Classic-Banjo

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Steve Harrison Male Malvern, Worcestershire United Kingdom: Share on Facebook MySpace

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Old Folks Rag..1914..Wilbur Colman Sweatman

Started yesterday

The Domino Rag..1908..Richard Grant

Started on Thursday

Boogie Rag..1917..Wilbur Colman Sweatman

Started Dec 17

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Frosty Mug of Beer From thereallyniceman Birthday Balloons From thereallyniceman Frosty Mug of Beer From thereallyniceman Red Ribbon From Alan Sims

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Old Folks Rag..1914..Wilbur Colman Sweatman

Despite the title, this has nothing to do with the song written by Stephen Foster. It's described on the score as a Trot & One Step. It follows on from my other recent Sweatman tune, Boogie Rag. It's a much simplified arrangement than the piano score and it makes a good banjo solo...Steve.See More

yesterday

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Steve Harrison replied to Austin 's discussion Why does no one play the Banshee at a slow tempo?

"The tempo at which I play it depends on how my 76 year old arthritic fingers are on the day...Steve."

Friday

Steve Harrison posted a discussion

The Domino Rag..1908..Richard Grant

This is a well written, one off, self published rag and the second of my arrangements with Domino in the title. The second part (plus repeat) makes good use of second voice...Steve.See More

Thursday

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Boogie Rag..1917..Wilbur Colman Sweatman

This late rag strays from the usual ragtime format and could be described as more of a fox trot. None the less, it's a well written tune. I've combined the piano LH and RH in some of the measures and have made other slight amendments including extra measures at the end to give a better ending. If you want a less challenging version, it works well by just playing the melody notes..Steve.…See More

Dec 17

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

The harmonica Player..1926..David Wendell Fentress Guion.

Guion was born in Texas and was known as the cowboy composer as he composed music based on traditional cowboy songs, spirituals and other traditional tunes. This is the third tune in a suite of music called Alley Tunes, I would describe it as a hoe down and contains what I believe to be arrangements of old fiddle tunes, none of which I recognize. Guion led a fascinating life and his bio on Wikipedia is worth a read. The piano score was written in Db but I've arranged it in C as it better suits…See More

Nov 30

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Evolution Rag..1912..Thomas Stephen Allen.

This is my arrangement of this great rag by Allen, there is already an arrangement in the library by Walter Jacobs but you can never have too many arrangements of a good tune...Steve.See More

Nov 27

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Steve Harrison replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Barnyard Blues..1917..Dominic James La Rocca

"Thanks Marc, Pushing the boundaries of what is possible on banjo is something I always try to do, many of my arrangements in the library reflect this. I'm 76 at the end of this month and using my brain as much as possible will hopefully stop me…"

Nov 20

Trapdoor2 replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Barnyard Blues..1917..Dominic James La Rocca

"Ages ago, I was in New Orleans and got to hear a street band play this. I think you've done a fine job capturing it for the 5-string."

Nov 20

Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Barnyard Blues..1917..Dominic James La Rocca

This may not strictly be classic banjo but another of my experimental arrangements to see what is possible on the banjo. It was recorded by The New Dixieland Jazz Band (MP3 attached). I took my arrangement from the piano score which took some picking apart to arrive at something that worked. . I'm pleased with the result and if you compare it with the MP3, it's a pretty good approximation (I haven't added the animal noises!). The original was written in Eb but I've arranged it in C for ease of…See More

Nov 20

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Down In Yukatan..1910..S.R.Henry

This is a pleasant medium tempo rag and not too challenging to play. The piano score was in F/Bb but I've arranged it in G/C to better fit the banjo..Steve.See More

Nov 7

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Steve Harrison replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Lopez Rag..1918..J.R.Lopez

"Hi Marc, I'm glad you like it, I'll keep scouring the web on the look out for more rare rags, they're still out there. My previous posting, Flap Jacks Rag, is another well written one off composition...Steve."

Nov 4

Trapdoor2 replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Lopez Rag..1918..J.R.Lopez

"That is a cracker! Nice work, Steve."

Nov 4

Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Lopez Rag..1918..J.R.Lopez

This is another well written, self published one off rag by a composer about whom little is known other than he/she published it in 1918 in Memphis, Missouri. It really very good and I hope I've managed to rescue it from obscurity with my arrangement...Steve. See More

Nov 4

2 Comments

Steve Harrison posted a discussion

Flap Jacks Rag..(1916)..J. Bowie Googer.

Other than the information displayed on the attached title page, little is known about the composer. This is a gem of a rag and is extremely well written. I've extended it by adding to the end, a repeat of the intro and the first and second parts which I think finishes off the tune nicely. I've had my most recently posted arrangements on file having written them whilst recovering from a total left knee replacement which I had done on 19th August. My original knee was 76 years old so I suppose…See More

Oct 31

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Steve Harrison posted a discussion

At The Ball (Schottische-Caprice)..1904..Thomas Henry Lodge.

This is a well written, catchy tune by Lodge,and with the use of dotted notes, is similar in style to the Sunflower Dance. It's the sort of tune that you could find in an early banjo tutor. It's one of my current favourites and isn't too much of a challenge to play. My suggested fingering contains elements of melodic style...Steve.See More

Oct 30

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Steve Harrison replied to Steve Harrison's discussion Dance Of the Lunatics (An Idiotic Rave)..1912..Thomas Stephen Allen

"Hi Joel, thanks for that...Steve."

Oct 29

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…: Red Ribbon
Thanks Steve.It sounds great.
From the Gift Store

At 8:59am on September 19, 2012, thereallyniceman gave Steve Harrison a 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…: 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
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