Comment by TONY BRYAN on March 9, 2014 at 21:40

John W. Bratton composed this famous piece back in 1908. The version played here, as arranged by S. Ambler, is the fast-food version. More 'The Teddy Bears' Pizza' than 'The Teddy Bears' Picnic'.
Arrangements of popular songs for banjo are unpredictable. Some work, some don't, but they invariably have a different feel for the player. No composer for the banjo would include bars with just two one-beat notes following a section that suddenly jumps up one octave then back two. However, here the arrangement gives the player a satisfactory feeling of accomplishment.

Comment by thereallyniceman on March 9, 2014 at 22:12

Good to see you back Tony.  That was absolutely marvellous!  I have always wanted to play this and attempted to arrange from a piano score but gave up!

That banjo has a bass "growl" to die for too!

The Ambler score for "Teddy Bears' Picnic" is available in the MUSIC LIBRARY for those who like a challenge!

LOVED IT !  6******  from me

Comment by Mike Redman on March 10, 2014 at 18:06

Well played Tony, I am currently working on this tune with my pianist, a wonderful novelty piece. I thought I was the only banjoist in the Turkish region, may bump into you at the local kebab shop? The banjo sounds very crisp, nice tone too.

Comment by Mike Moss on March 13, 2014 at 10:58

I can't get over how amazing this Nechville sounds. Goes to show that a modern banjo can be just as good as a period one to get that magical sound. 5*!

Comment by thereallyniceman on March 16, 2014 at 10:24

Yes Mike, an amazing arrangement, amazing sound and amazing playing!

Tony originally said that he was playing from the arrangement by Ambler but has now realised that his arrangement was actually by Robert Mahood.  I had tried the Ambler arrangement previously and could not get to grips with it at all.

Tony has kindly sent me the R Mahood score and I have added it to the MUSIC LIBRARY

... so we now have both arrangements, so there is no excuse not to have a go at this one!

Thank you Tony, or should I say Tapis?

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