Old Folks at Home / Swanee River - Fretless "Minstrel" Banjo

Рет қаралды 22,150

Күн бұрын

I was inspired to learn this song from the 2nd South Carolina String Band's recording of this song. I highly recommend listening to theirs if you enjoy this song.
According to Wikipedia, ""Old Folks at Home" (also known as "Swanee River") is a minstrel song written by Stephen Foster in 1851. Since 1935, it has been the official state song of Florida, although in 2008 the original lyrics were revised.[1] It is Roud Folk Song Index no. 13880.[2]"
I'm in a low open tuning here, from 5th to 1st string (Ab F Db Ab Db). I'm playing a Don Gardner Minstrel Banjo with Nylon strings. These are the original strings I got the banjo with, so I'm not sure what brand they are, although they might be Aquila.

Пікірлер: 115

@darkestbeforedon914 Жыл бұрын

Honestly Knox, all you need is some basic recoding equipment and you could start broadcasting albums and the like

@francescofulghieri9608 Жыл бұрын

I wish I could like this comment 50 times I would jam so much to this man

@darkestbeforedon914 Жыл бұрын

@@francescofulghieri9608 I already do and I dont mind it the way it is, but I know others would want a more traditional recording setup and no background noise

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

I have an audio interface and stuff, just gotta figure out how to use it. May need to get a better mic though

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

But yeah, my audio quality is pretty mid on most of these vids. Working on it

@darkestbeforedon914 Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822 your audio could be better but your singing and playing is already refined, and anyone that listens can look past technical issues to appreciate what you do.

@2ndSouthCarolinaStringBand 28 күн бұрын

Very nicely done, Knox ! And thanks so much for the kind word above. It's a fun tune to play for sure !!

@JesusMowsMaLawn Жыл бұрын

I used to practice guitar for hours a day and crank out songs constantly until I hit a depression about a year ago. Since then I've found it nearly impossible to write anything or practice without getting incredibly sad and disheartened. I've been listening to your stuff for about two weeks, and your simple passion reminds me of the goals I always wanted for myself as a guitarist. To find happiness and content in my instrument Today I wrote a new song for the first time in 8 months. Thank you

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

🔥🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪 Amazing to hear! Im glad I inspired you. Important to enjoy the process and not stress the result

@Daddynapalm Жыл бұрын

Swanee river and De Boatman’s Dance are definitely my favorite of Minstrel/folk songs and have definitely done them justice

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@jay-ki6ie Жыл бұрын

man I have been watching all these videos you are posting. Love the sound of that banjo and your voice

@anthonycomes7896 7 ай бұрын

Florida knows how to pick a song

@douglaseriksson46 Ай бұрын

Very Beatutifull

@andrewvu1752 Жыл бұрын

I think the mid audio quality sounds better in my opinion. It just reminds me of those old time recordings with the static in the background that gives the whole tune a nostalgic feeling and i actually prefer it over crisp clear audio. Just my 2 cents😮

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I like to have a balance of the 2, but I need to get some nice recordinggs done soon for some streaming service uploads

@andrewvu1752 Жыл бұрын

@knoxmassey6822 I would totally listen to you on Spotify, you sound awsome

@ElizabethMassey-ge4py Жыл бұрын

Nice finish! And I’ll add that my mind travels wistfully while listening. Music is such a gift. Thank you for sharing with us.

@TheSecondHeartbeat1 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful! Your playing is really impressive, you make playing that fretless look easy!

@woodybrison Жыл бұрын

Actually they are pretty easy to play. The bunny is that your fingers get to know on their own where the notes are. And if not, hey, it's a banjo, the clown of the orchestra, you really should just relax & enjoy it. It's impossible to be depressed if somebody's playing a banjo within earshot

@sebastiancoe4708 Жыл бұрын

you're my favorite banjoist

@alexmartens Жыл бұрын

great performance on this one

@woodybrison Жыл бұрын

Whenever I find somebody who is embarrassed to sing, I'm going to point them to this vid. Someone might think everybody's making fun of them, laughing at how bad they sing etc. But it's not true. Knox's singing is charming, and if someone, anyone, will just try, they will be too. People should sing more. It's not natural for people to never sing out loud among other people, to only get their music from a player machine.

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

totally agreed!

@Martin-hd2tr 3 ай бұрын

What do you mean, his singing is great

@kinggeedorah8953 11 ай бұрын

i love this very much. thank you and greetings from germany

@knoxmassey6822 11 ай бұрын

Herzlichen Dank!

@aidancollins1591 11 ай бұрын

This is the proper way! Every version I listen to is very slow and uniform in it's pace, take's the excitement out of the tune in my opinion.

@Martin-hd2tr 3 ай бұрын

My new favorite music channel on KZfaq!

@estebanembroglio6371 5 ай бұрын

you really did this song well. this one means a lot to me and my dad. And his dad when he was around.

@Nanigross Жыл бұрын

ive watched all these videos a few times now. super great vibes, and ill be listening to them many more times to come.

@Christian762 Жыл бұрын

Great!

@PolarChimes Жыл бұрын

Nice work! Inspired me to get my banjo out again

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Im sure banjo would be nice for some ambient tracks. Nice channel btw, im subbed now

@landonthomass Жыл бұрын

Again, a nice listen! I love these old Minstrel songs.

@AlexanderGrobbe Жыл бұрын

Love your stache and love your playing bro!

@codygouse Жыл бұрын

Respect 🫡

@evmanbutts 11 ай бұрын

This tune is surprisingly easy to play if you forego the clawhammer strumming, though doesnt sound quite as full.

@Xbhimanyu11 Жыл бұрын

Love those moustaches brother.. best wishes from India..

@OrthoBro3 Жыл бұрын

Thats a banger

@VideosJacked Жыл бұрын

Sometimes this website's algorithm gets it right. Knox, you're hella talented my guy.

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

🫡

@shawnlennon1947 Жыл бұрын

interesting neck carve. almost like this was fashioned out of old chair leg. amazing performance.

@MonkeyBarsEveryday Жыл бұрын

love this. tempted to pick up the banjo myself. I've always loved banjo tunes

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

If you do decide to get one, do your research. In fact, I may make a video regarding first banjo purchase best practices

@samuelharley_ Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822could you?

@danielbekker5062 Жыл бұрын

fantastic

@swiss4366 Жыл бұрын

wonderful stuff :)

@felixnebois Жыл бұрын

Another tune to vibe by! You should think about opening a Patreon in the future. Much love from France

@ihartcrackers Жыл бұрын

Love it!

@jacobvanderweide 8 ай бұрын

Hey dude, I can tell you’re a fellow Foster fan. I’ve been working on a documentary on him for awhile. I’d love to include you in it if you’d be down!

@knoxmassey6822 8 ай бұрын

Sure, It would be an honor!

@dominiquesirgy8057 8 ай бұрын

Hey Knox. I want to get into the fretless "minstrel' banjo. I love the style you play. Do you have any recommendations for where to get used ones for a good price, and which books to start with? Your help is appreciated1

@knoxmassey6822 8 ай бұрын

Yes, check out Gardner's Dulcimers. That's where I got mine, and it was for a relatively good price. As far as getting started, I'd look into Timothy Twiss and his videos/books.

@dominiquesirgy8057 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!@@knoxmassey6822

@Luckey900 Жыл бұрын

Well Played and Sung Sir ! Jim Canada PS (Looks like Classical Guitar Strings and C5 Tuning, Right Hand Carter Brush/Travis ?! )

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Aquila Nylgut “Minstrel” strings and standard open Banjo tuning tuned down, might be C5 IDK

@Luckey900 Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822 10-4 Great Sound.

@mjm5899 Жыл бұрын

Rocking that stache huh friend? 😄 Playin one of my fav songs too... Subbed

@bozo3964 Жыл бұрын

I've got a growing suspicion he's like hiding out in the woods from the FBI. I see him turning around a lot, always looking scared ha. Whether or not you're hiding off the grid from the FBI, I enjoy listening to these songs so much. They take me back. All the love

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed! I was turning around cause I heard a squirrel but thought it was a deer. No FBI here 🤫

@SrDokurito Жыл бұрын

Gran tema hermano saludos! ♥

@corinacantu2888 Жыл бұрын

hey, i just wanna say i love your playing, im new to banjo and i got a tenor and that im learning on. i wanna know how you play so good

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Just practice - find a few songs that you like and practice them a LOT until you are good at them, It will improve your playing ability immensely

@minak153 Жыл бұрын

Have you ever considered uploading your covers to platforms like spotify etc.? I'd love to see them there as I absolutely love the way you play.

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Yes. I’m probably going to get a good recording mic sometime soon

@minak153 Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822 I'm looking forward to it!

@jacksonwalker9878 Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I love the way you play these old-timey songs. Do you know Just Before the Battle Mother? I'd love to hear your take on that one, it's one of my favorites from the civil war. Either way keep it up I'll be listening!

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

I’ve played a song called “Brother Green” on my channel, may be somewhat similar. You may like it

@schoenoplectus Жыл бұрын

Awesome stuff! Would love to hear Waterbound by Dirk Powell

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Ill take a listem

@solaireofastora700 Жыл бұрын

Dude you look exactly like a mix between the man co. guy from team fortress and friedrich nietzsche. Anyways, just had to get that out of my chest lol Actually banger content btw!

@solaireofastora700 Жыл бұрын

SAXTON HALE thats his name

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

@@solaireofastora700 very specific comparison, and thank you nonetheless

@GrasshopperMan Жыл бұрын

If you take requests, I'd love to hear you play "Sitting On Top of the World", if you haven't already done it. I recommend learning from the version by the Hart Valley Drifters. Although Jerry has a different style than you (picking rather than strumming) I'm sure you can make it your own

@GrasshopperMan Жыл бұрын

Actually, looking at some of your other videos, it seems you could probably pull it off no problem

@robertlmiller6996 Жыл бұрын

I am doing a video on the Stephen Foster Folk Center Campground. May I loop your instrumental portion as background music if I give you credit and link to the entire version in my description?

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Yes

@robertlmiller6996 Жыл бұрын

Thank you kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9hgh8aFp8ynmqM.html

@graysonsudweeks2213 Жыл бұрын

when did you start learning? I picked up the banjo on and off about 3 years ago but I feel like my progress has been slow. I'm learning out of "Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus" as well as Pete Seeger's book "How to Play the 5 String Banjo" and some online tutorials as well. What is your approach to learning? Is it best to work through books and videos or should I take a different approach like a teacher?

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

I’ve been playing for about 2 years. I’m not really a book guy. I really like videos as you can see and hear what you’re playing, especially if the person playing walks you through the song. I’ve never had a formal teacher but I would consider some people on this platform to be people I look up to, like Clifton Hicks or Patrick Costello. I can’t speak to bluegrass banjo, however. If you find that direct teaching works best for you, however, i would do that. Nothing beats seeing someone play in person (i would imagine as I’ve never hung out with other banjo players before). I have, however taken lessons for other instruments in the past, and having a teacher/mentor can be very valuable.

@mattysanford Жыл бұрын

Somebody get this guy to sit down with Jake Fussell and call it a day.

@That94CelicaGuy Жыл бұрын

I will buy you recording equipment if you just let me get all the first recordings 😭

@markuscampos8293 Жыл бұрын

How long have you been playing the banjos?

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

About 2 years now

@rasmuserlandsson2204 Жыл бұрын

Nice playing. You have a really good touch for music, but I'd also look into raising the tuning of the banjo if that's possible. Not in this tune, but in a lot of the songs you played it seemed like a lot of notes were too deep. It's very noticable in old tar river, would be cool to hear what happened if you went up 1 whole step!

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Been playing low for a little while I wait for new strings. Ill tune it up when they arrive

@crazylegoarmy Жыл бұрын

Hey, I have been absolutely loving your covers! Great tone and playing both vocally and with the banjo. I have played guitar for about 5 years now... your covers are really inspiring me to pick up the banjo as well! Would you mind telling me where you got that Minstrel Banjo? Or are there any banjos you recommend for beginners? Cheers from Wisconsin

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

I got it from Gardner’s Dulcimers. Its their “minstrel banjo”. Definitely possible to learn on it but i’d recommend looking into getting a cheap fretted banjo first. Typically you can find ones for under 500 that people are selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Make sure to get a 5 string, not a plectrum or tenor banjo. Let me know if you have any more questions

@crazylegoarmy Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822 Sweet thanks

@eialzorn9284 Жыл бұрын

robbie basho type voice........

@MiserableLabourPhD Жыл бұрын

Shamana brought me here

@Liz-gq4ow Жыл бұрын

DO A JOHN DENVER SONG

@figgypreserves Жыл бұрын

Please do a lesson on this one- or at least a close up of the left hand. fantastic version

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Sure, i think someone asked for a lesson on this one so that should be in order

@figgypreserves Жыл бұрын

@@knoxmassey6822 Thank you!

@matthewjoseph821 Жыл бұрын

Knox are you religious?

@knoxmassey6822 Жыл бұрын

Im certainly not an athiest or agnostic. I was raised Episcopal however I only attend church infrequently

@matthewjoseph821 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I didn’t think you seemed nihilistic what so ever. Awesome, thank you for sharing! You should look into the Roman Catholic, you can trance the history all the way back to Jesus and even before Jesus since was He not demolished but fulfilled the priesthood in the line of Malakezadek. Unbroken history that is, unlike episcopal/angelician which broke off of Roman Catholic by the famous English King Henry V, for obvious no good reason at all. Love you brother in Christ, with prayers -Matthew.

@matthewjoseph821 Жыл бұрын

Christ said of course “I’m the way the truth & the life”, NOT (“you are the way the truth & the life”). That includes you King Henry. Also of course His ONE Church, NOT plural Churches.

@matthewjoseph821 Жыл бұрын

Definitely am not trying to shame or disrespect your background. Just making a chase for the Lord. Love what you do man!

@amandahugankiss4110 Жыл бұрын

What a gay shirt!

@graysonsudweeks2213 Жыл бұрын

what?

@amandahugankiss4110 Жыл бұрын

@@graysonsudweeks2213 Is such a happy and bright color! You know, gay.

@graysonsudweeks2213 Жыл бұрын

@@amandahugankiss4110 ah! of course!