Sound bites from 'Slow Jam Workshops' at the Banjo Conference 2011

Conference Convenor; Peter Nahuysen of Bellbird Banjos:
If you would like to learn more about this annual event visit the conference site.


Slow Jam Workshops tutor: Wendy Holman
of Fingerstyle Productions

As a sample of what we got up to, here are a couple of sound bites from the two more advanced groups of banjo pickers at the 2011 event.

Group 6 - Blue Ridge Cabin Home in G in 4/4 time - click here for the sound bite


We workshopped several techniques for back-up then brought them together in a song with a I IV V progression.
the group was divided into 2;
group A vamped the chords adding a Scruggs 'down the neck' lick at end of lines 2 and 4 where the singer pauses to take a breath.
On the other side of the circle, group B played a continuous 'Ralph Stanley' two-measure moveable lick based on the barre chord. The object of the game was to swap between these 2 techniques when Wendy shouted 'switch' !
Solos were free-for-all.
(Because the key of G was too low for Wendy to sing comfortably she took artistic licence and sung it as a blues version. Please consult Flat and Scruggs for the definitive melody.)
Group 6 were already competant banjo pickers with varying degrees of jamming experience so I felt confident in raising the stakes. This sound bite demonstrates how a number of banjo players can not only complement the vocalist but also one another.

Group 5 - Paradise in G in 3/4 time - click here for the sound bite


We focussed on chord patterns and possible back-up techniques in waltz time in this John Prine favourite.
Paradise has an extra 'breather' measure at the end of lines 2 and 4 and this takes a bit of getting used to.
Group 5 was richly endowed with singers so we also attempted some harmonies. It isn't easy to pick, sing, and focus on a brand new chord progression - and keep in time ! This is a sound bite that members of group 5 can be proud of.

Thanks to our rhythm section; Ed on guitar and Chris on bass (spouses of participating banjo players) who sat in on all the Slow Jam workshops. I reckon you guys will forever associate Blue Ridge Cabin Home with Tranquil Park!

 

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