[Dixielandjazz] Banjo's & Washboards - Was "something substantial"

[Stephen Barbone]

Shucks, unlike Brahms and Dvorak, I always thought that washboards originated in
Europe and that banjos originated in Africa. But then, what do I know, I'm just a
jazz clarinet player, never substantial, sometimes disfluent, but never, never
dysrhythmic unless the washboard player can't keep time.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

> s3856lpa at webtv.net (Harold Smith) wrote:
>
> I'm with Bill Gunter in bemoaning the assorted acid commets regarding
> washboards and banjos.  These are noble American instruments, and,
> indeed, 'twas the banjo that was quite instrumental (what a pun!) in
> early jazz.  The washboard is a true precussive instrument and can (and
> does) lend a joyous expression of unbridled happiness to a traditional
> band.
>
> We apparently have many deep thinkers who long for profoundity on these
> postings.  Therefore, allow me to refer to you a true story about
> Johannes Brahms:
> Very late in his life, Brahms attended a party in Vienna in which an
> American girl played some lively tunes on the banjo.  He had never heard
> this instrument before, and he made a comment.  "Now I know where friend
> Dvorak gets his tunes for his American symphony."
>
> Nothing was said about the "perfect pitch" or the inflammability,
> either.