Classic-Banjo
A Site Dedicated to all enthusiasts of Classic Style Banjo
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Steve Harrison
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- Malvern, Worcestershire
- United Kingdom
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Splinters, missing score
Started on Sunday
Splinters..1909..Maude Gilmore
Started on Sunday
Jasper Johnson's Jubilee..1899..Paul Rubens
Started Jan 17
Gifts Received (4)
Steve Harrison's Page
Latest Activity
Jasper Johnson'r Jubilee..1899..Paul Rubens
This is a very tuneful early cakewalk, I've rewritten measures 5,6,8 and 56,57 (plus their repeats) to give the tune some extra bounce. The piano score was in F/Bb, I've arranged it for banjo in C/F. My suggested fingering includes elements of melodic style...Steve.See More
"My theory regarding the keys of why Emaj and A maj are rarely seen in banjo music is one of practicality. In both keys G is sharp and on the banjo, the 3rd and 5th strings are conventionally tunes to G natural. Unless the strings are tuned up…"
"The first section sounds a lot like "A Georgia Camp Meeting" (a great tune also)."
Cotton Pickers Rag..1899..William J. Braun
This is a very well written early rag, all I could find out about the composer is what is on the title page. He is shown as the bandmaster of the 1st. Naval Battalion Band, this is his only known published composition. I've given it the full banjo treatment which makes it a good banjo solo. In the second and last parts, instead of using the usual triplet notation, I've used 2 grace notes and a semi quaver to make the midi sound more like it should be played...Steve.…See More
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
"The tempo at which I play it depends on how my 76 year old arthritic fingers are on the day...Steve."
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
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
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
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
"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…"
"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."
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
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
"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."
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.
Steve Harrison's Photos
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,
- 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,
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,
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…
- At 8:59am on September 19, 2012, thereallyniceman gave Steve Harrison a gift…
- 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.
- At 4:23pm on November 30, 2012, thereallyniceman gave Steve Harrison a gift…
- 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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