Hey, I inherited my uncle's banjo over Christmas. Being a guitar thumbpicker, I picked up the basics of the three finger style quickly (at a beginner level, of course) - but, the clawhammer style (that I really want to play) is still a bit of a mytstery. Thanks to videos on youtube (as I’m awaiting delivery of a couple of books) I’ve gotten he basic strum pattern…. And I’m sort of getting “Shady Grove”. I grew up following Doc Watson around, so this is very bitter sweet for me – so nice to play, but so many memories of those passed, who were friends and mentors.
Now, for the question: I'd really like to learn the tunes and styles of Charlie Poole, Uncle Dave Macon, the Mainers, Skillet Lickers and Grandpa Jones. Are there any songbooks out there dedicated to the individual old-time artist, discussing their playing style? I see quite a bit of this for bluegrass banjo pickers, but so far haven't found anything on the old-time guys. I have all of Charlie Poole's recordings, but even though I'm an NC native, I can't understand the words to many of his songs... much less how he plays them!
BTW, the banjo inherited is an Orpheum, built about 1975. It is a closed back model – tone ring and all. It is Japanese made, but seems to be quality wood, with a good tone. Any info on the banjo would be appreciated as well.