What do these have in common? At least 2 things: they all excel in the melodic style and have been advancing the banjo into new territories throughout their careers.
You can view my complete Grey Fox 2008 Banjo Masters workshop video with Bill Keith, Bela Fleck, Pete Wernick, and Chris Pandolfi on Bill's website: BeaconBanjo
I met Bill Keith too a few years ago and he was full of great advice and tips. We had a meal together in a nearby restaurant and he he was happy to talk about anything and everything for an hour. His workshops have often been criticised for being overpacked with scale theory and structure but he's really trying to give people the tools to eventually approach the instrument in the same way as a piano and break free from the standard licks they've been using to expand their creative outlook.
I just met Bill Keith at Banjo camp north in Groton, MA. He's a really nice guy.... totally approchable. You can tell by talking with him that he sees music (and probably the world) in a different way...
That looks like Danny Barnes on the far right side of the screen. Did you edit out his break? What a shame. He's definitely in the same league as the others even if he's coming at it from a completely different direction. Any chance you will post his part?
I'm glad you asked. I DID edit out Danny Barnes, and I feel bad about that.
Danny Barnes was part of this tent session, and he was very creative. He was more willing to go "out there" than the other players. I'll see if I still have the video.
BTW, I tried to buy Danny's CD, after his stint on the main stage at Grey Fox 2007, except that the guy in front of me in line bought Danny's last CD. ("The guy in front of me in line" namely, Bill Keith!)
These ugy have been my favorites since I started playing in the mid 80's. I met Peter when I started playing at age 16 - what a thrill!! I love his melodic style.
Every time you hear Bill Keith play, it's like listening to the encyclopedia of endlessly beautiful banjo phrases. And he's greatly influenced every great artist sitting there with him.
What do these have in common? At least 2 things: they all excel in the melodic style and have been advancing the banjo into new territories throughout their careers.
rodford5 2 years ago
Tunes? Lotsa zonkin' and plonkin'
Uladach 2 years ago
No offense to Wernick but he's out of his league.
jennsd1 3 years ago
@jennsd1
Funny, I thought Wernick's was the best!
blackberryawesome 2 years ago
Hi, I've really enjoyed my visit. I just pike it on: You have a lot of info and depth here. Thanks for everything, Tom N.
Interesting comments from all too, thanks all!
motnovak 3 years ago
You can view my complete Grey Fox 2008 Banjo Masters workshop video with Bill Keith, Bela Fleck, Pete Wernick, and Chris Pandolfi on Bill's website: BeaconBanjo
robbif 3 years ago
I met Bill Keith too a few years ago and he was full of great advice and tips. We had a meal together in a nearby restaurant and he he was happy to talk about anything and everything for an hour. His workshops have often been criticised for being overpacked with scale theory and structure but he's really trying to give people the tools to eventually approach the instrument in the same way as a piano and break free from the standard licks they've been using to expand their creative outlook.
GuyAwoke 3 years ago
I just met Bill Keith at Banjo camp north in Groton, MA. He's a really nice guy.... totally approchable. You can tell by talking with him that he sees music (and probably the world) in a different way...
mew0717 3 years ago
That looks like Danny Barnes on the far right side of the screen. Did you edit out his break? What a shame. He's definitely in the same league as the others even if he's coming at it from a completely different direction. Any chance you will post his part?
boyratchet 4 years ago
I'm glad you asked. I DID edit out Danny Barnes, and I feel bad about that.
Danny Barnes was part of this tent session, and he was very creative. He was more willing to go "out there" than the other players. I'll see if I still have the video.
BTW, I tried to buy Danny's CD, after his stint on the main stage at Grey Fox 2007, except that the guy in front of me in line bought Danny's last CD. ("The guy in front of me in line" namely, Bill Keith!)
bdcgm 4 years ago
@boyratchet
yeah, but I've played with him and he's a serious dick.
whelhosses 1 year ago
Another cool thing about Bill is that he'll show you about a half-a-dozen ways to execute the same lick---pick the one you like (no pun intended.)
pfvideo 4 years ago
Does anyone know what tune Bill Keith is playing here?
GideonsTrump 4 years ago
I think it's Rickett's Hornpipe.
bdcgm 4 years ago
I was at this workshop. What these players can do with their banjo's is just mindblowing.
travelinman1892 4 years ago
These ugy have been my favorites since I started playing in the mid 80's. I met Peter when I started playing at age 16 - what a thrill!! I love his melodic style.
hayze151 4 years ago
bill kieth performed at my highschool a few weeks back, im not a big fan of blue grass but man that guy was incredible at playing the banjo
charlycobra 4 years ago
It's not very often we get to see this kind of banjo talent together at one spot. The great playing more than made up for the picture quality.
yank22257 4 years ago
Bill Keith is the man!!!. It is a true master who realizes a good strong melody is always of first and formost importance.
livininnashville 4 years ago
Every time you hear Bill Keith play, it's like listening to the encyclopedia of endlessly beautiful banjo phrases. And he's greatly influenced every great artist sitting there with him.
pfvideo 4 years ago 2
I think he's influenced just about every banjo player there is.
NSchrobilgen 4 years ago
That was really great!
HaydnMozartBeethoven 4 years ago