Hello, folks,
I am an American who plays 5-string banjo (mostly old-timey music, folk,and Americana), and I occasionally play with my friends in Ireland. They are not hard-core traditionalists, so I am OK jamming with them in the pubs, but my choice of instrument pretty much cuts me out of the uber-trad ITM world, cuz it's not a 4-string tenor banjo. I leave it inthe trunk and just hang out and listen. WTH, where would musicians be without appreciative listeners, right?
OK, but here's the deal: I recently started playing the bones, and I seem to be getting pretty OK with them. I am cool with session ettiquette, and know enough to play soft when in a group, so the percussion doesn't hurt the song. I know that not every song or set is going to be a good fit as well. OK.
What I am wondering, adn could really use some help with, is the technique Irish bones players typically use in ITM. Americans tend to use 2 bones, sometimes 2 in each hand, but I have heasrd of Irish musicians using 3 bones in just one. (I can do this pretty good, btw...). Internet searches and rooting through this forum haven't yielded me the answers I am looking for either. So I had to start a thread.
No but seriously, I've been told one bone is kept firm (stop laughing Beavis) while the other is left loose and allowed to flop against the stationary bone.
Hey, thanks! That one dude's explanation was great...and I have been following his "most Americans play this way.." part, gripping the bones on either side of the dreaded middle digit, not between the thumb and forefinger as he noted Irish folks doing.
Something to work on while I am driving home...
Yer quite correct...the one stationairy bone is the "drum" and the mover is the drumstick. And...best advice I ever got on bones, from the guy who taught me to use them, was to act as a subtle ingredient to the musical meal...not the main course.
Ever seen anybody using 3 in the hand in ITM, bro?
And BTW, that song had me laughing my ASS off....thanks for the afternoon grin!
The traditional American style is a remnant of the American minstrel era - which is playing flamboyantly with both hands. The traditional Irish style can be characterized as playing reservedly with one hand. Neither style is better. But they are different.
Two-handed playing enables you to add more color to the sound. And two-handed playing can achieve syncopated beats that one-handed playing cannot.
One-handed playing enables you to perform intricate motions in an energetic (yet discreet) manner that two-handed playing cannot. For example, some hot-driving Irish tunes demand an intensity where a second hand just gets in the way and throws you off balance. At those times I draw one hand in and play only the dominant one.
The renowned Irish percussionist Tommy Hayes demonstrates three bones in each hand in his video, "Bodhran, Bones & Spoons."
I regularly play four bones in each hand when the music calls for it, but that's another story.
You might get a better response to your question on the Rhythm Bones Yahoo-Groups forum. But they do take the instrument seriously. And it is monitored by some of the best bone players on the planet. The forum is small, just 165 members, so you might or might not get a response. http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhythmbones
Hope that leads you somewhere. Good luck with those bones.
Good video, I didn't know Bruce Molsky even played the clawhammer banjo, and there he was frailing away with the Uilean pipes. Maybe there is more room in the Irish trad scene for the noble 5-string banjo than I thought...
And hey, I am real familiar with Bone-Dry Music (see below), and I have a pair of Danforth bones on my Christmas list.. Thanks for the steer though...good stuff!!
Best technique for bones is to hold one in each hand, and then hold your hands as far away from each other as possible. Guarantees you won't annoy everyone around you by giving them headaches when they're trying to listen to the tune being played.
Another technique is to bury them in the backyard. Dogs do that all the time.
"I regularly play four bones in each hand when the music calls for it, but that's another story."
Dude, I am really looking forward to hanging with you and the rest of the bone-players when you guys go to DC for the bone-players festival this year. There is a beer down there with your name on it, for all the work you do promoting this great instrument. and I might want to get a tip or 2 and a demo of some good technique. I am working on it, but I am the only one in my crowd of musicians who digs the bones.
"You might get a better response to your question on the Rhythm Bones Yahoo-Groups forum. But they do take the instrument seriously. And it is monitored by some of the best bone players on the planet. The forum is small, just 165 members, so you might or might not get a response. http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhythmbones";
Consider it done, I signed up there a few months ago...guess I didn't figure it would be a good source for Irish trad, being a predominantly American site. My bad, it is one HELL of a good resource for bone players.
Folks, for those of you who have never met or had dealings with the man, Scott here is the proprietor of Bone-Dry Music, THE go-to site for everything in the bone playing line...and in a world of impersonal firms and Internet transactions, I found him to put a personal touch into his business that is pretty noteworthy. I put in an order for a bunch of stuff from his site, and atfer submission, my credit got denied. When I emailed him, we got the $$ worked out good, and I got my stuff on time anyway. He sells good stuff at good prices, and stands behind them all the way. So yeah, I gotta give him props. He rates them.
Scott, question: when playing with 2 bones, do you grip on either side of your middle digit, OR between thumb and forefinger for the stationairy, and middle and ring for the moving bone. This just came up today....I was on your site working up my Christmas list, and noted that the hands modeling the bones on your site all used the second type of grip. Gave it a whirl while driving home this evening, and it works pretty good! Not sure if it will supplant my usual grip (both sides of middle digit) but I am going to give it a whirl in the next few days and see what takes.
Thanks again for your site and all the good info it comtains!
Okay, show of hands---any melody players reading this thread actually like hearing someone play a set of bones in your session? How about having a bones player sitting right next to you? Clackety-clackety-clack right in your ear? Anyone enjoy that?
I am sure you will love Bones Fest. It's a weekend packed with workshops, jamming, folks sharing tips, stage performances - and it's always a real hoot!
The 14th annual Bones Fest (BFXIV) is being hosted July 23 to 25, 2010 by Teri Davies and Kenny Wolin. Teri and Kenny became engaged on stage at Bones Fest XIII in Louisville last summer.
Who is Kenny Wolin?
Kenny Wolin serves as percussionist and resident bones and anglo concertina player with the "Presidents Own" United States Marine Band. He is also "The President's Own" musical adviser and co-leader of the White House Irish Ensemble. He teaches advanced workshops at Bones Fest, and has performed on bones at The Kennedy Center under guest conductor John Williams. Besides his professional percussionist day-job, Kenny also sings, plays guitar, bodhran, and is a superb spoon player. He is also a real nice guy.
Regarding those two grips:
Over the years I have moved away from the traditional American one-finger grip and now almost exclusively use what some folks call the two-finger "Irish" or "European" grip. Moreover, my dominant hand chokes the stationary bone down, while my other hand chokes the stationary bone up. Such asymmetrical grips are not uncommon among advanced players.
One thing I like in particular about the two-finger grip is that it enables me to produce a greater range of dynamic tones. When playing alongside a less experienced player, their reaction is usually something like, "Wow! - How do you do that?" Then I demonstrate the two-finger grip for them.
Yirdy? Never heard of him, but from the sound of it, I would be well advised to check out his stuff. Judging by your link, he has some pretty serious chops, and not just in the bones dept either. Hopefully he is on some youtube vids. I can't watch them from my desk....it must be that whole "work" thing I keep hearing about....
No biggie, bro, nothing but the truth. Sending my stuff on faith while I was fighting witht he credit card folks was a cool gesture, and I really appreciated it.
"Regarding those two grips:
Over the years I have moved away from the traditional American one-finger grip and now almost exclusively use what some folks call the two-finger "Irish" or "European" grip. Moreover, my dominant hand chokes the stationary bone down, while my other hand chokes the stationary bone up. Such asymmetrical grips are not uncommon among advanced players"
OK. I was pretty confused on this 'til I saw that picture. I must admit, I am having a hard time "visualizing" the sound, as there seems to be so little of the stationairy bone to strike in the "choke up" position, but I am going to give it a try as soon as I get a chance tonight.
I am really starting to like the thumb-forefinger position, which I take your post to mean is the Euro/Irish trad approach to the instrument. It seems to be easier to sneak runs and double taps in with it. Good deal!
I am going to get a good ITM CD to play in the car, and see what works best with the bones (Jigs, reels, etc). I figure to be going over to Ireland before too long, and I don't want to mess up in a session if I can help it.
Go over to http://www.banjohangout.org and look at the appropriate forum. There are plenty of five string banjo players who play ITM both frailing/clawhammer and melodic style.
I'm afraid that this group prefers Zen bones, "the sound of one bone clacking."
Well, they just get the worst rep. So easy to torment melody players with them by playing them all the time.
They're like incredibly hot sauce. Most people just like a little bit, or not at all. It's a much smaller percentage of the population that enjoys dousing their food with the 3 Alarm Suriyachi.
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor.
"Go over to http://www.banjohangout.org and look at the appropriate forum. There are plenty of five string banjo players who play ITM both frailing/clawhammer and melodic style."
You're right...I guess it is just that I have seen people cut out of sessions (ironically, usually in the US, not in Ireland...although it maybe happens there too, I guess) for playing an instrument that is not deemed "traditional". Since I have personal connection through family with Ireland, and love ITM, I might try to see how I could fit frailing banjo into the mix. Thanks for the steer!
"I'm afraid that this group prefers Zen bones, "the sound of one bone clacking."
Mike Keyes
Hmmmm....don't know if I would let a few individuals speak for the group as a whole. I have seen the bones used to great effect in ITM sessions in Ireland, I have seen them used by musicians running the gamut between buskers and professionals, and in "non-denominational" pub jams as well. The crowd really seemed to enjoy them. They have a place in ITM, although probably as a supporting instrument, not a starring one.
"They're like incredibly hot sauce. Most people just like a little bit, or not at all. It's a much smaller percentage of the population that enjoys dousing their food with the 3 Alarm Suriyachi.
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor."
Agree 100%. bro!!
Funny, you are the second musician I have talked to that refers to them as a spice....I am thinking that they are one that you would apply sparingly, so as not to be a dominant flavor. And only in the appropriate dish. (song) They just don't fit everywhere, and you would hurt the overall music if you tried to make them do it.
Biggest mistake a bone player can make is to lose or screw up the rythm, I am thinking....and playing too loud without consideration of the other musicians would be a photofinish second place.
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor."
fredfish .. are you serious my man, peoples dislike of the bones and comfort eating seem to go hand in hand with you, so not only will you be a musical pariah - i fear you will get increasing fat as the abuse for your spicy bones fetish increases incrimentally.
As for Comhaltas and Bones.. Comhaltas tunes are lack lustre and half arsed straight up , twee country, culchie crap, I would rather choke on dry musli that listen to a c.c.é ceili band. as would many..
"fredfish .. are you serious my man, peoples dislike of the bones and comfort eating seem to go hand in hand with you, so not only will you be a musical pariah - i fear you will get increasing fat as the abuse for your spicy bones fetish increases incrimentally.
As for Comhaltas and Bones.. Comhaltas tunes are lack lustre and half arsed straight up , twee country, culchie crap, I would rather choke on dry musli that listen to a c.c.é ceili band. as would many.."
Now, dammit, Trucks, don't repress your feelings on this.....
Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one ), tells a tale of coming on stage, to a Senior Citizens audience, playing 3 in each hand, comments on minimalist music, removes bones but carries on playing till there's only one in one hand, BUT STILL CLACKING !!!! He said the audience were still talking about it at the end of the concert ( hadn't spotted the wife in the wings with an extra pair ).
"Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one ), tells a tale of coming on stage, to a Senior Citizens audience, playing 3 in each hand, comments on minimalist music, removes bones but carries on playing till there's only one in one hand, BUT STILL CLACKING !!!! He said the audience were still talking about it at the end of the concert ( hadn't spotted the wife in the wings with an extra pair )."
I know about the first guy, and have watched some of his youtube vids....but I have never heard tof Michael Jackson, bones player. Looks like I got a bit of googling to do...
Adn that is a pretty neat feat of showmanship you described...I bet that was funny to watch!
Below is a link to my "Playing the Bones" playlist at YouTube. The playlist opens to display 10 videos where you can see the two-finger grip in action. Most are minstrel style, plus a spot of blues, and African tribal. The videos by oldcremona were posted at Banjo Hangout a couple years ago by Carl Anderton, an award winning player and traditional banjo addict.
"OK. I was pretty confused on this 'til I saw that picture. I must admit, I am having a hard time "visualizing" the sound, as there seems to be so little of the stationairy bone to strike in the "choke up" position, but I am going to give it a try as soon as I get a chance tonight."
Scott,
I think I see what you are getting at with that grip. It winds up having a diminishing effect on the sharpness and volume of the note when the stationairy bone is choked up like that, and would probably be helpful for bringing out a subtle tone with one hand, or dropping the volume for indoors, or a nice counterpart to the dominant hand held in standard fashion. I am still trying to get the hang of using both hands though, so it is still pretty likely that I will arrive at BF14 with more questions than answers.
Off to view oldcremora's vids. Thanks as always!!
freddfish
PS: I am getting an awful lot of good stuff off of this discussion. Thanks to all the posters who responded here with advice, info, links to sites and vids, and the occasional good-natured slagging. It is MOST appreciated!
Don't bring bones to Irish traditional sessions. All the musicians I know HATE them. Nobody but know-nothing drunks want to hear them. They sound awful, and they're LOUD. Don't delude yourself that you're playing them quietly enough. You're not!
Now, if you're all the way out the door and playing them in the street, or you happen to be hanging out with a bunch of earthy-crunchy folky types with bongo drums and ratty guitars singing "world music" songs, have at it. If you're in a jug string band where they have washboards and musical saws, that's fine too. But keep them away from people who are trying to play Irish tunes. Please.
"Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one )..."
It ain't often that I throw in the towel on an Internet search, but I gotta concede defeat here. I have been totally unable to locate ANYTHING on the Aussie Michael Jackson, or any link or vid to him whatsoever. And I have tried. Oh yes, I have tried...
Quit laughing dammit... YOU try searching for something on a Michael Jackson other than the dead willy-grabber, and see how far you get.
"Don't bring bones to Irish traditional sessions. All the musicians I know HATE them".
Never a truer word. They can work in snippets on recordings but very few tune players would not be highly weakened if they turned up at a session. The only others things more soul destroying are coins on the table, tambourine or triangle.
Anything loud and clackity clack does my head in. I'm not anti-percussion, but things like bones and spoons cut through everything and do the melody no favours. A (well-played) bodhran is of a much lower frequency and additionally the tone of it can be changed. It's far less invasive. You don't want invasive percussion in this music.
Worse than bones, though, and worse than everything else bogman listed, has to be the Susato whistle pounded on a table. Just...no.
I don't play bones but I do like to tap my coin against the pint glass when X-Factor is on the telly in the pub . Some of that modern music has a good beat to it.
For impromptu percussion , I whip out my false teeth and play them using the my preferred technique where bottom set is the "drum" and top set is the "drumstick"
Never had any complaints and the beauty is, you've always got them with you, except for that time I left them in a bit of millionaire's shortbread at the Brown Sugar Café in Ballater
It is told that Hell has a special section for bones players where you are condemned to listen to them being played for the rest of eternity - your own bones, of course, not some wooden things.
Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones ...
Now hear the word of the Lord.
One year Bonesfest came to my hometown and I went to the main concert. It was a hoot and filled with some incredible talent! They don't take themselves that seriously, but still produce some fantastic sounds.
Bones and ITM. While most of time it doesn't go all that well I think its often the player, and not the instrument. I know two bones players whose playing is always welcomed (and yes I also know THAT guy, you know the one who has so many extra pairs of bones and spoons that he passes them out to random drunks so that they too could join the session). The two good players only take out the bones for a tune or two and then go back to their full-time instruments.
But everyone has their own style. Mine is completely different from outstanding players such as Yirdy Machar, Kenny Wolin, Mel Mercier or the late Freeman "Brother Bones" Davis. The thing I like best about Bones Fest is the opportunity to see so many different styles and techniques.
The hardest thing about learning to play the bones is finding someone who can show you how. Videos are great. But like any musical instrument, there is no substitute for observing an expert player first-hand. Anyone can make noise with a percussion instrument. But skilled folk instrument percussionists - and bone players in particular - are scarce as hen's teeth, as witnessed by the substantial volume of disparaging comments on this page.
Scott
..
"I think I see what you are getting at with that grip. It winds up having a diminishing effect on the sharpness and volume of the note when the stationairy bone is choked up like that, and would probably be helpful for bringing out a subtle tone with one hand, or dropping the volume for indoors, or a nice counterpart to the dominant hand held in standard fashion. I am still trying to get the hang of using both hands though, so it is still pretty likely that I will arrive at BF14 with more questions than answers."
The last time I tried to play the bones (a very long time ago), my mate told me to shut up because he didn't want to sit next to someone who sounded like Pinocchio having a toss.
"If you are into authentic minstrel-style banjo, then I am sure you will love Carl Anderton's (oldcremora) videos.
Scott"
....................................................
Checked a few out. That younger looking fellow has some serious chops on the bones, and the banjo style is different from the frailing stuff I am used to doing. Pretty impressive work though....I hope they make it to Bonesfest.
"The last time I tried to play the bones (a very long time ago), my mate told me to shut up because he didn't want to sit next to someone who sounded like Pinocchio having a toss.
I said w@nk, not toss. Grrr."
OK. The bones sound like Pinocchio having a w@nk.
Gotta give the devil his due..... THAT was funny......
The young guy is "Cuffie" (aka Kyle Pretzl) from Kansas. He is a dedicated Civil War drummer boy re-enactor. A couple years ago, when he was just 12 years old, he bought a pair of Danforth walnut bones from me at a Civil War event where I was performing with Carl and his minstrel band. I gave Cuffie a quick bones lesson. He immediately took to the bones and within a year developed into an expert player (damn kids). Now he also plays banjo and sings. And yes, he rattles at Irish sessions. I saw a video of him rattlin' at a session in Kansas City where he appeared quite well accepted.
I am no banjo expert. But frailing was born out of minstrel style banjo where the thumb picks the drone string. Minstrel-style banjo is essentially African rhythm with European melody. Authentic minstrel-style banjos give a "tubby" sound. As you probably know, the gourd-banjo originated in Asia or Africa, established itself on this side of the pond via the slave trade - first in the British West Indies, notably in Hatie. Then it arrived in the U.S. during the time of Thomas Jefferson who wrote about the "banjar" in 1781. The five-string banjo with a drum hoop body was popularized by Joel Walker Sweeney during the antebellum era and took off like a shot with the meteoric rise of minstrelsy (lead by the Virginia Minstrels) in 1843...and the rest is modern banjo history.
Scott
..
"Checked a few out. That younger looking fellow has some serious chops on the bones, and the banjo style is different from the frailing stuff I am used to doing. Pretty impressive work though....I hope they make it to Bonesfest."
Please, please keep the bones in the stock-pot where they belong along with the shakey eggs, drumming on tables and all of the other percussive distractions which pollute the session.
"The young guy is "Cuffie" (aka Kyle Pretzl) from Kansas. He is a dedicated Civil War drummer boy re-enactor. A couple years ago, when he was just 12 years old, he bought a pair of Danforth walnut bones from me at a Civil War event where I was performing with Carl and his minstrel band. I gave Cuffie a quick bones lesson. He immediately took to the bones and within a year developed into an expert player (damn kids). Now he also plays banjo and sings. And yes, he rattles at Irish sessions. I saw a video of him rattlin' at a session in Kansas City where he appeared quite well accepted."
Like you said, "damn kids!"
If you talk to him anytime soon, I'm thinking it may be a good idea to encourage him to do some youtube workshops to highlight his techniques, maybe the RBS could link. I was purty impressed...
That choked grip is working well, and will do for when I want to keep a good active rythym without high volume. I need to find some time and resources to work on the left hand as well. Been neglecting it. Kinda hard to practice lefthanded while driving in the States, and I live with 3 other people, so home is difficult as well.
I'm sure Cuffie will make a how-to video eventually.
I can't always rattle at home either - because the old lady has frequent migraines. And to think the crybabies on this board think bones are annoying to them!
Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Hello, folks,
I am an American who plays 5-string banjo (mostly old-timey music, folk,and Americana), and I occasionally play with my friends in Ireland. They are not hard-core traditionalists, so I am OK jamming with them in the pubs, but my choice of instrument pretty much cuts me out of the uber-trad ITM world, cuz it's not a 4-string tenor banjo. I leave it inthe trunk and just hang out and listen. WTH, where would musicians be without appreciative listeners, right?
OK, but here's the deal: I recently started playing the bones, and I seem to be getting pretty OK with them. I am cool with session ettiquette, and know enough to play soft when in a group, so the percussion doesn't hurt the song. I know that not every song or set is going to be a good fit as well. OK.
What I am wondering, adn could really use some help with, is the technique Irish bones players typically use in ITM. Americans tend to use 2 bones, sometimes 2 in each hand, but I have heasrd of Irish musicians using 3 bones in just one. (I can do this pretty good, btw...). Internet searches and rooting through this forum haven't yielded me the answers I am looking for either. So I had to start a thread.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated.
freddfish
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"I know that not every song or set is going to be a good fit as well."
GOOD MAN! There is nothing worse than 'clackety clack' through a whole set of tunes without stop.
You'd end up the poor feller in this song:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/7549
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
'...end up LIKE the poor feller...'
Now for some useful advice.
I don't have any.
No but seriously, I've been told one bone is kept firm (stop laughing Beavis) while the other is left loose and allowed to flop against the stationary bone.
Check this out:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/3112/comments
Oh, and this post is great:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/3112/comments#comment62695
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Hey, thanks! That one dude's explanation was great...and I have been following his "most Americans play this way.." part, gripping the bones on either side of the dreaded middle digit, not between the thumb and forefinger as he noted Irish folks doing.
Something to work on while I am driving home...
Yer quite correct...the one stationairy bone is the "drum" and the mover is the drumstick. And...best advice I ever got on bones, from the guy who taught me to use them, was to act as a subtle ingredient to the musical meal...not the main course.
Ever seen anybody using 3 in the hand in ITM, bro?
And BTW, that song had me laughing my ASS off....thanks for the afternoon grin!
freddfish
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
I have a place where you can put your bones.
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by Tadhg mac Saoirse
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Tadhg, I don't think Jeremy allows solicitation.
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by grego
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"I have a place where you can put your bones"
Sorry, can't help you there. If you are around NY or San Francisco, though, I can point you in the right direction for what you seek.
I won't be going with you though...;)
# Posted on December 3rd 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
you can't play tunes on them
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by ...
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Have you seen this vid, fredd?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7zmd4rYh1o
Read this?
http://www.bonedrymusic.com/Percy-Danforth-Virgin-Maple-Bones-p/101-13.htm
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by ∅
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"you can't play tunes on them"
If you get enough of them you can make a xylophone
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Whiddler
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
The traditional American style is a remnant of the American minstrel era - which is playing flamboyantly with both hands. The traditional Irish style can be characterized as playing reservedly with one hand. Neither style is better. But they are different.
Two-handed playing enables you to add more color to the sound. And two-handed playing can achieve syncopated beats that one-handed playing cannot.
One-handed playing enables you to perform intricate motions in an energetic (yet discreet) manner that two-handed playing cannot. For example, some hot-driving Irish tunes demand an intensity where a second hand just gets in the way and throws you off balance. At those times I draw one hand in and play only the dominant one.
The renowned Irish percussionist Tommy Hayes demonstrates three bones in each hand in his video, "Bodhran, Bones & Spoons."
I regularly play four bones in each hand when the music calls for it, but that's another story.
You might get a better response to your question on the Rhythm Bones Yahoo-Groups forum. But they do take the instrument seriously. And it is monitored by some of the best bone players on the planet. The forum is small, just 165 members, so you might or might not get a response.
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhythmbones
Hope that leads you somewhere. Good luck with those bones.
Scott Miller
Saint Louis, Missouri
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by bonedog
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Have you seen this vid, fredd?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7zmd4rYh1o
Read this?
http://www.bonedrymusic.com/Percy-Danforth-Virgin-Maple-Bones-p/101-13.htm
Have now!!
Good video, I didn't know Bruce Molsky even played the clawhammer banjo, and there he was frailing away with the Uilean pipes. Maybe there is more room in the Irish trad scene for the noble 5-string banjo than I thought...
And hey, I am real familiar with Bone-Dry Music (see below), and I have a pair of Danforth bones on my Christmas list.. Thanks for the steer though...good stuff!!
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Best technique for bones is to hold one in each hand, and then hold your hands as far away from each other as possible. Guarantees you won't annoy everyone around you by giving them headaches when they're trying to listen to the tune being played.
Another technique is to bury them in the backyard. Dogs do that all the time.
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by kennedy
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"I regularly play four bones in each hand when the music calls for it, but that's another story."
Dude, I am really looking forward to hanging with you and the rest of the bone-players when you guys go to DC for the bone-players festival this year. There is a beer down there with your name on it, for all the work you do promoting this great instrument. and I might want to get a tip or 2 and a demo of some good technique. I am working on it, but I am the only one in my crowd of musicians who digs the bones.
"You might get a better response to your question on the Rhythm Bones Yahoo-Groups forum. But they do take the instrument seriously. And it is monitored by some of the best bone players on the planet. The forum is small, just 165 members, so you might or might not get a response.
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rhythmbones";
Consider it done, I signed up there a few months ago...guess I didn't figure it would be a good source for Irish trad, being a predominantly American site. My bad, it is one HELL of a good resource for bone players.
Folks, for those of you who have never met or had dealings with the man, Scott here is the proprietor of Bone-Dry Music, THE go-to site for everything in the bone playing line...and in a world of impersonal firms and Internet transactions, I found him to put a personal touch into his business that is pretty noteworthy. I put in an order for a bunch of stuff from his site, and atfer submission, my credit got denied. When I emailed him, we got the $$ worked out good, and I got my stuff on time anyway. He sells good stuff at good prices, and stands behind them all the way. So yeah, I gotta give him props. He rates them.
Scott, question: when playing with 2 bones, do you grip on either side of your middle digit, OR between thumb and forefinger for the stationairy, and middle and ring for the moving bone. This just came up today....I was on your site working up my Christmas list, and noted that the hands modeling the bones on your site all used the second type of grip. Gave it a whirl while driving home this evening, and it works pretty good! Not sure if it will supplant my usual grip (both sides of middle digit) but I am going to give it a whirl in the next few days and see what takes.
Thanks again for your site and all the good info it comtains!
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Okay, show of hands---any melody players reading this thread actually like hearing someone play a set of bones in your session? How about having a bones player sitting right next to you? Clackety-clackety-clack right in your ear? Anyone enjoy that?
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by kennedy
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
*crickets chirping*
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by kennedy
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Hmmm, I guess not.
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by kennedy
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Hi freddfish,
Thank you for the kind words - and the plug!
I am sure you will love Bones Fest. It's a weekend packed with workshops, jamming, folks sharing tips, stage performances - and it's always a real hoot!
The 14th annual Bones Fest (BFXIV) is being hosted July 23 to 25, 2010 by Teri Davies and Kenny Wolin. Teri and Kenny became engaged on stage at Bones Fest XIII in Louisville last summer.
Who is Kenny Wolin?
Kenny Wolin serves as percussionist and resident bones and anglo concertina player with the "Presidents Own" United States Marine Band. He is also "The President's Own" musical adviser and co-leader of the White House Irish Ensemble. He teaches advanced workshops at Bones Fest, and has performed on bones at The Kennedy Center under guest conductor John Williams. Besides his professional percussionist day-job, Kenny also sings, plays guitar, bodhran, and is a superb spoon player. He is also a real nice guy.
Regarding those two grips:
Over the years I have moved away from the traditional American one-finger grip and now almost exclusively use what some folks call the two-finger "Irish" or "European" grip. Moreover, my dominant hand chokes the stationary bone down, while my other hand chokes the stationary bone up. Such asymmetrical grips are not uncommon among advanced players.
One thing I like in particular about the two-finger grip is that it enables me to produce a greater range of dynamic tones. When playing alongside a less experienced player, their reaction is usually something like, "Wow! - How do you do that?" Then I demonstrate the two-finger grip for them.
Below is a link to pictures that show both the "choked up" and "choked down" two-finger grip. http://rhythm-bones.com/hold/grip.html
Looking forward to BFXIV where I will be delighted to show the two-finger grip to anyone who can stand the clatter.
Scott
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by bonedog
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1322
Yirdy in Copenhagen's yer man.
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Kenny
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/2823
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Kenny
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Yirdy? Never heard of him, but from the sound of it, I would be well advised to check out his stuff. Judging by your link, he has some pretty serious chops, and not just in the bones dept either. Hopefully he is on some youtube vids. I can't watch them from my desk....it must be that whole "work" thing I keep hearing about....
Thanks!
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"Thank you for the kind words - and the plug!"
No biggie, bro, nothing but the truth. Sending my stuff on faith while I was fighting witht he credit card folks was a cool gesture, and I really appreciated it.
"Regarding those two grips:
Over the years I have moved away from the traditional American one-finger grip and now almost exclusively use what some folks call the two-finger "Irish" or "European" grip. Moreover, my dominant hand chokes the stationary bone down, while my other hand chokes the stationary bone up. Such asymmetrical grips are not uncommon among advanced players"
OK. I was pretty confused on this 'til I saw that picture. I must admit, I am having a hard time "visualizing" the sound, as there seems to be so little of the stationairy bone to strike in the "choke up" position, but I am going to give it a try as soon as I get a chance tonight.
I am really starting to like the thumb-forefinger position, which I take your post to mean is the Euro/Irish trad approach to the instrument. It seems to be easier to sneak runs and double taps in with it. Good deal!
I am going to get a good ITM CD to play in the car, and see what works best with the bones (Jigs, reels, etc). I figure to be going over to Ireland before too long, and I don't want to mess up in a session if I can help it.
Thanks, and looking forward to BF!!
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
freddfish,
Go over to http://www.banjohangout.org and look at the appropriate forum. There are plenty of five string banjo players who play ITM both frailing/clawhammer and melodic style.
I'm afraid that this group prefers Zen bones, "the sound of one bone clacking."
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by mikeyes
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Well, they just get the worst rep. So easy to torment melody players with them by playing them all the time.
They're like incredibly hot sauce. Most people just like a little bit, or not at all. It's a much smaller percentage of the population that enjoys dousing their food with the 3 Alarm Suriyachi.
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor.
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"Go over to http://www.banjohangout.org and look at the appropriate forum. There are plenty of five string banjo players who play ITM both frailing/clawhammer and melodic style."
You're right...I guess it is just that I have seen people cut out of sessions (ironically, usually in the US, not in Ireland...although it maybe happens there too, I guess) for playing an instrument that is not deemed "traditional". Since I have personal connection through family with Ireland, and love ITM, I might try to see how I could fit frailing banjo into the mix. Thanks for the steer!
"I'm afraid that this group prefers Zen bones, "the sound of one bone clacking."
Mike Keyes
Hmmmm....don't know if I would let a few individuals speak for the group as a whole. I have seen the bones used to great effect in ITM sessions in Ireland, I have seen them used by musicians running the gamut between buskers and professionals, and in "non-denominational" pub jams as well. The crowd really seemed to enjoy them. They have a place in ITM, although probably as a supporting instrument, not a starring one.
IMHO, o'course.....
Thanks, Mike!
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"They're like incredibly hot sauce. Most people just like a little bit, or not at all. It's a much smaller percentage of the population that enjoys dousing their food with the 3 Alarm Suriyachi.
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor."
Agree 100%. bro!!
Funny, you are the second musician I have talked to that refers to them as a spice....I am thinking that they are one that you would apply sparingly, so as not to be a dominant flavor. And only in the appropriate dish. (song) They just don't fit everywhere, and you would hurt the overall music if you tried to make them do it.
Biggest mistake a bone player can make is to lose or screw up the rythm, I am thinking....and playing too loud without consideration of the other musicians would be a photofinish second place.
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Ever watch the ceili bands compete on the Comhaltas website? Clacking is done in very small and tasteful amounts, for flavor."
fredfish .. are you serious my man, peoples dislike of the bones and comfort eating seem to go hand in hand with you, so not only will you be a musical pariah - i fear you will get increasing fat as the abuse for your spicy bones fetish increases incrimentally.
As for Comhaltas and Bones.. Comhaltas tunes are lack lustre and half arsed straight up , twee country, culchie crap, I would rather choke on dry musli that listen to a c.c.é ceili band. as would many..
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Miss Mulligan
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
if ever an intance an Airstrike was justified - "Bonesfest" is surely it..
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Miss Mulligan
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"fredfish .. are you serious my man, peoples dislike of the bones and comfort eating seem to go hand in hand with you, so not only will you be a musical pariah - i fear you will get increasing fat as the abuse for your spicy bones fetish increases incrimentally.
As for Comhaltas and Bones.. Comhaltas tunes are lack lustre and half arsed straight up , twee country, culchie crap, I would rather choke on dry musli that listen to a c.c.é ceili band. as would many.."
Now, dammit, Trucks, don't repress your feelings on this.....
Tell us what you REALLY think...
(DAMN that was quite a tirade......)
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
I think Trucks has two settings -- "on" and "off." ; )
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
that was a sober rant. a rareity . and im only sleggin anyway.. ish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Miss Mulligan
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one ), tells a tale of coming on stage, to a Senior Citizens audience, playing 3 in each hand, comments on minimalist music, removes bones but carries on playing till there's only one in one hand, BUT STILL CLACKING !!!! He said the audience were still talking about it at the end of the concert ( hadn't spotted the wife in the wings with an extra pair ).
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
if ever an intance an Airstrike was justified - "Bonesfest" is surely it..
Ha ha, yeah. I love the smell of bbq'd spare ribs in the morning. Smells like ... Victory.
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by ...
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one ), tells a tale of coming on stage, to a Senior Citizens audience, playing 3 in each hand, comments on minimalist music, removes bones but carries on playing till there's only one in one hand, BUT STILL CLACKING !!!! He said the audience were still talking about it at the end of the concert ( hadn't spotted the wife in the wings with an extra pair )."
I know about the first guy, and have watched some of his youtube vids....but I have never heard tof Michael Jackson, bones player. Looks like I got a bit of googling to do...
Adn that is a pretty neat feat of showmanship you described...I bet that was funny to watch!
Thanks for the info, GP.
freddfish
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Below is a link to my "Playing the Bones" playlist at YouTube. The playlist opens to display 10 videos where you can see the two-finger grip in action. Most are minstrel style, plus a spot of blues, and African tribal. The videos by oldcremona were posted at Banjo Hangout a couple years ago by Carl Anderton, an award winning player and traditional banjo addict.
http://www.youtube.com/user/scmi11er#p/p
Scott
"OK. I was pretty confused on this 'til I saw that picture. I must admit, I am having a hard time "visualizing" the sound, as there seems to be so little of the stationairy bone to strike in the "choke up" position, but I am going to give it a try as soon as I get a chance tonight."
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by bonedog
To kennedy
* chirp chirp chirp chirp * *ribbit* *chirp chirp chirp*
# Posted on December 4th 2009 by Seosamh Ui Sinan
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Scott,
I think I see what you are getting at with that grip. It winds up having a diminishing effect on the sharpness and volume of the note when the stationairy bone is choked up like that, and would probably be helpful for bringing out a subtle tone with one hand, or dropping the volume for indoors, or a nice counterpart to the dominant hand held in standard fashion. I am still trying to get the hang of using both hands though, so it is still pretty likely that I will arrive at BF14 with more questions than answers.
Off to view oldcremora's vids. Thanks as always!!
freddfish
PS: I am getting an awful lot of good stuff off of this discussion. Thanks to all the posters who responded here with advice, info, links to sites and vids, and the occasional good-natured slagging. It is MOST appreciated!
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"Thanks to all the posters who responded here with advice" ??
B a l l o c k s.
Stop it. It's not music. At best it's merely a deafening irritant.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by ...
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
This is not slagging. This is genuine advice:
Don't bring bones to Irish traditional sessions. All the musicians I know HATE them. Nobody but know-nothing drunks want to hear them. They sound awful, and they're LOUD. Don't delude yourself that you're playing them quietly enough. You're not!
Now, if you're all the way out the door and playing them in the street, or you happen to be hanging out with a bunch of earthy-crunchy folky types with bongo drums and ratty guitars singing "world music" songs, have at it. If you're in a jug string band where they have washboards and musical saws, that's fine too. But keep them away from people who are trying to play Irish tunes. Please.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by kennedy
Hey, Guernsey Pete!!
"Two different people I would recommend; the guy from the Carolina Chocolate Drops - virtuoso but not ITM, of course; and Michael Jackson ( not, not THAT MJ, the Australian one )..."
YOU try searching for something on a Michael Jackson other than the dead willy-grabber, and see how far you get.
It ain't often that I throw in the towel on an Internet search, but I gotta concede defeat here. I have been totally unable to locate ANYTHING on the Aussie Michael Jackson, or any link or vid to him whatsoever. And I have tried. Oh yes, I have tried...
Quit laughing dammit...
Got a link, maybe?
(please?)
freddfish
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Boil enough of them for awhile and you can make a nice broth for soup. That's what they are best for.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by leoj
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
funniest thread ever. I like the bones more than I like the washboard
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by Earl Cameron
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Here's a good place for bones ....
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099697/
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"Don't bring bones to Irish traditional sessions. All the musicians I know HATE them".
Never a truer word. They can work in snippets on recordings but very few tune players would not be highly weakened if they turned up at a session. The only others things more soul destroying are coins on the table, tambourine or triangle.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by bogman
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
....can believe I missed out the bl00dy spoons......
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by bogman
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Anything loud and clackity clack does my head in. I'm not anti-percussion, but things like bones and spoons cut through everything and do the melody no favours. A (well-played) bodhran is of a much lower frequency and additionally the tone of it can be changed. It's far less invasive. You don't want invasive percussion in this music.
Worse than bones, though, and worse than everything else bogman listed, has to be the Susato whistle pounded on a table. Just...no.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
http://www.bonezone.dk/musik.htm
Listen to the solo.
hehe
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
now that's bonkers.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by bogman
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
I don't play bones but I do like to tap my coin against the pint glass when X-Factor is on the telly in the pub . Some of that modern music has a good beat to it.
For impromptu percussion , I whip out my false teeth and play them using the my preferred technique where bottom set is the "drum" and top set is the "drumstick"
Never had any complaints and the beauty is, you've always got them with you, except for that time I left them in a bit of millionaire's shortbread at the Brown Sugar Café in Ballater
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by Bren
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
It is told that Hell has a special section for bones players where you are condemned to listen to them being played for the rest of eternity - your own bones, of course, not some wooden things.
Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones ...
Now hear the word of the Lord.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by johndsamuels
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
As loudly as possible.
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
and with both hands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hnA4YJfUiU&feature=related
http://www.rhythmbones.com/bonessociety.html
# Posted on December 5th 2009 by airport
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Pretty serious vid, airport. Amazing how well synchronized those folks were...
Thanks for sharing!
ff
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
One year Bonesfest came to my hometown and I went to the main concert. It was a hoot and filled with some incredible talent! They don't take themselves that seriously, but still produce some fantastic sounds.
Bones and ITM. While most of time it doesn't go all that well I think its often the player, and not the instrument. I know two bones players whose playing is always welcomed (and yes I also know THAT guy, you know the one who has so many extra pairs of bones and spoons that he passes them out to random drunks so that they too could join the session). The two good players only take out the bones for a tune or two and then go back to their full-time instruments.
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by Colin E.
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
ff,
Yes, you got it exactly right.
But everyone has their own style. Mine is completely different from outstanding players such as Yirdy Machar, Kenny Wolin, Mel Mercier or the late Freeman "Brother Bones" Davis. The thing I like best about Bones Fest is the opportunity to see so many different styles and techniques.
The hardest thing about learning to play the bones is finding someone who can show you how. Videos are great. But like any musical instrument, there is no substitute for observing an expert player first-hand. Anyone can make noise with a percussion instrument. But skilled folk instrument percussionists - and bone players in particular - are scarce as hen's teeth, as witnessed by the substantial volume of disparaging comments on this page.
Scott
..
"I think I see what you are getting at with that grip. It winds up having a diminishing effect on the sharpness and volume of the note when the stationairy bone is choked up like that, and would probably be helpful for bringing out a subtle tone with one hand, or dropping the volume for indoors, or a nice counterpart to the dominant hand held in standard fashion. I am still trying to get the hang of using both hands though, so it is still pretty likely that I will arrive at BF14 with more questions than answers."
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by bonedog
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
ff,
If you are into authentic minstrel-style banjo, then I am sure you will love Carl Anderton's (oldcremora) videos.
Scott
..
"Off to view oldcremora's vids."
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by bonedog
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
The last time I tried to play the bones (a very long time ago), my mate told me to shut up because he didn't want to sit next to someone who sounded like Pinocchio having a toss.
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
I said w@nk, not toss. Grrr.
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"If you are into authentic minstrel-style banjo, then I am sure you will love Carl Anderton's (oldcremora) videos.
Scott"
....................................................
Checked a few out. That younger looking fellow has some serious chops on the bones, and the banjo style is different from the frailing stuff I am used to doing. Pretty impressive work though....I hope they make it to Bonesfest.
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"The last time I tried to play the bones (a very long time ago), my mate told me to shut up because he didn't want to sit next to someone who sounded like Pinocchio having a toss.
I said w@nk, not toss. Grrr."
OK. The bones sound like Pinocchio having a w@nk.
Gotta give the devil his due..... THAT was funny......
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
FF-
The young guy is "Cuffie" (aka Kyle Pretzl) from Kansas. He is a dedicated Civil War drummer boy re-enactor. A couple years ago, when he was just 12 years old, he bought a pair of Danforth walnut bones from me at a Civil War event where I was performing with Carl and his minstrel band. I gave Cuffie a quick bones lesson. He immediately took to the bones and within a year developed into an expert player (damn kids). Now he also plays banjo and sings. And yes, he rattles at Irish sessions. I saw a video of him rattlin' at a session in Kansas City where he appeared quite well accepted.
I am no banjo expert. But frailing was born out of minstrel style banjo where the thumb picks the drone string. Minstrel-style banjo is essentially African rhythm with European melody. Authentic minstrel-style banjos give a "tubby" sound. As you probably know, the gourd-banjo originated in Asia or Africa, established itself on this side of the pond via the slave trade - first in the British West Indies, notably in Hatie. Then it arrived in the U.S. during the time of Thomas Jefferson who wrote about the "banjar" in 1781. The five-string banjo with a drum hoop body was popularized by Joel Walker Sweeney during the antebellum era and took off like a shot with the meteoric rise of minstrelsy (lead by the Virginia Minstrels) in 1843...and the rest is modern banjo history.
Scott
..
"Checked a few out. That younger looking fellow has some serious chops on the bones, and the banjo style is different from the frailing stuff I am used to doing. Pretty impressive work though....I hope they make it to Bonesfest."
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by bonedog
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"chops on the bones" - I just had that for tea. The closer the bone, the sweeter the meat, I always say.
# Posted on December 6th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
Please, please keep the bones in the stock-pot where they belong along with the shakey eggs, drumming on tables and all of the other percussive distractions which pollute the session.
# Posted on December 7th 2009 by sam bracken
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
"The young guy is "Cuffie" (aka Kyle Pretzl) from Kansas. He is a dedicated Civil War drummer boy re-enactor. A couple years ago, when he was just 12 years old, he bought a pair of Danforth walnut bones from me at a Civil War event where I was performing with Carl and his minstrel band. I gave Cuffie a quick bones lesson. He immediately took to the bones and within a year developed into an expert player (damn kids). Now he also plays banjo and sings. And yes, he rattles at Irish sessions. I saw a video of him rattlin' at a session in Kansas City where he appeared quite well accepted."
Like you said, "damn kids!"
If you talk to him anytime soon, I'm thinking it may be a good idea to encourage him to do some youtube workshops to highlight his techniques, maybe the RBS could link. I was purty impressed...
That choked grip is working well, and will do for when I want to keep a good active rythym without high volume. I need to find some time and resources to work on the left hand as well. Been neglecting it. Kinda hard to practice lefthanded while driving in the States, and I live with 3 other people, so home is difficult as well.
ff
# Posted on December 7th 2009 by freddfish
Re: Bones, and How to Play Them in ITM
I'm sure Cuffie will make a how-to video eventually.
I can't always rattle at home either - because the old lady has frequent migraines. And to think the crybabies on this board think bones are annoying to them!
Scott
# Posted on December 7th 2009 by bonedog