Customer Reviews

Banjo Crackerjax 1922-1930

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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When Harry Reser wasn't leading the two best hot white jazz bands of the 1920's, the Six Jumping Jacks and the Clicquot Club eskimos, he was making these incredible banjo recordings. Think of Harry Reser as the Les Paul of the 1920's. His fingers were the fastest in the world and his technique was jaw dropping. He seems to playing chords and picking at the same time or is he playing two banjos at once? This particular album will appeal more to guitarists and musicians than to those seeking twenties pop music. For those, grab the other Harry Reser albums on Amazon.

Harry Reser "set the bar" on banjo-playing techniques that few players have been able to attain since. It is truly amazing that there is a recording of his style from 70 years ago. Imagine all of the songs that have been written since then and how they would render if Harry had had a chance to play them. His lightening fast style is breath-taking and amazing, especially if you try to mimic just a little bit of his technique. Instead, forget trying to imitate the master and just sit back and enjoy.

HARRY RESER WAS THE PRE-EMINENT BANJO PLAYER IN JAZZ IN THE 1920'S BEFORE THE GUITAR REPLACED THE BANJO. THESE ARE SMALL GROUP RECORDINGS MADE BETWEEN 1922-1930. THIS MAN HAS SO MUCH DEXTERITY AT TIMES IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE ARE TWO BANJOS BEING PLAYED SIMULTANEOUSLY. ALL OF THE RELEASES ON THE YAZOO LABEL ARE HIGH QUALITY AND CLEANED UP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

It is hard to imagine that there is only one instrument being played or that the artist has only two hands with which to play.

This is absolutely top-notch 4-string. Too bad the bluegrassers had to add a fifth string and abduct the banjo from traditional jazz.