Wow, Russ. Thank you soo very much for sharing this. Reed Martin is in my pantheon of greats, and his "Old Time Banjo" album is the biggest "mic drop" moment I can name in acoustic music history! I've corresponded with him a couple times over the years, but have never gotten to sit knee to knee with him. I still marvel over the accomplishment of that album. To see him unpacking his playing style is very special indeed. Awesome video!
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this Russ! This is a gift for anyone who loves clawhammer banjo. When I was in my late teens and early 20's I was lucky enough to have met a bunch of great banjo players who were helpful in showing me the way, but nobody was as open and giving of their skill and knowledge as Reed (as this video shows)...plus he was such a striking an un-boring personality! Those meetings had a huge impact on the way I ended up playing the banjo, I'll be forever in debt to him. He's simply one of the greatest of the greats. This was such a treat to watch...plus it was the first time I've ever seen anybody imitate me panting like a dog!
I had the great pleasure of meeting Reed the other day when my friend and I stopped by his neighbors house and they introduced me. He showed me the Vega Banjo that you mentioned. When I saw it I instantly recognized Eddie Adcock's (along with many other's) signature on the head. I knew I had seen it before and realized I had seen a picture of it a few months ago while looking back at Lamar Grier's legacy on the web and somehow this popped up. A most interesting man to say the least!
In the Masters hands . It amazes me to get to see someone that can just take a simple tune and really bring it to life . Thanks for sharing this clip .
I am so so glad to see this video of Reed! I've played that Old Time Banjo album of his over and over for years and still can't believe anyone can play those old with so much skill, beauty and innovation. It's nice at the end to hear him talk about Chris Coole and Jeremy Stephens who were just coming up at the time. Please tell us that more of this Reed Martin project will soon be available and where to find it.
Quite a number of years ago, probably around 1966, Reed was, for a few sessions, one of the kids for whom I was giving banjo lessons. After about three sessions, no exaggeration, he had far surpassed my questionable talent and, as is said, the rest is history.
And for those who look at the close up of his hands and think that the banjo looks undersized, no. His hands are just that big. Reed has bear paws for hands.
Please let us know when the project will be ready. He is one of my favourite banjo players and his version of blackberry blossom is the best version ever as all his album!!
I love the inventiveness of his playing. And his tone, I reckon he could just play one note and I'd know it was him. His solo banjo album had a big influence on me.
I’m 60 my grandmother used to sing red wing to me when I was a little boy we have it on a 78 with my grand folks Victrola. Brought back wonderful memories. Thanks
That's a real treasure. Thanks to you and Glenn for capturing and preserving it.
Reed is an amazing musician and a very warm and kind human being. Thanks Russ, for letting the world see the magic that he weaves on the old 5-string.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Wow, Russ. Thank you soo very much for sharing this. Reed Martin is in my pantheon of greats, and his "Old Time Banjo" album is the biggest "mic drop" moment I can name in acoustic music history! I've corresponded with him a couple times over the years, but have never gotten to sit knee to knee with him. I still marvel over the accomplishment of that album. To see him unpacking his playing style is very special indeed. Awesome video!
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this Russ! This is a gift for anyone who loves clawhammer banjo. When I was in my late teens and early 20's I was lucky enough to have met a bunch of great banjo players who were helpful in showing me the way, but nobody was as open and giving of their skill and knowledge as Reed (as this video shows)...plus he was such a striking an un-boring personality! Those meetings had a huge impact on the way I ended up playing the banjo, I'll be forever in debt to him. He's simply one of the greatest of the greats. This was such a treat to watch...plus it was the first time I've ever seen anybody imitate me panting like a dog!
I had the great pleasure of meeting Reed the other day when my friend and I stopped by his neighbors house and they introduced me. He showed me the Vega Banjo that you mentioned. When I saw it I instantly recognized Eddie Adcock's (along with many other's) signature on the head. I knew I had seen it before and realized I had seen a picture of it a few months ago while looking back at Lamar Grier's legacy on the web and somehow this popped up. A most interesting man to say the least!
In the Masters hands . It amazes me to get to see someone that can just take a simple tune and really bring it to life . Thanks for sharing this clip .
Thank You Reed for the beautiful art of Yours. Donald Fransson, Sweden
Thats a special guy right there Russ. Thanks for sharing.
Nice video Russ, thanks for sharing!
I am so so glad to see this video of Reed! I've played that Old Time Banjo album of his over and over for years and still can't believe anyone can play those old with so much skill, beauty and innovation. It's nice at the end to hear him talk about Chris Coole and Jeremy Stephens who were just coming up at the time. Please tell us that more of this Reed Martin project will soon be available and where to find it.
Thanks for sharing Russ!
Quite a number of years ago, probably around 1966, Reed was, for a few sessions, one of the kids for whom I was giving banjo lessons. After about three sessions, no exaggeration, he had far surpassed my questionable talent and, as is said, the rest is history.
And for those who look at the close up of his hands and think that the banjo looks undersized, no. His hands are just that big. Reed has bear paws for hands.
First song I ever learned to whistle, in 1961, although I whistled it more like the basic version you played as you started out with in this video.
Excellent
👍👍👍
Thank you!!!
This is amazing.
Please let us know when the project will be ready. He is one of my favourite banjo players and his version of blackberry blossom is the best version ever as all his album!!
I love the inventiveness of his playing. And his tone, I reckon he could just play one note and I'd know it was him. His solo banjo album had a big influence on me.
Cool stuff.
I’m 60 my grandmother used to sing red wing to me when I was a little boy we have it on a 78 with my grand folks Victrola. Brought back wonderful memories. Thanks
Thanks
Where to get this CD?
Also, where can I acquire the CD Reed released?
Try Elderly Instruments, they should have it.