International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

Sean Moyses, one of Europe’s premiere four-string banjoists, has recently released his latest recording – "Banjo Power!" In listening to the recording, two words come to mind: quality and variety! This is an exceptionally well done CD on many levels. First and foremost, Sean is an excellent plectrum player. He also has an understanding of what appeals to a wide range of listenership. The combination makes for a banjo recording well worth having.
"Banjo Power" was recorded in a professional studio with some terrific musicians in addition to Sean. The result is an overall sound that’s full and well balanced. Each tune has its own strengths and nuances, no matter what the instrumentation.
Do you like verses? Most of the tunes on this CD have the verse! This is really nice for those of us trying to track verses down. Sean sings a bunch of them – and he has a super voice for the 1920’s style tunes.
Sean also glides effortlessly from tune to tune and banjo style to banjo style. "Banjo Power!" opens with the standard "Runnin’ Wild" utilizing the rarely heard bass saxophone to fill in the bottom end. A nice banjo chord melody lead by Sean develops into a creative chord and single-string improvisation. Then he throws in an unexpected key change! Overall, the tune is very satisfying to the ear.
The second number, "Doll Dance," has a completely different feel to it from the first tune. "Doll Dance" is much slower and edges toward ragtime. Then Sean musically changes everything again! He moves from the banjo to a National plectrum guitar and sings "I’ve Got A Feeling I’m Falling." Great tune and excellent instrumentation!
Each tune on "Banjo Power!" has something noticeably different as part of it. "It’s Only A Paper Moon" has a beautiful plectrum guitar introduction, "Button Up Your Overcoat" has the seldom-used verse, "Hard Hearted Hannah" is played on baritone uke ,"Crazy Jo" is played on the plectrum banjo with the bass sax, "Tea For Two" is played solo with an amazingly light touch on the banjo including the verse, and so on. You get the idea!
There’s also a special original piece composed by Sean titled "Ukulele Tagliatelli." If you listen closely to the tune, you’ll hear some fascinating chord changes, timing and playing dexterity.
Bottom line: "Banjo Power" is a special recording. To the casual listener, the variety of tunes and instrumentation on this CD will keep toes tapping. The more advanced banjoist will want this CD for musical ideas, verses, key changes and performing talent. Way to go, Sean. You have a true winner in "Banjo Power!"
"Banjo Power!" can be ordered directly from Sean. Go to: CDs@SeanMoyses.com or visit www.SeanMoyses.com.

BANJO POWER! - die aktuelle CD von Sean Moyses ist da! Nach seinen ersten Banjo-CDs "Hot Rhythm" und "Tiger Rag" legt Sean hier eine exzellente Musikpalette vor, unterstützt von hochrangigen Musikanten wie: Andy Leggett/bss; Ralf Peyer/piano; Matthias Seuffert/cl, sax;Michael Neusser/dr, wb und "last but not least": charming Miryam Stober, die uns mit ihrer ausdrucksstarken Stimme verzaubert - hier an der Violine! Wir kennen Sean als kraftvollen Banjosolisten, der die höchsten Schwierigkeitsgrade charmant meistert und wundervolle Bearbeitungen präsentiert.Was Sean allerdings auf dieser CD auf seinem Pietsch Mastervox Plectrum Banjo, auf der Plectrumguitar und auf dem Banjo-Uke und der Bariton-Uke zaubert und stilecht gestaltet, ist große Klasse! Furios geht´s mit "Running Wild" in einen musikalischen Bogen über "The Doll Dance", "I´ve got a feeling I´m falling" (sehr bluesig!) über "That´a Plenty" und "Paintingthe clouds…" zum Solopart "TakeYour Pick". Mir gefällt diese Einspielung in seiner speziellen Banjostimmung sehr gut - bei ruhiger Tempowahl folgt die harmonische Geschichte, die wirklich als Aufforderung für alle Banjoliebhaber zu verstehen ist: "Greif´ Dein Pick und spiele". Sehr angenehm ist der Verzicht auf halsbrecherische Sololäufe - klare Harmonieverbindungenbeweisen wieder: in der Schlichtheit liegt die Genialität! Weiter geht´s mit "It´s only a Paper Moon" und "Sing Song Girl" mit herrlichen Song- und Pianopassagen zum Resertitel "Crazy Jo", den Sean souverän und gekonnt vorstellt. Die musikalische Vielfalt und universelle Musikalität beweist Sean in den folgenden Titeln "Button up Your Overcoat", "Hard Hearted Hannah","St. Louis Blues". Ein Kammerstück ist ohne Zweifel "Ukulele Tagliatelli", auf höchstem Uke-Niveau gespielt! Sehr romantisch die Titel "At Sundown" und "Pasadena". "Tea for Two" und "Bye Bye Blues" machen Appetit auf mehr!Mehr wunderbare Unterhaltungsmusik auf hohem Konzertniveau gespielt vom liebenswerten und engagierten Klassemusikanten Sean Moyses: Die CD ist ein MUSS für Liebhaber und Banjospieler, Guitarristen und Uke-Player!
Bestellung unter www.SeanMoyses.com
Grüße, Hans Jörg Elter

European banjo players on CD
*NEW Arno Hagenaars offers his new CD "Stung". Send 15Euro (includes postage) to:- Arno Haagenaars, Nieuwland 2, 4617MB, Bergen-op-Zoom, Holland. Email arnohagenaars@zeelandnet.nl
*Ring, ring de banjo! banjo showpieces. A brilliant collection of vintage banjo greats including Ken Harvey, Mike Artuso, Joe Brannely, Eddie Peabody, Pete Mandell, Emile Grimshaw, George Morris etc. I can highly recommend this one, the sound quality is excellent! Go to www.sanctuaryrecords.com
* Hans Jörg Elter offers "Delicious Jazz" by his Silver Bell Quartet. This is a sampler CD-R and presents the banjo alongside stringed accompaniment.The cost is Euro13 inclusive postage. Contact www.guitarelter.de or elterbanjo@web.de
*Ukulele maestro Andy Eastwood has a new CD called "Ukulele Mania" available. Send Euro18/GBP10 (postage included) to Andy Eastwood, PO Box 5004, Christchurch, BH23WD, UK or order online at www.AndyEastwood.com
*"Clap hands", the latest CD from Dutch banjo master Tom Stuip and the Jazz-o-matic Four. Also available are “Aces of Syncopation” Kitano Walk, In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree, Sidney and Lastic. “Jazz-O-Matic Four” Happy Feet, “Crooks” Live In Novosibirsk, “Tom Stuip and Delirium Tremolo” The Great Banjo Conspiracy. Contact stuip@planet.nl
*Leon Hunt’s latest solo CD “Miles apart” features his terrific progressive 5-string banjo by mixing bluegrass, jazz, and folk styles. This is a great CD! Details via leon@leonhunt.com
*“This ‘ere de story..” Lonnie Donegan’s life story in music and words by Lonnie himself. Recorded at the 100 club in London in 1996.Contact www.lutz-eikelmann.de
* “Banjo Power!” the latest CD from Sean Moyses includes Running Wild, The Doll Dance, I’ve got a feeling I’m falling, Crazy ‘jo and 15 other 1920’s classics. Professionally produced, it costs 13GBP/20Euro/$20 including postage. Also available, “Tiger Rag”. 14 popular banjo solo’s with backing from Thomas Jaehn and Bernd Kröger plus “Hot Rhythm”, 1920’s classic jazz & ragtime banjo with the Hot Rhythm Boys and Ragtime Two. “Banjo Power”, die neue CD von Sean Moyses, kann man nun für 20 Euro (inkl. Versand) bestellen. Contact CDs@SeanMoyses.com You can also buy online with paypal / credit card via www.SeanMoyses.com
*The Hungarian Banjo Kings featuring Tama´s Be´nyei is a mixture of traditional Hungarian folk and chansons with some really good jazz standards thrown in. Virtuoso playing that is a breath of fresh air for banjo collection. Contact hotjazzband@tzteam.hu
* “Joe Gordon’s Ragtime Banjo”. A good selection of rags, tunes and songs from Joe Gordon. Also available “More Ragtime Banjo!”, the follow-up CD. Contact joeandsally@lineone.net
*I.B.J.F. 2000 video. 3 hours of fun from the Düsseldorf banjo festival, Germany. I.B.J.F.2002 live! Music CD-MP3 for D.V.Ds, computers or CD-MP3 players with 117 titles. Musical highlights of the I.B.J.F. 2003. Regular CD, various artists. Contact jh@aroew.de
*Zum 45jährigen Bühnenjubiläum und zum 60. Geburtstag von Peter “Banjo” Meyer: DVD: "...a-one...two...three...four..." - TV und Videoraritäten aus über 30 Jahren mit Jazz Lips, Old Merry Tale Jazzband, Buddy Wachter, Int. Banjo-Festival 1989, Banjo-Jubilee 1984, Reiner Regel's Airmail, Andy Cooper's Euro Top 8, New Orleans Parade u.v.a. € 22,- plus Versandkosten. "Jazz Celebration" CD mit den European Jazz Giants, Andy Cooper's Euro Top 8, New Orleans Parade, Lillian Boutté & Baby Boomers Of New Orleans Jazz, Paul "Polo" Barnes Int. New Orleans Band u.v.a., € 15,00 plus Versandkosten. Also, “Duellin’ Banjos” CD with music compiled from recordings with Buddy Wachter, Klaus Buhe and Don Hirst. Bestellungen über banjomeyer@aol.com / www.banjomeyer.de Bei Bestellung von DVD und CD Sonderpreis € 33,00 statt 37,00 (zzgl. Versandkosten). Peter also distributes OME banjos.
*Hans-Joerg Elter präsentiert seine CD "Memories" mit 20 ausgewählten Hot-Jazz-Titeln von "When my Dreamboat comes Home" bis "Kansas City Stomp" swingt das kraftvoll gespielte Jazzbanjo Hans-Joerg Elters in zahlreichen Banjo-Parts und Solostücken und erzählt seine facettenreiche Banjozeit in verschiedenen Jazzbands seit 1967 bis heute. Die CD wurde im Feb 2004 professionell produziert von Universal, Deutschland. Ebenso erhältlich-"Take Your Pick" mit swingender Banjo-Musik von Pete Mandell, Django Reinhardt und eigenen Kompositionen im Hot-Club-Stil. Hans-Joerg Elter -“Memories”. 20 Hot Jazz titles with bands and banjo solos in the swinging- power- playing style of Hans-Joerg Elter from 1967 to the present day. Professionally produced by Universal in Germany. Also available- “Take Your Pick”, music of P.Mandell, Django Reinhardt & own compositions. Euro 15,- plus postage. or new condition. Contact www.guitarelter.de or Hans-Joerg Elter, Demminer Str.8A, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany. Tel. (++49) 0511 771356.
*Julian Vincent (tenor banjo) & Keith Nichols (piano) offer a CD of duets ranging from Reser and Mandell to JR Morton and WA Mozart. It costs GBP 7,50 or Euro 15 (including postage). It can be obtained by post from J. Vincent, Laburnum cottage, 48 Frome road, Bath, BA2 2QB, U.K, or by contacting j.f.v.vincent@bath.ac.uk . Julian also publishes "The Banjoists' Broadsheet" every 6 to 8 weeks, with in-depth articles, news and music. 8 issues for GBP 5, Euro 13 or GDP 12 / USD 20.
*String Trio Schleswig Holstein offers a unique and pleasant mixture of music with “Intimate tunes”. Visit www.stringtriosh.de
*Ruedi Bleuer’s CD is called “Banjo with bite” with Buddy Wachter and Jens Krueger. Contact Ruedi Bleuer, Hohle gasse 16, CH-8154 Oberglatt, Switzerland or mail banjo-bleuer@bluewin.ch
*Howard Shepherd's latest CD (Plectrum Banjo with backing) includes Cherokee / When Day Is Done / Czardas / Tiger Rag /. It costs £10 Stirling / 15 Euro / $20 (including shipping) Send bills only please to: Mike Dexter, 1 Meadow St, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 4AY, England.
*Elias Sibley’s “The Classical banjo collection” has twelve lovely titles played finger style on an open back 5-string banjo with piano accompaniment. Contact www.sibley-music.co.uk

American banjo players on CD
*NEW! Fans worldwide of Marvin "Smokey" Montgomery, legendary tenor banjoist with The Light Crust Doughboys for 66 years, can access CDs, cassettes, books, videos and DVDs featuring Smokey at www.artgreenhaw.com/music.htm and also www.artgreenhaw.com/merchandise.htm
*NEW! Tyler Jackson is a very talented teenager with an extremely good handling of the tenor banjo. His debut CD is called "First Impression" and is produced by Buddy Wachter.The music goes from Reser to self penned originals with very good backing. Go to www.4stringbanjo.com for ordering details.
*NEW! Scott Whitfield offers a banjo CD with a difference. He has placed the instrument in a conventional setting usually reserved for the guitarist and along with a swinging backing group you can expect a smattering of country/rock and self composed titles. Order through www.Scottsound.com
*NEW! Douglas Back offers three CDs, “The banjo goes highbrow”, “The big three reprise” and “Droolin’ banjos”. Here is a fine exponent of the classical five string finger style banjo and these are a nice addition to any banjo collection. Contact Doug through dback@knology.com or visit www.belmando.com.
* "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart-The Banjo-maniacs of Guthrie," a documentary film by Amy Finkel. To learn more about the film, or to purchase a “Zing !” DVD or T-shirt, please visit http://www.stringsofmyheart.com , or email Amy at banjomaniac@stringsofmyheart.com .
* “By the sea”, with Steve Caddick & Eddy Kebabjian. Contact banjopa1@yahoo.com
Harry Reser and the Clicqout Club Eskimos - radio broadcast transcriptions from 1951, previously un-issued and a must for all serious collectors of banjo music. Contact Juergen@Kulus.de
*Dallas Banjo Band recorded in 1995, conducted by Marvin “Smoky” Montgomery and assisted by Scott Whitfield, this is probably one of the best banjo bands in the world today. Also available “Smoky’s Picks” - their most recent CD and excellent quality, a tribute to the late Smoky Montgomery. Go to www.dallasbanjoband.com for more information.
*Tim Allan “By Request” from the Canadian tenor banjo master. It costs $15 plus shipping and can be ordered through his website at www.Timallan.com
*Jack Convery and friends is a compilation CD featuring Jack with Dave Marty & the Medicine Ball band, the Red Garter Club band and the Bluegrass Buddies. Available through www.banjojazz.com .
*Frank Vignola & Bob Pagillo have released a CD called “After Hours”. This is an assortment of easy listening standards. Please Frank Vignola, 34 Waterbury road, Warwick, NY 10990 U.S.A.
*Cynthia Sayer’s many banjo recordings are available through www.cynthiasayer.com and the multi-media CD “Souvenirs” for playing on your computer is available through www.banjo.2003.de
*Buddy Wachter and Johnny Baier have a highly acclaimed CD out called “Side by side”. Contact Buddy at www.BuddyWachter.com for information.
*Scott Whitfield has released a CD called “Born to banjo” and in addition offers many other recordings and instructional books for tenor banjo. Go to www.Scottsoundnet.com
*Mickey Finn & Cathy Riley have a CD out called “The Entertainers” and features some of their tunes such as “The Sting,” “Swanee” and “Hello Dolly” etc. Visit www.MickeyFinnShow.com
*David Frey offers ”The Three Plectrums”, along-side banjo-ists Larry Kennedy & Kurt Bell, “Vested Interest” with the Southdown Strummers and “Positively Fourth Street” with the Fourth Street Five jazz band. Contact strumr@msn.com for details.
* “Celebrate” is a compilation CD issued by the Banjo Hall of Fame and can be ordered by through www.banjomuseum.org .

Books, tutors & accessories
*Harry Reser‘s 20 lesson course for tenor banjo. Written in English, Only / Nur 20€ / $20, zuzüglich Porto und Verpackung. Porto und Verpackung belaufen sich auf 2€ innerhalb Deutschlands; für andere Länder kostet es 5€ Land-, bzw. 7€ Luftpost in Europa oder 15€ Luftpost in andere Teile der Welt. Bezahlt werden kann in bar, per Zahlkarte, über PayPal (http://www.paypal.com ) ich heiße dort jhk3). GHS-Saiten, Standardsätze für Tenor banjo/tenor guitarre in verschiedenen Ausführungen und Stärken. Einzelsaiten je 1 Euro (A, D-Saite) bzw. 2,30 Euro (umwickelte Saiten), Satz 6,10 Euro. Bei Bestellungen unter 10 Sätzen Porto (oder Äquivalent in Einzelsaiten) 2 Euro. Ab zehn Sätzen Porto und Verpackung frei. Jim Farqhuar Stege in ½”, 9/16th” 5/8th” oder Sonderanfertigung. 2 oder 3 Bein, Ebenholzauflage oder Ebenholz mit Taqua-Einlagen, ab 23 Euro. Bestellung über Jürgen Kulus, Carl-Schminke Str.12, 71229 Leonberg, Germany. Tel.0049 (0)7152 949414 oder über Juergen@Kulus.de . Enquieries in English welcome.
* "Learning Plectrum banjo" by Hans-Joerg Elter, Lernbroschüre für den interessierten Banjospieler, 60 Seiten voll mit Lern-und Trainingsspaß! Für das klassische Plectrumbanjo in C-G-H-D-Stimmung und für guitar tuning D-G-H-E ; verschiedene Spieltechniken, Jazz Harmonielehre, "Solostücke vom Blatt lernen", Improvisations-Methoden und viele Infos rund ums Plectrumbanjo! Die Broschüre ist in deutscher Sprache - die chord trainings sind grafisch angelegt und somit international verständlich: die Plectrumbanjo-Schule direkt anfordern für Euro 25,- plus Porto.
“Tenorbanjoschule- easy course of instruction” for C-G-D-A tuning. Shows left and right hand techniques, jazz chords and inversions up to the 19th fret. 44 pages of banjo fun for just 25 Euro plus postage. Contact or new condition. Contact www.guitarelter.de or Hans-Joerg Elter, Demminer Str.8A, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany. Tel. (++49) 0511 771356.
Instruction books with over 800 plectrum, 425 tenor and 450 guitar tuned banjo solos! Contact Don Stevison donstevison@hotmail.com
*“The ultimate plectrum banjo player’s guide” by David Frey and Susanne Sangiacomo. CD audio booklets now accompany this series. Contact strumr@msn.com or www.banjobook.com
*David Price offers his book “Chords for the banjo” and “The complete banjo works of Emile Grimshaw” containing all 70 pieces in a beautifully bound book. David also publishes “The Banjo Times” magazine which covers all aspects of banjo. Contact via dvprice@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.jazzbanduk.com for more details.
*Don van Palta offers a free video as an introduction to his instruction course on plectrum banjo as well as very good CDs in chord melody style. Discounted prices on new “Richelieu” banjos too! Contact www.dixiejazz.com/banjo.html
Hundreds of chord charts for hundreds of classic jazz tunes. “The Chord Book” is priced at Australian $85 + $25p&p contact Herb@giant.net.au / http://www.giant.net.au/users/herb
*Top Canadian player Tim Allan offers instruction tapes and books for tenor banjo. “Tim Allan in concert” video, 5 banjo CDs and more. Go to www.timallan.com for full details.
*Bob Mansure makes personalised padded case covers for banjo, mandolin & guitar players. Amp and speaker covers are also manufactured. Contact www.personalizedcovers.com
*Building a banjo? Try First Quality Musical Supplies. They supply Gibson with most (if not all) of their parts so look at www.fqms.com Be aware of European import costs!
*Saitensprung in Switzerland, offer banjos, guitars and mandolins. Go to www.saitensprung.ch .
*Hamburg’s “Die Banjo Werkstatt” is run by luthier Karsten Schnoor and he can be contacted for all repairs and restorations by telephone +49 (Germany) 40 880 8374.
Want to add your item to the list? Mail me at IJBN@SeanMoyses.com