on learning techniques. Each issue in full dramatic color. Countless graphics and diagrams train & entertain Comes with links that take the reader directly to related web sites.
Specifically geared to the needs of both tenor and plectrum players, FYI is published for the 4-string enthusiast who wants to stay abreast of what's happening in the banjo world, know who some of the best players are, and learn a variety of techniques that will improve their banjo playing skills. Most importantly, its current and timely, and up-to-date in a way that takes banjoing into the next century. Become a premier subscriber today and you'll be entitled to a 10% discount on all subsequent renewals!

Deering announces the latest Goodtime banjo…4 strings with 19-frets of musical opportunity waiting to be explored! In response to the resurgence of interest by Irish players to the 19-fret tenor banjo, the ever-popular Goodtime banjo in a 19-fret scale length is joining the ranks of its 17-fret cousin, already well received across the ocean and around the world! Fast-paced Irish jigs and reels played on the banjo traditionally found players preferring a closer fret scale and thus the 17-fret tenor banjo was popularly used for this purpose. Today’s new tenor players, including the noted Jerry O’Connor, are finding the increased versatility of a 19-fret scale to their liking. The Deering neck is noted for its slender, fast feel, qualities especially suited to lively Celtic tunes.
Creating the Goodtime in this increasingly popular scale length makes it more easily accessible to new and experienced players alike. Increased musical versatility at the same price as the 17-fret, they are retailing from $479 to $929 in the natural blond finish or $629 through $1129 in the stained Goodtime Classic style. Call your local authorized Deering dealer today, or call Deering banjos at their toll free USA number, 800-845-7791.
“The magic is in the music,” Greg Deering is very fond of saying. Deering banjos believe in keepi