Topic: Tenor Banjo

[Gumbo]

I have to taken the brave step into the land of banjo. Bought a 1924 Gibson Junior 17 fret tenor. Having fun with it already, and did a search through the forums for stuff to listen to. I wasn't expecting a lot but ... here's what turned up.

The recordings of Bobby Leecan and Robert Cooksey
http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2780

Ikey Robinson with the Hokum trio
http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5326.msg50552#msg50552

and

Cal Smith playing with various Louisville jug bands
http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=6402

If anyone has anything to add that'd be fine an righteous! If I stumble across anything else I'll add it in.

[uncle bud]

Enjoy the tenor. Should be fun and the neighbours will love it.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I think Willie Black in Whistler's Jug Band played tenor banjo. Could be a banjo mandolin, but I think it's tb.

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I know that one of the Allen Brothers (can never remember if it was Austin or Lee) played tenor banjo, too.
All best,
Johnm

[Slack]

I think Willie Black in Whistler's Jug Band played tenor banjo. Could be a banjo mandolin, but I think it's tb.

Love that video -- especially when the jug player blows some loud fancy riff, puts his jug down and then fans it with his hat!  Ha!

[Gumbo]

Ah thanks for that uncle bud. It does sound more like a banjo than a mando, and looks like 4 strings. Love this vid too so it's wonderful to have the banjo pointed out.

The Allen Brothers - thanks for that too, Johnm. I shall have to check them out.

[mr mando]

"Alabama Bound" and "Drop That Sack" by Papa Charlie Jackson have tenor banjo in addition to PCJ's 6 string banjo.

And as you already mentioned Banjo Ikey Robinson in your first post, all his recordings are worth listening to, especially "My Four Reasons" and "Rock Me Mama" by his Bull Fiddle Band with Frankie Half-Pint Jaxon.

[Gumbo]

Thanks mr mando - I love that My Four Reasons - and I'll check out Frankie Jaxon again. I jus got the Allen Brothers sets and am loving the Hillbilly Blues. Some great licks and lyrics!

[frailer24]

I have also used a tenor, played up the neck, on Skillet Lickers numbers. There is a great discussion on the Banjo hangout about this.