Listening/learning suggestions for a newbie

[Southernboy]

Hello all,

I have been playing 'modern' bluegrass banjo for a few years. In the last year I began doing some re-enacting and hence have become interested in CW period music and banjo. I have no idea where to even start listening though to hear authentic period banjo. I was hoping some of you with more experience in this area might point me in the right direction. I realize that the period clawhammer style is much different than our modern day three finger pickin' and am interested in hearing it done correctly with the intention of learning it myself. Any suggestions of CD's, artists, ect. to cut my teeth on would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Old Cremona]

Steve,

As a life-long Scruggs-Style picker, I know just where you're coming from. Minstrel Style is a gas, and not all that hard to learn. Tony Trischka said he had been trying to learn Clawhammer for years without success, but when he tried Minstrel Style, it all came together.

Forget all the clawhammer and frailing method books, focus all of your limited practice time on Minstrel. Buy Centerstream Publications Briggs Banjo Instructor, Transcribed by Joe Weidlich. There are other Centerstream Books you'll want later, but that's a good place to start. Also, you MUST buy Rounder Records 'Minstrel Banjo Style', #0321. There are great recordings out by Clarke Buehling, Bob Flesher, Joe Ayers, and others. Fill your head with those sounds.

You can start out using your resonator banjo to practice, but you'll soon want to sound like the CD's you're listening to. Good banjo's are made by Bob Flesher, Marty Liebschner(sp?), and James J. Hartel. DON'T buy a less than accurate minstrel banjo. You'll be sorry.

If you have trouble at first with the stroke motion, see a clawhammer teacher for help. The basic motion is the same for both styles.

Good luck. Minstrel banjo is a blast!