Banjo Heroes
Despite my comments about early experiences with Clawhammer and banjos in general I am no different from most lovers of banjo music. Over the years I tried many styles and listened to hundreds of recordings and watched umpteen videos. On the way I experienced many players and even had the privilege to meet a couple of them in the flesh. I have my favourites. And I hope I can share them with you and direct you to them if you have never heard of them. This will be an ongoing project so drop in from time to time to see if any new names have cropped up.
If you are mooching round this site then you may be one of the targeted visitors that have been playing (or learning)banjo for 2 years or less.If so, you are maybe astonished at the diversity of material and players on the Internet.
Certainly you will have noticed that Clawhammer and Bluegrass sites are vastly different. Likewise, the musicians are different but less so.They play the same tunes.They teach very similar techniques. And mainly that's because most of the top banjo players include many styles in their repertoire and are not over touchy about one style or another.They mostly realise that the banjo is a very versatile instrument and can add uniquely to nearly any type of musical genre.
Nothing sounds quite like a banjo and very few instruments can add the drive and attack that are so characteristic of the banjo sound.
So, as you start to delve into the "wonder world" of banjo players, I would like to put forward a few names that have influenced me and thousands before me.
Some are from the past and some are still very much alive.
There are links that will take you to appropriate sites if you are tempted to find out more about any of them.
Enjoy and learn.
Just click on the names for details.
​
​
​