Comment by carrie horgan on January 29, 2019 at 18:59

Well played David - good dynamics on the intro!

Comment by thereallyniceman on January 30, 2019 at 10:47

Yes indeed, well played David and it is a very good tone that you are getting from the banjo.

Steve pointed out that we do not have a score for Darkey's Dream in the MUSIC LIBRARY! Sorry for this oversight on my part. I have added a selection of arrangements and they are now available to download.

I also have several recordings and find it interesting to hear the different interpretations. I particularly like John Pidoux's version.

RUBY BROOKS

JOHN PIDOUX

VESS OSSMAN

FRED VAN EPS

Comment by david caron on January 30, 2019 at 14:09

Thanks.. I actually only discovered John Pidoux's version a few days ago and it is also my favorite.

Comment by Trapdoor2 on February 2, 2019 at 14:01

Very interesting to hear those versions, one after another. To me, Ruby Brooks' version sounds influenced by Irish traditional music (reels)...no spaces, all notes. Played almost like rests made him itch.

Pidoux is so recognizable in this piece, his style is simply his: graceful and technically spot on. I think he plays the fast part too fast and the transition from slow to fast is too sudden. I still like it.

Ossman's version is almost like Ruby Brooks', full of additional notes making a fairly simple piece into a technical quagmire of descending runs, trills and virtuosity.

Van Eps'...well, it is a production piece, fully orchestrated and optimally balanced. Very typical (includes Darkey's Awakening) and solidly played.

I must say that with the exception of Van Eps, these recordings are poorly balanced. I think they could have easily left out the damned piano player (who is often dominant). Van Eps got a break in that he was working for Edison (I'm guessing) who had learned how to balance the EQ (which didn't exist at the time).

Comment by Joel Hooks on February 2, 2019 at 16:11

Paul D and I play jam this at the rallies. You playing is solid and tone is nice and clear.

I don't have much advice only to watch your RH alternate fingering. Your LH is very good!

Comment by david caron on February 3, 2019 at 14:57

Why thank you Mr Hooks

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