Dixieland music is that fun jazzy music so well suited for the banjo -- in fact, dixieland music although it can be performed without the instrument is never the same! BUT, THE BANJO MUST BE PLAYED WELL, OR WITHOUT IS BETTER! Playing dixieland music does not have to be hard, it just needs to be played correctly. Let's explore how the banjo can be used correctly in dixieland. Any type of banjo is a correct candidate for use in dixieland music, although tenor and plectrum are the most popular.
Primarily the banjo is used for rhythm so correct timing is essential -- most often, although it can seemingly get boring, down strokes on the beats are most appropriate and enhance the total sound of the band, and that is what gives satisfaction to the job. Appropriately, if a particular rhythmical pattern is developed by the band, the banjo must blend in and join in properly.
Banjo solos within a musical number -- these can be with ensemble or as a stop solo, or as a true solo with no accompaniment. These are the times the banjoist should "show their stuff" -- But stay in time! and play cleanly! -- better to be less complicated and precise than to ever be sloppy and messy.
Banjo introductions and tags -- can enhance the music, but not on every number. It is also the time to be creative in time and have special fun.
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The banjo is a tuned drum -- as banjoist Mike Pingatore called it. As it is playing, the attack should be in perfect time with the drum when playing rhythm and might at time be undiscernible from the snare or cymbal at times.
Banjo solos in dixieland -- are fun syncopated improvised spontaneous jazz musical expressions in every sense of the genre. They can be performed on any type of banjo type. One can learn and develop their style by listening to the styles of the other instruments in a dixieland band. Practice will bring development and improvement in this art of banjo playing. Techniques of single string and chord melody improvisation need to be practiced until they become a natural response to the music around you. Practicing scales and harmonized scales is one of the best ways to develop the feel for free flowing solos. Practicing doesn't need to be boring -- play the melody, then improvise -- it's all done on the chords of the tune. Don't hurry, play deliberately and slowly to work it out, speed will come in time. Playing cleanly is important, and there is no better way to develop a clean playing style than working up to it slowly, to be sure the music is clear and precise. Let the banjo ring true.
I will post some ideas for solo development and for intros and endings and tags that I personally use with The Ragtime Razcals of New England (tm) and other dixieland bands that I work with soon if there is interest. Please e-mail me if there is an interest in this along with any particulars that I might include that might be of interest.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at banjo@doctor4u.com