Could Have Been Better
author: George Motisher
Being a fan of both three finger banjo and ragtime music, I thought I'd enjoy this more than I did.
The tunes were very good. Some were rather obscure, but still quite good.
However, the execution in many cases left a bit to be desired. There wasn't much variety in the arrangements. In most cases, the violin was overused, doubling the banjo melody and giving no textural relief. Ragtime always has repeated sections; it would have been better had these repeats been varied a bit instead of just having the violin sawing away constantly with the same licks.
Another problem was poor balance. The banjo's intricacies were not audible enough on many tracks. Again, this was more prevalant when the violin was playing.
There were many tunes I really enjoyed, but most of them were the ones which didn't feature the fiddle. The opening number got things going nicely, and some of the music really dazzled, but all in all, the CD could have been better engineered and, more particularly, better arranged.
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Really enjoy your music
author: Judy L. Winter
Hi Clarke,
I ordered two of your CD's, one for my brother and one for myself. Since I hadn't heard you play before I really didn't know what to expect. Your banjo playing is wonderful. Thanks for all of your dedicated efforts.
Judy Winter
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this is OK but does not have the same spirit as the old skirtlifters
author: stephen underhill
this is a good recording. but lacks the spirit of the old skirtlifters of several years ago. the muscians are good but the drive and enthusiasm just ain't there.
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Very pleasant!
author: Larry S.
As a lifetime ragtime fan and sometime Dixieland pianist, I listened and smiled. Most of the tunes are well-known, but played in a fresh style. I'll listen often.
Violin not present on all tracks -- would like to have it on all.
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