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G&F Band

What of slogans and codes?

August 5, 2015

True or trite? Wise or wistful? Fact or forget-about-it? Rite or wrong?

The Code of G&F (for the BRC founder`s band ): as transcribed from the original Latin text –

1) “E bandita rehearsus unim dispersus ad infinitum” translates `The band that rehearses together disperses forever.`

2)” Negatori musica populatum diminuendi versus bandita” translates ` Play no music if the audience is smaller than the band.`BB 7:31

Inspiring or insipid? Rules or rubbish? Tagline or out–of-line? Motto or loco?

Slogans of the BRC workshop staff:

1) “All banjos deserve a second chance.” Question- Are older banjo pickers afforded this generosity?

2) “A New Tomorrow for Old Banjos.”  Questions- Will there be a new dawn for aging banjo pickers? Are there banjos in heaven? If a banjo falls in the forest, does it make a sound?B`wayB

 

 

Pictured is the` Gainor & Friends` band promo and gig photo chronicling a recent benefit  performance for the Children`s Hospital which was preceded, as always,  by no rehearsal. By serendipity, the brewpub audience was larger than the G&F band.

 

Bio

BRC founder`s status upgraded…

July 22, 2015

For 3 decades, a by-invitation-only jam session has been convening after hours on Thursday evenings in the basement of a local hardware store.  Out of town guests were recently hosted at this closed get-together,  and the BRC founder was introduced to them as a `new` member because he had been  invited to join the jam session only 20 years ago. Careful research has subsequently revealed, however, that the BRC founder actually joined the  group 25 years ago, and so he petitioned for `associate` membership. The senior musicians quietly conferred among themselves and balloted to approve his application with the proviso that he would be eligible for `full` membership in the year 2020 if still in good standing.Harley 2015

To rejoice in his new and exalted status upgrade, the BRC founder played his beloved Baldwin Model D banjo at the yearly Harley Davidson dealership festival  benefitting the Children`s Hospital. harley `15

 

 

 

 

Of historical interest, the Baldwin Piano Company purchased the Ode banjo business in 1966 to explore the folk music instrument market. Profits were marginal, and in a few years the Baldwin/Ode line was a financially re-structured as a Gretsch affiliate .

To co-celebrate the BRC founder`s recently elevated rank at the Thursday night jam session, we invite our cherished readers to click-on the below link and enjoy him and musician buddies performing a sweet tempo  “Colleen Malone”  at Lucy`s burger pub. Watch Barry (black T-shirt at 1:05 mins) happily pick his vintage Baldwin Model D, a prized Bluegrass banjo collector`s item.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqfcMhkM-2c

 

Cell Perches & HVO

A Case in Point

July 7, 2015

In a room adjacent to the BRC workshop is a collection of vintage banjo cases. In case you are wondering, our favorite is a circa 1972 near-mint condition Ess & Ess  case that housed a Baldwin Ode 2SR banjo. The  Ess & Ess Mfg. Co. was founded in 1950 and three  years later became the Ess & Ess Music Case Company.  The owner`s son Marty ran the business from 1964 to 1984 when the enterprise was sold to Harptone who had made Martin guitar cases for years in Newark, NJ. IMG_1536 - Version 2

Because of finely crafted workmanship, the Gibson Guitar Co. subcontracted to Ess & Ess starting in 1969 to produce cases for the E-335, Les Paul, and Barney Kessel guitar lines. Ess & Ess also supplied Gretsch (an affiliate of Baldwin Ode), Guild,  Kramer and other instrument manufacturers with sturdy luggage-like products bearing alligator grained hide exteriors. You can make a case for what is your new or old favorite jewel box,  but the Ess & Ess is a classic beauty.Ess bldg

 

 

Essentially all that remains of the Company today is the ghostly painted name over its former main entrance at 95 Grand St. Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY.

Cell Perches & HVO

Banjo music speaks volumes….

June 22, 2015

Since its inception eight years ago, our annual community Blues and Roots Barbecue Festival has hosted a rich cavalcade of musical Americana including tip-top Bluegrass acts.  Two years ago,  the duo of Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn headlined as performing artists. Last year, Hot Rize took the stage, and the front page of the program featured a bushy-tailed squirrel  (modeled after Utah Phillip`s song “Rock Salt and Nails”..?) clasping a banjo in its furry mitts. squirrel

For this year`s BNR fest, it was recently announced that the grounding-breaking Punch Brothers will be appearing on stage with their consummate banjoist Noam Pikelny who won the 2010 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. It looks like another great Fall festival is shaping-up, especially for humble devotees of the 5 string who dream of maybe someday briefly becoming a banjo “…player that strums and frets his hour upon the stage,  and then is heard….”. **

No more, till later. In the meantime, the BRC wishes its faithful readers a pleasant summer, and we encourage all you musicians to stay tuned.

** Adapted from Will Shakespeare`s Macbeth, Act 5, scene 5, 19-28.

https://twitter.com/muhealth/status/545632826230452224

Bio

Embrace Your Inner Hillbilly….

June 7, 2015

“Country rocks, but Bluegrass rules! ” – J.D.Sumnerhillbilly

“Three chords and the truth”- definition of country music attributed to songwriter Harlan Howard

“Bluegrass music is an addiction, and I ain`t lookin` for a cure”- unknown picker

“Redneck-tify?” -BRC founder`s daughter

“Thanks for playing that music. That`s what God created you guys for.”  -an appreciative farmer at an outdoor gig by the BRC founder`s band.

D18-37

 

 

 

At a jam session in Eldon, MO, the BRC founder admires Ross` restored 1937 Martin D-18 guitar. What a classic gem!

 

P.S. Due south of Eldon is the Willow Springs landmark  `Hillbilly Junction` roadside rest center.