Customer Reviews

Harlem Banjo

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Banjoist Elmer Snowden only led two albums in the LP era, and his OJC CD reissue is his best showcase. Snowden, who is joined by stride pianist Cliff Jackson, bassist Tommy Bryant and drummer Jimmy Crawford, is the lead voice throughout the dozen standards, all of which date from the 1920s or '30s. Snowden's dixieland banjo style is a lost art, and this is his definitive recording. Highly recomended joyous music.

I originally had this on a record many years ago. While reviewing old albums for disposition (as my record player had died), I came across it and just had to get a copy on CD so that I could listen to it again in the car. These guys were GOOD instrumentalists. Just about all of the selections allow for Snowden and Jackson to show their stuff. If you have any interest in this kind of music, get this one!! You won't be sorry.

I used to hate this type of music. Because I was a hard-core modern jazz fan.

However, this CD changed my perception. Whatta HAPPY music!!!!!!

Cliff Jackson is the greatest piano guy.

I bought the album, so Amazon has asked me to review it. I produced the album, so I shouldn't.
I love the album, but who wouldn't.

I really enjoyed listening to Elmer Snowden playing the jazz banjo.I became aware of Elmer from the 2 Lonnie Johnson albums that he played guitar on.After doing a search at Amazon I found this album of Elmer's on banjo and ordered it.After I listened to it I could understand where Elmer's guitar style came from.He approaches guitar single string leads with a similar tremolo type picking and he uses chord style melody as you might play on a banjo.
All of the songs on this album are great and the musical capability is top notch.It's a shame that these players are not more recognized today.Buy it if you can get it at a reasonable price.

This wonderful recording "saved" Elmer Snowden's unique banjo work for the ages. Especially for the fan of the four-string banjo in early jazz, this is a priceless link. Aside from the terrific playing, the music is full of joy and mischief. Cliff Jackson and the rhythm guys are perfect foils for Elmer's style, which has guided my own banjo work in trad jazz bands over 50 years. I first encountered this recording on LP in the mid-60's. Its inspiration for me and my band-mates was incalculable.

Lou Raichle