[Dixielandjazz] Why guitar and not banjo?

[Steve Barbone]

on 12/26/06 8:38 AM, Louis Lince at louislince at neworleansmusic.demon.co.uk
wrote:

> Hi Steve,
> 
> Sorry to disagree with you but the Oliver Creole band in 1923 used Bill
> Johnson on Banjo then Bud Scott. followed by Johnny St. Cyr.
> 
> Best
> 
> Louis 

You are right Louis. Bill Johnson played both Double Bass and Banjo. The
photo of the band, I referenced, shows Johnson standing up with the bass.
The banjo was propped up by itself.

Bud Scott's original instrument was guitar.

Johnny St Cyr also played guitar, besides his guitar neck banjo. (which must
have eased the switching back and forth) There is a neat CD of him playing
guitar only, (AMCD 78) with George Lewis, Percy Humphrey, Joe Avery, Jim
Robinson & others.

However I would guess he played mostly banjo at Disneyworld with the group
in the 1960s prior to his death.

I think banjo (and tuba) became prominent rhythm instruments in many bands
when they started recording. Mainly because the early recording devices did
not pick up guitar, or string bass very well, if at all. And banjo/tuba was
a prime feature of the West Coast revival starting in the late 30s. The left
coasters here in the USA are very partial to that sound.

I wish I knew if St Cyr and Scott played mostly guitar or banjo with Oliver
when they were gigging regularly for dancers in Chicago and not recording.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone