The Crow - clawhammer banjo take

It's been awhile since I last posted and especially any banjo videos. It was super hot in Texas that day. The first take was in the backyard, and I got bit by ants about in the 3rd round of the song. I tried other spots in the yard. It was surely 100 degrees, and you couldn't stay out long without beading up sweat. This will also throw your banjo out of tune quickly if you are playing indoors and then walk outside and play a song.

This is what I finally settled for. Imperfect but it'll do. ;)

Steve Martin plays bluegrass and clawhammer. He played a bluegrass version of The Crow. I love it and use to play this as he played it. Then, I got the idea that the melody was pretty straight forward and wanted to do this on my openback.

Enjoy!

My Banjo was made by Chuck Lee Banjo Company straight from Ovilla, TX by Chuck Lee himself. It's a custom banjo with a 12 inch pot. It has a nice ring to it and my front porch gives it a bit of a sound boost.

Fretless Gourd Banjo

Have you ever heard of a Gourd Banjo?  It's a banjo made from a gourd. I have bought this masterpiece from Barry Sholder.  You can purchase directly through his website or on Ebay.  http://www.gourdbanjosbybarry.com/

Mine doesn't have any frets so the sound is pretty neat.  If you want to hear what this sounds like, just listen to our family jam video.