Comment by thereallyniceman on June 22, 2015 at 6:48

Mmm... more likely that it is the strict 2/4 march rhythm that gives Mara's playing a bounce.

Comment by HardboiledRosie on June 22, 2015 at 16:33

Interesting, I have always been blown away by the subtly, expressiveness and balances achieved in 78s era recordings. And I wager that one could play the piece in strict 2/4 time and make it lifeless! and so I wonder if the bounce isn't more of a stylistic sensibility.  

Comment by HardboiledRosie on June 22, 2015 at 16:37

Although I more enjoy the march timing, I like having learned it both ways-- being different actors reading the same script.

Comment by Jody Stecher on June 22, 2015 at 17:12

What is "bounce" please? 

Comment by thereallyniceman on June 22, 2015 at 17:44

Mara, I fully agree with what you say about the recordings and the feel of music.

One thing that is obvious about your CB playing is that you have played music in some form or other for quite some time. You bring out the "beat" and that is what gives the piece its musical drive.

Beginners, rarely, automatically stress the beat (eg. strong first beat and less strong second beat in 2/4  or strong first and less strong 4th beat in 6/8  etc.). This converts what should be music into a string of notes, so as you mention, 2/4 in correct time, can be lifeless.

These emphasised beats are what gives the foot-tapping "bounce" within the listener and brings the music to life.

When I learn a solo I work from the dots, other's recordings and the dreaded midi, but then "play them my way", adding light and shade, syncopation, changes of speed, attack etc., so fully agree with you that music is how "you" play it.

I liked your interpretation in the original video, but as it was a Grimshaw Exercise, I pointed out what you were playing was not what the dots said!

Being able to play it in different ways, as you do, makes me think that you already have considerable music skills :-))

Keep them coming. It is a delight to have new players on site. As I said before if we can help in any way, with sourcing music, hints or suggestions just ask.  And to others, no matter what stage of progress you are at, please post your playing. I can guarantee you a 5 ***** reception.

Comment by HardboiledRosie on June 23, 2015 at 19:35

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful reflections. I am awed by how generous people are with feedback and support on this site. It seems like a wonderful community-- and very inspiring as to the technical level at which so many of you folks play! I look forward to expanding my banjo horizons :-) cheers! 

Comment by Eric STEFANELLI on July 9, 2015 at 11:50

Nice exercises very well played, on great S.S.STEWART banjo, I hope that it will sound better  with gut or nylon-like strings . Keep on picking Mara !

Comment by Rob MacKillop on January 8, 2016 at 9:32

Mara, sorry to be late in commenting. I don't visit here often. 

I actually preferred your first version, even though it might be described as idiosyncratic or "personal". To me it was fresh and interesting. I knew as soon as I heard you play the first few bars that Ian would pounce, and try to convince you to play more like a metronome and/or a midi file. Bless his cotton socks, that's exactly what he did :-)

Your second version was more "correct", but to me it lost something - it lost you. There are some here who won't be happy until we all play the same way, as that is the correct traditional way of playing, handed down from the masters. I personally think that is a narrow-minded interpretation. I think the music can handle everything we throw at it - romantic, funky, soulful, and, yes,  metronomic midi style!

I say, "Let it out, girl, any damn way you please!". We need more people playing this fine music, on properly set up fine instruments. What we don't need is everyone playing the same pieces the same way. 

Your performance sent me to re-listen to mine, as I haven't listened to them in a few years. They are not perfect, by any means, but they got quite a few people interested in taking up this style. I'm not going to tell them they are all doing it wrong. I want to hear them bring something of themselves to this music, which is why I love your first video. Be different. Be you!

:-)

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