Customer Reviews

The Crow: Book of Tablature: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

However, more time could have been spent TOTALLY tabbing out the tunes. I was somewhat dissappointed, when on attempting to play the LEAD song, 'Daddy played the banjo'. It was more 'backup', having left out the entire Main break. So, folks, don't expect a detail tab layout. just basic stuff. Tony Trischka is a great talent, he could have done better on the tabs. Buy the CD because its one of the best bluegrass and clawhammer assemblage for 2009.

Steve Martin is a Banjo genius, and this book is very effective at reminding me that I am not! Seriously, this book is wonderfully transcribed, its just a matter of playing the material in a way that does this wonderful album any justice. If you're at all concerned about transcription quality, rest assured: Tony Trischka (a veritable Banjo god) worked with Steve Martin to ensure accuracy. This is stated specifically within the book. If you love the Crow and want to (attempt to) play some of the songs, then this is the book for you.

I teach 5-string banjo, both bluegrass and old-timey. This book of tablature is just what I needed for several of my students who asked to work on songs from The Crow. The tablatures are concise and easy to read and the book saves me the time it would take me to tab it myself. Good job!

I fell in love with The Crow when I first heard it, and was blown away by Steve Martin's talent on the banjo. It's such a modern-sounding and accessible album and easily the most enjoyable I've heard in a while. As soon as I heard "Saga of the Old West" I knew I had to learn how to play it. After two days with this book I'm well on my way to mastering the first section of that song, and I've only been playing the banjo since August (although I do play the guitar). The tabs are clearly laid out with easy-to-read indications of which fingers to pick with, exactly where the hammers and pull-offs are, and which section of the song you are playing. There are many different styles included in the book as well. It's even better that Steve was involved with the book and includes his personal comments and tips for the tabs (e.g. "...which is how how I play it...").

Overall, this book is very easy to understand and a great way to further appreciate Steve's more contemporary musicianship!

I ordered this book for my son and I since we both play and we were very pleased with the ease of how the songs are laid out. If you love this album and want to learn how to play the songs look no further! Quick ship too!

I have a new respect for Steve Martin as a musician. He's just amazing. There isn't a boring track on this CD and it is "truly wonderful" but even better than advertised. I am learning clawhammer banjo and was very impressed that he has attained mastery of both three finger and clawhammer styles. His compositions are highly inventive and don't sound like regurgitated reworkings of old pieces. The CD is very well orchestrated, and some sections (for example "The Crow") are reminiscent of Aaron Copland's magical ability to capture the concept of arid spaciousnees with music.

I luckly discovered the CD by listening to files on Banjo Newsletter's website and previewed "The Crow" there. If you like banjo, whether bluegrass or clawhammer, do yourself a favor: buy this CD! If you play, certainly don't pass up the opportunity to get the tablature along with it.

Excellent Blue Grass. Kind of wild and different. I hope we see more of this music from Martin and the Steep Canyon.

As promised, an endless font of entertainment. Steve Martin is our banjo daddy! Love it!!! Get the CD too!!!!!

Book was received in perfect condition very promptly. I was able to find it quickly on the website and it was received in just a few days. This has proved to be the easiest and quickest way for me to purchase my music.

I've always enjoyed Steve Martin's banjo playing and now on this album, you get a great variety of good banjo music.