Everyone seems to be doing these "best of the decade" posts, so I might as well too. It seems like a good way to close out the year.
This blog started in 2011, so there's not a full 10 years to choose from. Regardless, it was interesting to take a stroll through the archives and revisit these stories from the last eight years. Without further ado, here are the most visited Glory-Beaming Banjo stories of the 2010s.
From July 8, 2016, this is the post that kicked off the "Vinyl Hunter" series. On that maiden voyage, I picked up Ed Haley, Parkersburg Landing, and the Galax Va. Old Fiddlers' Convention compilation from 1964.
From March 3, 2011, my review of this wonderful and large collection of tunes, compiled by Clare Milliner and Walt Koken. They released a second edition of this 888-page tome earlier this year. You can buy the book at the Mudthumper Music website.
The saga of the Highwoods Stringband documentary that was released a year ago actually dates back to 2013. However, the project met a series of delays and seemed doomed to fail. This post from Aug. 18, 2016, revived hope.
From Sept. 28, 2015, my report from a workshop with banjo master craftsman Doug Unger and his apprentice Mark Ward, a fine luthier in his own right. I try to never miss a chance to see Unger's work in person. I also try not to drool when I do so.
From June 3, 2011, my interview with the extremely talented and knowledgeable Bob Smakula, fiddler, banjo player and proprietor of Smakula Fretted Instruments. I was especially interested in learning about Goose Acres, the famed store his father, Pete Smakula, ran in Cleveland until his death in 2008.
On Feb. 23, 2011, the first part of my first interview on this site with local banjo hero Mark Olitsky. I still marvel at his playing after all these years. Don't miss the second part of the interview where he talks about banjo setup and gives advice on being your own player.
From March 25, 2011, my interview with the wildly inventive banjo builder Jeff Delfield, based in Bryson City, North Carolina. The proprietor of Deep Creek Strings takes a sculptural approach to his instruments.
This post from Jan. 17, 2018, has been rocketing up the rankings this year. Seems to be a lot of interest in clawhammer picks. Since my review, a few other options have come on the market. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to do a follow-up post. Anyone want to send me some picks to review?
From March 2, 2018, my interview with Massachusetts-based banjo player and teacher Tom Collins represents the newest post on this list. After completing his Banjo Blitz series on YouTube, Collins launched Banjo Quest, which combines free and paid videos through YouTube and Patreon.
Banjo roll please. And the top Glory-Beaming Banjo post of the decade is ...
From March 22, 2013, my interview with Eggleston, Virginia-based banjo builder Greg Galbreath. Over the last couple years, Galbreath has been transitioning from building only custom banjos to developing a stock line of Buckeye Banjo models. I look forward to the unveiling of those instruments.
Have a happy and safe New Year. Thank you for reading Glory-Beaming Banjo. I look forward to bringing you more fun stories in 2020 and beyond.
This blog started in 2011, so there's not a full 10 years to choose from. Regardless, it was interesting to take a stroll through the archives and revisit these stories from the last eight years. Without further ado, here are the most visited Glory-Beaming Banjo stories of the 2010s.No. 10
Postcards: Vinyl Hunting TourFrom July 8, 2016, this is the post that kicked off the "Vinyl Hunter" series. On that maiden voyage, I picked up Ed Haley, Parkersburg Landing, and the Galax Va. Old Fiddlers' Convention compilation from 1964.
No. 9
The Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle TunesFrom March 3, 2011, my review of this wonderful and large collection of tunes, compiled by Clare Milliner and Walt Koken. They released a second edition of this 888-page tome earlier this year. You can buy the book at the Mudthumper Music website.
No. 8
Highwoods Documentary Not a Lost Cause After AllThe saga of the Highwoods Stringband documentary that was released a year ago actually dates back to 2013. However, the project met a series of delays and seemed doomed to fail. This post from Aug. 18, 2016, revived hope.
No. 7
Master and Apprentice: Banjo Builder Workshop in Historic Peninsula, OhioFrom Sept. 28, 2015, my report from a workshop with banjo master craftsman Doug Unger and his apprentice Mark Ward, a fine luthier in his own right. I try to never miss a chance to see Unger's work in person. I also try not to drool when I do so.
No. 6
Getting to Know Bob SmakulaFrom June 3, 2011, my interview with the extremely talented and knowledgeable Bob Smakula, fiddler, banjo player and proprietor of Smakula Fretted Instruments. I was especially interested in learning about Goose Acres, the famed store his father, Pete Smakula, ran in Cleveland until his death in 2008.
No. 5
Mark Olitsky: The Banjo Wizard of ClevelandOn Feb. 23, 2011, the first part of my first interview on this site with local banjo hero Mark Olitsky. I still marvel at his playing after all these years. Don't miss the second part of the interview where he talks about banjo setup and gives advice on being your own player.
No. 4
The Looks and Sounds of Deep Creek Strings BanjosFrom March 25, 2011, my interview with the wildly inventive banjo builder Jeff Delfield, based in Bryson City, North Carolina. The proprietor of Deep Creek Strings takes a sculptural approach to his instruments.
No. 3
Clawhammer Picks and You: A ReviewThis post from Jan. 17, 2018, has been rocketing up the rankings this year. Seems to be a lot of interest in clawhammer picks. Since my review, a few other options have come on the market. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to do a follow-up post. Anyone want to send me some picks to review?
No. 2
Getting Blitzed with Tom CollinsFrom March 2, 2018, my interview with Massachusetts-based banjo player and teacher Tom Collins represents the newest post on this list. After completing his Banjo Blitz series on YouTube, Collins launched Banjo Quest, which combines free and paid videos through YouTube and Patreon.
Banjo roll please. And the top Glory-Beaming Banjo post of the decade is ...
No. 1
The Biologist's Eye: A Look at the Artistry of of Buckeye BanjosFrom March 22, 2013, my interview with Eggleston, Virginia-based banjo builder Greg Galbreath. Over the last couple years, Galbreath has been transitioning from building only custom banjos to developing a stock line of Buckeye Banjo models. I look forward to the unveiling of those instruments.
Have a happy and safe New Year. Thank you for reading Glory-Beaming Banjo. I look forward to bringing you more fun stories in 2020 and beyond.
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