The banjo is a wonderful instrument with its own unique sound. Generally, we associate it with Dixieland, Country-Western, or the blues. We often think of the blues and the banjo as going hand-in-hand, but the banjo actually changes according to where its being played.
African Americans have been playing the banjo and the fiddle for nearly 300 years. Caucasians also have been playing it since the late 1800s and early 1900s, and both races shared their strumming style and appreciation for the banjo. Region also influences how the music sounds. If you hear it played in the Mississippi Delta, then travel to Virginia Piedmont, you may not know its the same instrument.
In the early 19th century black musicians were responsible for the way the banjo sounded. Gus Cannon, more commonly known as Banjo Joe was a very popular player. His accompanist was often a man named Blind Blake. In 1927 Banjo Joe made some records for the Paramount label. His techniques soon were celebrated. Among them were frailing, a method still studied, slide banjo, and rolling.
These days you hear banjos in all types of music including square dance, swing, bluegrass, and others. The older music of the early 19th century was more down-home. Its reminiscent of close friends getting together to jam. The older music was more colorful with unusual beats and rhythm. Today, we still enjoy the banjo, but in general the sound is stiffer. Enthusiasts still miss Allen Shelton and some other old time players who really let it rip! |
