[Dixielandjazz] Jimmy Mazzy's Banjo

[anichols]

I realize that there is only one Jimmy Mazzy and I wonder why. The banjo in
Jimmy's hands can't be anything but a front line instrument. Chord solo's
are nice, and easier also, but Jimmy's blazing speed single note
improvisations are to die for. Why aren't there more banjo players trying
for a fraction of that technique. So when I read that, "If you wish to use
the banjo as a front line instrument, then by all means use a five stringer
picking single notes", I had to ask myself, You mean there are people out
there that haven't heard or heard of Jimmy Mazzy!!

Norm Nichols
anichols at gis.net

>On 3/5/2005 11:56:14 AM,  John Pembery (john at pembery.co.uk) wrote:
>> I believe that the function of the banjo is to provide a rhythmic harmony,
>>
>> which in conjunction with the bass player , will provide a background
>> for
>> the front line instruments to strut their stuff.
>>
>> If you wish to use the banjo as a front line instrument, then by all
>> means
>> use a five stringer picking single notes.
>>
>> However a four string player can take solo breaks playing chord melody,
>> if
>> he needs to.
>>
>> John P