Time Travel with Strings Attached - The Early American Parlour Banjo
author: Ian Bell
This recording is some kind of Victorian melody-powered time machine. Rob MacKillop's deft playing brings life to a wierd and wonderful collection of 19th century stage and parlour banjo pieces on a period-style gut-strung instrument.
This is a completely solo recording throughout, but the variety of moods makes the entire journey a pleasurable one. The musical styles take in much of the early banjo repertoire, from delicate waltzes to the African-inspired syncopations of old minstrel tunes. Best of all, in Rob's hands these tunes don't come across as dusty artifacts. It's like finding a picture of your Grand-dad when he was young and handsome - and you start to get an idea why Granny took up with him in the first place.
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The Early American Parlor Banjo - Rob MacKillop
author: John Balch
This is a fantastic new project from Rob MacKillop. It is masterfully played and well recorded. The tunes provide a significant study of period music. In Rob's skilled hands, the instruments sound magnificent. More importantly, the music is simply beautiful and extremely enjoyable. Very entertaining! Highly recommended.
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