Jake Blount
Old Time Banjo
Jake Blount is an award-winning banjoist, fiddler, singer and scholar based in Washington, DC. He is half of the internationally touring duo Tui and a 2020 Strathmore Artist in Residence. He has studied with modern masters of old-time music, including Bruce Molsky, Judy Hyman (of the Horse Flies), and Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins (of the GRAMMY-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops). Although he is proficient in multiple old-time styles, he specializes in the music of Black and Native American communities in the southeastern United States, and in the regional style of Ithaca, New York. In 2016, Blount became the first Black person to make the finals at the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival (better known as Clifftop), and the first to win in the traditional band category. In the following year, he received his B.A. in Ethnomusicology from Hamilton College and released his debut EP, “Reparations,” with award-winning fiddler Tatiana Hargreaves
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
The Banjo Style of Odell Thompson: Odell Thompson of Maben, NC grew up in a musical tradition where the banjo was the ensemble leader, and the fiddle followed. He developed a bold, exciting rhythmic style as a result. His playing is nonetheless very accessible, and any players who feel comfortable with the “bum ditty” will find a home here.
Black Stringband Music: The history and sound of fiddle and banjo music in southern Black communities. Participants will study and learn from field recordings with Jake as a guide, and familiarize themselves with the history of the tradition. (All instruments, all levels)
Etta Baker's Up-Picking Style: Etta Baker is perhaps best known as a skilled Piedmont blues guitarist; however, she also played the banjo. Given that many blues guitarists of Baker's generation claimed to have learned from banjo-playing relatives, her unique up-picking style may represent an important crossover point for old-time and blues music. Participants will learn a tune as she played it. (Banjo, Int-Adv)
Creating Feeling with the Banjo: The banjo occupies a space between rhythm and melody that gives a player great leeway to define the attitude and atmosphere of a tune. Using Rufus Kasey's "Coo Coo Bird" as a template, we'll discuss how different approaches to rhythm and variation can change the feel of a tune. (Banjo, Int-Adv)