Tuesday, April 28, 2009
On the Jumbotron
Duck sent a good shot of Fred and the central cluster of pluckers at the Earl / Guinness Record Banjo Event. You can clearly see Fred with his bass banjo--an instrument of his own invention, built by Bob & Fred combining parts of a bass drum and a standard upright bass neck. "The Beast" as I call it, is bound to be in the Cedar Hill museum one day alongside "The Pharoah Garb", 6 retired "Duckwave Cases" (aka "Ark of the Sacred Vestments") and "The Folding Cedar Hill Sign".
BL
Vintage Cedar Hill
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Brothers Always
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Photo From Bo in Sweden
Thanks, Bo for sending another photo of Fred doing what he loved best! This is an interesting photograph and shows the more introspective side of musicians interacting. I have not a clue what was being played at the moment, but each guy seems to have found his little zone in the X-Y-Z coordinate system where the muse is most focused. I've heard a lot of people over the years say "how's a come all them bluegrassers ever do is look down at thar instruments when thay's a pickin?" and I admit that deadpan seems to be the order of the day at times. The clowning around and goofin' off is mostly for the audience. Times like this instant are only for the pickers and those with ears instead of beers. But each musician hears it in a slightly different space and, despite the stereotypes, bluegrass can get very intense and detailed beyond comprehension. This photo was taken on Mike Este's back porch and shows Bob, Fred, Ed Davis, myself, and Bob Putnam. I have a lingering suspicion that Mike's fiddle is just out of view and that's what we were all focused on. I am quite sure this photo only depicts about half of the musicians wh0 were in the circle.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Giggin' for the big bucks!
Fred
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