fiddleedee - Posted - 02/18/2011:  19:59:03

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I've been working with Joe Davis of Madison, WI on an in-depth interview of Roger Sprung for the March Banjo Newsletter. Anyone interested in the life, music and contributions of this pioneer will enjoy this article.

Also, check out rogersprung.com - I've updated it with a lot more information and I'll be adding more regularly. Let me know what you think. If you have anything to contribute - stories, videos, etc., let me know and we'll add it in. I want this website to give a broad picture of Roger and his music.

And let me know what you think of the interview. It should be out the first week of March.

banjonews.com

Westvon - Posted - 02/18/2011:  20:08:16

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Cool! You and I get our articles published in next month's BNL. Can't wait the read your interview with Roger. what a great banjo player he is.

robbif - Posted - 02/19/2011:  13:39:18

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Here's my photo from Carlton Haney's 2nd Fincastle in 1966...



It's from my series at frobbi.org/slides/fincastle

Sorry about the quality of the Polaroid photo!

Rich Weill - Posted - 02/20/2011:  10:51:42

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I was never before a BNL subscriber, because I don't use tab much and a lot of BNL is tab-oriented. But a recent BHO thread (about the bluegrass/clawhammer competition for BNL space) expressed a consensus opinion that every self-respecting banjo player must subscribe. So I looked on the BNL website and, lo and behold, saw this announcement: "The March issue will feature an interview with legendary progressive banjo player Roger Sprung." Not only did I subscribe immediately, but I confirmed with Spencer that my subscription would be in time to receive the March issue.

As many of you know, I have discussed and cited Roger a lot on BHO. He is a font of banjo knowledge and insight (as well as someone who can play absolutely anything on a banjo, often with only a moment's preparation). It's been an extraordinary gift to have had the opportunity to learn from, and jam with, him. As both an innovative performer and teacher, Roger deserves all the recognition he can get.

Banjophobic - Posted - 02/20/2011:  11:11:36

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Yep, what rich said and more. Roger has been on of THE ambassadors for this music. He doesnt just talk about furthering the music, he actually works towards it. Galax fiddlers convention inst official until Roger appears-

Wayne Holcombe - Posted - 02/20/2011:  11:12:52

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Was camped across the road from Roger at Galax this past summer.What a treat.It was great to see him in action.
Wayne

f5loar - Posted - 02/20/2011:  14:51:20

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I just saw the Sprung this summer at Galax and it was as if time stood still. He's not changed in 50 years and playing the same banjo too! The banjo is his life. He deserves the cover.

ninethirtyfive - Posted - 02/21/2011:  05:37:36

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Wayne even scored a pair of pre-war gold national ear rings,so when
he then could play by ear. Wayne
[/quote]

fiddleedee - Posted - 02/21/2011:  20:42:35

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quote:

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Originally posted by robbif

Here's my photo from Carlton Haney's 2nd Fincastle in 1966...



It's from my series at frobbi.org/slides/fincastle

Sorry about the quality of the Polaroid photo!

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Fred,
I'll definitely include this photo on Roger's website. Here's a story you'll like -
I found your photo a few years ago when I was first getting to know Roger and wanted to see what there was about him on the web. I printed out a copy and gave it to Roger, who was thrilled. A few years later I saw him pull the crumpled print out of his wallet and show it to some admirers, proudly displaying the great players he'd been privileged to perform with. This was clearly not the first time he'd shown it around - I think this is one of his favorite shots. Thanks for sharing.
~Erick

fiddleedee - Posted - 02/21/2011:  20:46:49

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rich Weill

I was never before a BNL subscriber, because I don't use tab much and a lot of BNL is tab-oriented. But a recent BHO thread (about the bluegrass/clawhammer competition for BNL space) expressed a consensus opinion that every self-respecting banjo player must subscribe. So I looked on the BNL website and, lo and behold, saw this announcement: "The March issue will feature an interview with legendary progressive banjo player Roger Sprung." Not only did I subscribe immediately, but I confirmed with Spencer that my subscription would be in time to receive the March issue.

As many of you know, I have discussed and cited Roger a lot on BHO. He is a font of banjo knowledge and insight (as well as someone who can play absolutely anything on a banjo, often with only a moment's preparation). It's been an extraordinary gift to have had the opportunity to learn from, and jam with, him. As both an innovative performer and teacher, Roger deserves all the recognition he can get.

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And thanks to Rich for contributing a great article about Roger's unique teaching method for his website. I'll have it up later this week. Rich has gathered many good videos that will be posted as well. Thanks to all who recognize Roger's gifts and contributions.

robbif - Posted - 02/22/2011:  08:22:02

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Erick,

So glad Roger enjoyed my photo. I never knew that! Very gratifying!

And thanks for adding it to his website.

I proudly added an excerpt from Roger's photo page on my series.
Scroll down on this page frobbi.org/slides/fincastle/page2.html

arnie fleischer - Posted - 02/22/2011:  09:45:24

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Roger is also telling the same jokes he did 35 years ago! I saw him at a jam last June and told him that I've been using his line about Mozart, whose Symphony in C Roger arranged for the banjo. He used to announce it by saying that the piece was written by Morris Zart, whose friends all called him Mo. And then he'd say, "Mozart was a composer, but do you know what he's doing now? Decomposing."

A great guy, a great player.

robbif - Posted - 02/22/2011:  13:36:02

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I just remembered I scanned the Union Grove programs for 1967 and 1968.

Here's the 1967 page with Roger...




The complete programs are at frobbi.org/ug67 and frobbi.org/ug68

TL - Posted - 02/22/2011:  17:07:34

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One thing we "mature" BHO members really enjoy is reading threads that take us back in time. Roger was one of my banjo heroes back in the 60's and at the festivals in Virginia and North Carolina. I can still see his VW bus in my mind. Great to know he's still active.

BanjoLink - Posted - 02/23/2011:  05:45:09

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I first saw Roger at the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville and later bought a tone ring from him in the Westgate Shopping Center (I think) (1975) parking lot. Paid $50 for the ring and still have it in the first banjo I built. Roger was quite an entertainer and he always looked like he just loved being on stage!

fiddleedee - Posted - 02/23/2011:  07:19:44

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quote:

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Originally posted by robbif

I just remembered I scanned the Union Grove programs for 1967 and 1968.

Here's the 1967 page with Roger...




The complete programs are at frobbi.org/ug67 and frobbi.org/ug68

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I'll have to ask Roger who the bass player was...Thanks.

BanjoLink - Posted - 02/23/2011:  09:28:33

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As a side note, kudos again to Fred for all of the photos and recordings that he made during a time when we were all "young skulls full of mush" and mostly interested in things other than recording "bluegrass history". I am proud to say we were both at the same institute of higher learning (Clemson University) at the same time although we we did not know each other, served our country at the same time in Viet Nam, and knew a lot of the same people. I am just grateful that Fred was much more forward thinking that some of us other slugs! Fred probably has some recordings that are available nowhere else. Thanks again Fred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Weill - Posted - 02/24/2011:  20:18:39

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Recently, I was watching these videos of Roger playing with Drew Smith at last year's Washington Square reunion:
youtube.com/watch?v=p4HNiFeSQqc
youtube.com/watch?v=auTZYo8tQfA

As I watched, some of Roger's up-the-neck chord positions looked strange -- until I realized that the reason for this was that Roger's banjo has inlays on the 9th fret instead of the 10th fret, and on the 14th fret instead of the 15th fret.

I thought the placement of inlays on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets was fairly standard. Has this changed over time? As I recall, parts of Roger's banjo (which was made from 3 banjos) date back to 1927.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 02/24/2011:  20:46:24

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rich Weill

Recently, I was watching these videos of Roger playing with Drew Smith at last year's Washington Square reunion:
youtube.com/watch?v=p4HNiFeSQqc
youtube.com/watch?v=auTZYo8tQfA

As I watched, some of Roger's up-the-neck chord positions looked strange -- until I realized that the reason for this was that Roger's banjo has inlays on the 9th fret instead of the 10th fret, and on the 14th fret instead of the 15th fret.

I thought the placement of inlays on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets was fairly standard. Has this changed over time? As I recall, parts of Roger's banjo (which was made from 3 banjos) date back to 1927.

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He looked pretty relaxed on the videos. think he has done that before?
Ken

robbif - Posted - 02/25/2011:  16:35:37

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Hey John,

Great to hear from another Clemson guy!

Thanks for the comments. I'm so glad I can share all the recordings with those who appreciate them.

That's where I was "converted" to Bluegrass by my mentor, Bob Isenhour.




Me, Bob, (not the) Bobby Thompson, ? twins


Fred

fiddleedee - Posted - 03/03/2011:  20:28:40

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quote:

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Originally posted by fiddleedee

quote:

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Originally posted by robbif

I just remembered I scanned the Union Grove programs for 1967 and 1968.

Here's the 1967 page with Roger...




The complete programs are at frobbi.org/ug67 and frobbi.org/ug68

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Roger says the bass player is Austin Gelzer. Fred, Roger says he remembers you well.

Anyone see the article yet? Let me know what you think.
I'll have to ask Roger who the bass player was...Thanks.

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robbif - Posted - 03/04/2011:  07:52:59

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Erick,

Thanks to you and Roger for the comments and the update. I've added the bass player's name.

In my spare time, I'm trying to add as many names as possible.

Fred

fiddleedee - Posted - 03/04/2011:  08:22:08

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rich Weill

Recently, I was watching these videos of Roger playing with Drew Smith at last year's Washington Square reunion:
youtube.com/watch?v=p4HNiFeSQqc
youtube.com/watch?v=auTZYo8tQfA

As I watched, some of Roger's up-the-neck chord positions looked strange -- until I realized that the reason for this was that Roger's banjo has inlays on the 9th fret instead of the 10th fret, and on the 14th fret instead of the 15th fret.

I thought the placement of inlays on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets was fairly standard. Has this changed over time? As I recall, parts of Roger's banjo (which was made from 3 banjos) date back to 1927.

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Rich,
Why don't you come to the spaghetti supper tomorrow night to check out those inlays first hand.

Rich Weill - Posted - 03/07/2011:  20:16:39

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quote:

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Originally posted by fiddleedee

Rich,
Why don't you come to the spaghetti supper tomorrow night to check out those inlays first hand.

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I was looking forward to it, Erick, particularly as last month's jam was cancelled due to snow. But I had to go out of town on business. Bad timing (which is never good for a banjo player).

However, when I returned home Sunday night, my March BNL was waiting for me. Great interview. The most intriguing section (maybe because it involved something from Roger that was completely new to me) was Roger's idea for a 6-string banjo, with a second, shorter drone string tuned to A (I assume pegged at the 7th fret) which you pick (with the thumb) as an available alternative to the G drone string, depending on the harmony you want to achieve (a G9, C6, etc.). [The August 1974 BNL had an article called "Roger Sprung's Six Tuning Pegs." I wonder if there's any connection.]

Roger sounded so sure about it, as the banjo of the future. I wouldn't be surprised if he once had built a prototype and played it.

fiddleedee - Posted - 03/08/2011:  19:58:07

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rich Weill

[quote]Originally posted by fiddleedee

Rich,
The most intriguing section (maybe because it involved something from Roger that was completely new to me) was Roger's idea for a 6-string banjo, with a second, shorter drone string tuned to A (I assume pegged at the 7th fret) which you pick (with the thumb) as an available alternative to the G drone string, depending on the harmony you want to achieve (a G9, C6, etc.). [The August 1974 BNL had an article called "Roger Sprung's Six Tuning Pegs." I wonder if there's any connection.]

Roger sounded so sure about it, as the banjo of the future. I wouldn't be surprised if he once had built a prototype and played it.

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Roger mentioned the earlier article in BNL when I was interviewing him. He said he had a Kay made up that way in the sixties. I don't think he has one now.

Rich Weill - Posted - 03/09/2011:  06:24:10

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rich Weill

quote:

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Originally posted by fiddleedee

Rich,
Why don't you come to the spaghetti supper tomorrow night to check out those inlays first hand.

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I was looking forward to it, Erick, particularly as last month's jam was cancelled due to snow. But I had to go out of town on business. Bad timing (which is never good for a banjo player).

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It looks like I missed a great night.

A little tomfoolery added to the music: youtube.com/watch?v=OjamP1Vl7YI

And Roger doing a duet with his daughter: youtube.com/watch?v=zJSWH292ij4 [Roger's kickoff solo here is a great example of the way he gives a song an extra measure of "bounce."]