The Glory-Beaming Banjo

During these waning days of 2019, I figured I'd give you one last look back at the year that was. The following are the five most viewed posts of 2019.  Review: Mike Seeger's Just Around the Bend . I'm cheating a bit with this one because this Smithsonian release occupied two of the most popular posts of the year. The actual top post by a couple hundred views was my post announcing that Seeger's final project would be released in August . My review of said CD/DVD/booklet set came in a few slots down the list. Remembering the Kent State Folk Festival . A love letter to a once-popular event for old-time musicians like Tommy Jarrell, Melvin Wine, the Highwoods String Band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and more. And it all happened in my hometown. Remember when I said I was going to write multiple posts on the festival? Me neither.  Review: Anna & Elizabeth, "Hop High"/"Here in the Vineyard." Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrel...

Five years ago Mumford & Sons was probably the biggest name in banjo music. They appeared on stage with Bob Dylan . They had a bunch of catchy songs that were all over the radio. They won a couple of Grammys . The head guy was in a really good Coen Brothers movie . And people were excited because they played acoustic instruments, particularly the banjo. Then, they decided to get moody. They took a hiatus after their worldwide tour in 2013, and two years later they released an album that ditched their signature sound . They went ... electric . Maybe they thought they could emulate Dylan's career path. It seemed to me like a manufactured publicity stunt. During the band's hiatus, banjo player Winston Marshall gave an interview where he said Mumford & Sons were done for good. And then, he dropped some serious shade on the banjo. When asked if Mumford & Sons had "killed" the banjo, Marshall told Vulture , "I think 'killed' is an under...