A Very Special Banjo

I'd like to share a recent addition to my banjo herd- the only known Paramount Style E 5-string.  The banjo was custom ordered by the classic banjoist William Bowen in 1922, and it remained in his possession until his death in 1961.  Since then it has traded hands a few times within the American Banjo Fraternity.  It's last owner (who's name I'll keep anonymous) is a heck of a player and had a custom Bacon style tone ring made for it that retrofits onto the rim without any modifications, though I still have the original Paramount ring.  I've also got the original Paramount double pocket case, made for a 5-string of course!  Over the years Bowen played the banjo to the point that he removed the ink from the inlays and burnt the dowel stick with his light.  One detail I can't make sense of is the misspelling of "Lange" on the peghead.  The provenance of the banjo is fully documented for all of its four owners (including myself), and I know that it is all original accept for the 5th string tuner, currently installed tone ring, and head.  

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Permalink Reply by Greg Adams on August 21, 2015 at 17:30

This banjo is an incredible player! So glad you have it John!

Permalink Reply by John Cohen on August 21, 2015 at 19:04

It was wonderful hearing you play it!  It's yours to play whenever you want.

Permalink Reply by marc dalmasso on August 21, 2015 at 20:08

really a beautiful instrument__congrats , John

Permalink Reply by Joel Hooks on August 25, 2015 at 23:55

To add to the fun attached below is "Six Concert Solos for Banjo, Finger Style C Notation With Piano Accompaniment" by Wm. D. Bowen.

How great would it be to hear John play one of these solos on his new (formerly Bill's) banjo at the next ABF rally?

Ian, please do what you will with them-- add complete, split up into individual pieces or nothing at all.

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Permalink Reply by John Cohen on August 26, 2015 at 0:49
Oh, the pressure is on... these are challenging pieces. I'm currently working through A Ragtime Episode and don't really know what I'll learn next, so I guess I could try one of these. I could play Tyro Mazurka, one Bowen played (his recording of it is excellent), but I can't play it like he did! Now, if anyone wants to learn a Bowen solo to play at the Ralley, I'd be more than happy to lend you the Bowen banjo for the performance.
Permalink Reply by Trapdoor2 on August 27, 2015 at 14:47

I've got "A Ragtime Sneeze" currently being Tabbed. "Sweet Dreams" is next on the 'to do' list.

 

Anyone got a favorite from this album they would like in TAB? I may add "Banjo Shuffle" to the list.

Permalink Reply by thereallyniceman on September 4, 2015 at 9:58

Thank you Joel and Marc.

Joel, as time allows, I will split the song book into individual solos for the MUSIC LIBRARY as I don't have a place for albums as such on site!

Marc has kindly sent Tablature for Ragtime Sneeze and Sweet Dreams.

I have added both of these ,with the full score with piano part, to the MUSIC LIBRARY where you can also play the midi files.

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