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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Encore Rag..1912..Tadfisher

This is a very good rag by a composer about whom I could find no info or other published music.The piano score was in F/Bb but to access the full range of notes on banjo I've arranged it in G. In the 2nd. and 4th. parts, I've changed some of the chords to minor chords and lowered some of it by an octave and set the tempo of the MP3 slightly slower than the recommended 98 bpm. The score and MP3 will be added to the library...Steve.…See More
Tuesday
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Wizzle Dozzle (Ragtime march and two stap)..1911..Harry Bell & Lloyd Johnson

This is the last of my trio of rare, one off rags by unknown composers. This one is probably the best of them and I love the title, if anyone knows anything about a Wizzle Dozzle let me know! The piano score is written in Eb/Ab but I find that C/F works better on the banjo. I've also raised some passage by an octave. My suggested LH fingering for the Trio is a bit unconventional but it works for me. The attached score and MP3 will be added to the library...Steve.…See More
Jul 18
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Keep Busy (A Ragtime Oddity)..1911..George Hardaway Frazer

This is another very well written and rare one off rag. Little is known of the composer other than he lived all his life in Alabama and was a noted musician. This is the only composition of his that was published. The attached scores and MP3 will be added to the library....Steve. See More
Jul 16
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

The Dance Of The Hogan's Alley Kid..1897..F.C.Shardlow

This tune was named after The Yellow Kid, an early cartoon character that appeared in the cartoon strip Hogan's Alley which ran between 1896-1898. It's a lively but challenging in parts novelty piece by a composer about whom I could find no information. I spent quite some time trying out numerous different fingerings until I arrived at the final version which is a mix of classic and melodic styles. The original piano score was written in Eb/Bb but I found that F/C worked better on the banjo.…See More
Jul 14
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Any Old Rag (1909)..Richard Goosman

I was unable to find out much about the composer of this well written two step. There are a few other compositions by him but in my opinion, this is the best of them. The piano score was written in G but but I've arranged it in C as it better fits the banjo. I've also included very good orchestral MP3 of this tune. The score and mp3 will be added to the library later...Steve.…See More
Jul 9
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Jody Stecher replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Reuben Reel (Novelty One Step)..1914..Maxwell Goldman
"So long as the ham isn't green......."
Jul 5
Trapdoor2 replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Reuben Reel (Novelty One Step)..1914..Maxwell Goldman
"1. The 4th strain is marked "Trio" in the original sheet music. I think this makes the "Reuben, Reuben" strain an interlude rather than a part. 2. I like how the original sheet gives options for the interlude. It suggests playing…"
Jul 4
Steve Harrison replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Reuben Reel (Novelty One Step)..1914..Maxwell Goldman
"Hi Jody, on the original piano score, the 4th part is marked as the trio.  I'd never heard of the song Reuben and Rachel so thanks or the info...Steve."
Jul 4
Jody Stecher replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Reuben Reel (Novelty One Step)..1914..Maxwell Goldman
"I'm a bit corn-fused here (staying with the rural theme).   The trio in your transcription is in F, not C.   Maybe you mean the 4th part?  Is the trio in this music not always part 3? Also at the risk of stating the obvious, (but…"
Jul 4
Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Reuben Reel (Novelty One Step)..1914..Maxwell Goldman

This tune begins in the style of a hoedown and is ideally suited to the banjo. It then gets interesting, from bars 40 to 63, the melody repeats upwards in increments of a semi tone, changing key each time. Bars 54-63 are my interpretation as I didn't like what was on the piano score. The trio was in F on the piano score but C worked better with my changes. The score and MP3 will be added to the library later.Steve.…See More
Jul 3
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Steve Harrison commented on Daniel Fitzpatrick's video
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Mozart: Lacrimosa | Epic Banjo Cover

"Hi Daniel, welcome to CB.Ning. If the banjo had been around in Mozart's time, I'm sure he'd have written music for it!..Steve. "
Jun 30
Steve Harrison posted a discussion

That Bullfrog Rag (In a Class By Itself)..1917..George Washington Thomas

Although not as well known, in my opinion this tune is equally as good as many of the the other great ragtime tunes of the era. If some of the chords appear challenging, it still makes a good banjo solo if just the melody notes are played. I have one more tune by GWT to complete which I'll post as and when. I've been unable to find any more of his scores despite his prolific output. The score and MP3 will be added to the library later...Steve.…See More
Jun 27
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

The New Orleans Hop Scop Blues..1923..George Washington Thomas.

Here's something you wouldn't expect to hear played on the banjo, it's reputed to be the first published boogie woogie composition, a style pioneered by G.W Thomas and his brother Hersal. Originally written as a song, I've arranged it as an instrumental from the piano score by mixing and matching the piano LH and RH. The second part beginning at measure 31 is my approximation of boogie woogie. Thomas was a successful musician, songwriter and music publisher and a full bio can be found on either…See More
Jun 24
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

All The Time Kid, A rag Jag Two Step..1905..E.Derville.

I could find little about the composer other then he was a native of Tacoma, Washington. I presume that he is pictured the title page. The tune is dedicated to 'the kid' whoever that may be. It a well written tune with plenty of variety and some catchy staccato syncopation at the start. The score and MP3 will be added to the library..Steve.See More
Jun 21
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Portsmouth Town (A rollicking Sea Piece)..1927..Evan Marsden aka Eric Mareo.

This is exactly as described on the tin! Marsden has written it in the style of many other nautical themed tune and in bars 71-76 there is a change from 2/4 to 6/8 at a lower tempo to incorporate the English halliard shanty, Hanging Johnny. This rather appropriate because in 1937, following and eventful and scandal filled life, in 1936 he was sentenced to hang for the murder of his wife which was later commuted to life. Mateo was a popular musician and orchestra leader in New Zealand in the…See More
Jun 14
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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Extr'ordinary Rag..1915..Otto Motzan

Otto Mozan immigrated from Hungary to America in 1907 and became a successful and prolific composer of reviews, popular songs and light operas. This is a very well composed piece of music. The piano score was in G/Em which I've arranged in C/Am as it better suits the banjo. It is challenging in parts but worth a try. The score Pdf and MP3 is included and will be added to the library later...Steve.…See More
Jun 6
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Profile Information

Steve Harrison

Hi all, Just a bit about myself. I live in the beautiful town of Malvern in Worcestershire, England. I have been playing classic and melodic style banjo for more years than I care to recall. I play an Alfred Weaver banjo made around 1903 and a Windsor popular made 1914ish. As well as banjo, my other instrument is piano accordion, not very fashionable these days but great for playing tradtional music, my main passion. I play occasionally for local Morris Dance sides arround Malvern. Having reached the grand old age of 60, I am semi retired which leaves me more time for my music and my other love, my two grandchildren. I'm about to start teaching my 7 year old grandson the Uke as an entry into greater things. If there are any other players in or near my location, please make contact...Steve.

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Comment Wall (15 comments)

At 6:35 on December 29, 2010, Sylvia said…
Hi Steve, I'm a bit nearer to you than Rob, but still a longish way away , I'm on the Isle of Wight.    Was interested to read that you played for Morris. I am a member of the local Oyster Girls Ladies Morris team.  Might just bump into you at one of the Folk Festivals , don't yet know which ones we are doing this year though.   All the Best.  Sylvia.
At 8:57 on December 30, 2010, Sylvia said…
Hi Steve,the oyster girls were at Upton last year. I am only a beginner at Banjo and have found this site very helpful. I have also had a few lessons with Rob over the internet, great stuff this new technology. Will look out for you at any Festivals I go to. I have heard Rochester mentioned for this coming year. All the best. Sylvia
At 17:49 on February 8, 2012, Alan Sims said…

hi Steve ,ive just had my clifford essex frets redressed and set up .it sounds lovely and so much easier to play .ive got medium gauge strings .ive been playing about a year .would i be ready for a heavier set ,and would this change the action .how often sould change them i practice every day' regards Alan

At 17:56 on February 8, 2012, Alan Sims said…

how often should i change strings i practice every day regards Alan

At 20:13 on March 4, 2012, Tim Walsh said…

Hi Steve,

 

I've only recently been made aware of Classic Banjo through meeting another member David Greenwood.

I've only been playing a relatively short while and have been learning bluegrass.

I'm looking to broaden my playing skills in to claw hammer and Classic styles and from what I've seen of the tutorials on this site so far I think I'm in the right place.

 

 

 

 

 

At 7:31 on May 21, 2012, Mike Redman said…

Hi Steve, have you thought about transposing/arranging A Ragtime Dance (Scott Joplin) for the banjo, I was listening to it the other day, now can't get the tune off of my mind!

At 10:35 on June 20, 2012, Alan Sims said…

thanks for the tip Steve, that makes sence.three lines above .E. cheers.

At 11:13am on August 28, 2012, Alan Sims gave Steve Harrison a gift…
Gift
Red Ribbon
Thanks Steve.It sounds great.
From the Gift Store
At 8:59am on September 19, 2012, thereallyniceman gave Steve Harrison a gift…
Gift
Frosty Mug of Beer
I would personally like to thank Steve for all the work he has done on producing new arrangements for Classic Banjo and making them available for us all. Check out all his scores in the MUSIC LIBRARY.
From the Gift Store
At 4:23pm on November 30, 2012, thereallyniceman gave Steve Harrison a gift…
Gift
Birthday Balloons
Thank you to Steve for all the arrangements and contributions. I can't say how old he is as I can't count that high :-) HAPPY BIRTHDAY
From the Gift Store

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