Author: Ray Fitch
Source: ezinearticles.com

Do you bethink the bold Dragon’s Lair? Those who are accustomed with it are apparently traveling to bethink the abundant animation and how abundant it reminded them of accepted activated films.Well, if you like Dragon’s Lair affairs are that you are traveling to aswell likeBanjo the Woodpile Cat, one of the cutest iPod blow amateur available.

As it is with any game, there are traveling to be things that are acceptable and things that are not so good.Let’s go with the acceptable aspects first.First of all, the motion of the bold is actual aqueous motion, the actors which are acclimated for the choir are good, and the music that is acclimated is actual professional.It’s based on a abbreviate animation which Don Bluth fabricated thirty years ago.

Now let’s go to the aspects of the bold which may accomplish some players frustrated.First of all, the chance can be ambagious to some humans due to the inclement scenes.The bold stars out with Banjo traveling afterwards chickens, again we see him aggravating to argue his sisters to accompany him jumping off the craven coop.It’s absolutely, “iPod touch“, accessible that some of the scenes mayhave been cut or lost.

Something abroad that humans may not like about the bold is that there isn’t a lot of alternation .The alone time you are traveling to do something, “iPod touch“, in the bold is if you see an article or there is a abode on the arena which is lit up by a light.When one of these two things happen, you again accept to blow it as bound as possible.If you are successful, the bold is traveling to proceed.If you fail, you are subjected to a arena which has annihilation to do with the story.

Being a cat, Banjo begins with accepting nine lives.Most of the scenes are alone traveling to accept a few blow points, so it’s not traveling to be too difficult to get through them.If you accept to stop arena and acknowledgment to the bold at a afterwards time, you can acknowledgment to the arena that you were endure in.Another nice affair is that if you abdicate the game, your lives are refilled.

There are humans who are traveling to be abrading their arch already they accomplishment the third scene(where poor Banjo is beatific to get his dad a switch) and the fourth arena shows Banjo cheating on a barter so that he can go to Salt Lake City.Huh? Did I absence something here?

After that third scene, the bold affectionate of goes decline and isn’t account it.There are a lot of bugs that accept yet to be formed out and the annoyance that you feel afterwards commutual the third arena just isn’t account it.If you wish to apperceive how the chance ends, you can consistently try to acquisition the aboriginal animation and download it on your iPod touch.That way the chance is agreeable after accepting to anguish about searching out for being to touch.

Check out Best iPod Touch Games for all the latest news regarding anything iPod! While you’re there check out the video on how to JAILBREAK your iPod touch and play TONS of FREE games! http://bestiPodtouchgames.com

Yannis writes:

Hello Pats, warm Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours for the holiday weekend coming at you from Crete. Here’s an offering of Scandinavian timber from Liverpool’s fab Four for use in the fireplace area with friends and family. If little Pat needs more time digesting that doorstop of a sandwich, he can post this Tangier Soundbite and take some time off while our cyberspace mates get their chops round this one…..

Be well and happy, my friends. And keep spreading the joy.

ps. might be a good one for Marissa and her guitarist
friend if they haven’t thought of it already. This sounds really good with a guitar leading on the lower end range

Arthur in Washington writes:

A most Joyous Thanksgiving to you folks!
I couldn’t get down the road to see my family this year because of the demands of my work. They raised a glass I sang them this song.
Not a good technical rendition but valuable one day for it’s historic importance. Take care and God Bless!

The Mysterious Asthmatic Avenger is back with LSD Made A Wreck Of Me.

Marissa has posted a Thanksgiving banjo podcast!

http://gwenna.podbean.com/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-banjocast/

In other news, Marissa sent us a note with exciting news about an upcoming performance.

Marissa writes:

I have a gig next week at our local tavern Pete’s in Bronxville, NY 1820 Park Place. . I went with Mom and Dad for dinner last week as usual and ran in to this gentleman who was playing his guitar and singing sixties folk songs. He asked me  if I wanted to play with him in two weeks. I was honored and we are in the process of working out a setlist. His name is Bobby and his band is a Beatles cover band of sorts called Bobby and the Team Mates. I just thought I would share this with you all, if it weren’t for the retreat, I would never have had the courage to try this new endeavor, it’s been a long time since I’ve played live. I will have to introduce them to that spectacular banjo Pat Trudy as well. Bring banjo pickin’ to Bronxville. Well, thank you again for continuing to inspire me. Happy to Thanksgiving to you all.

That is wonderful news! I hope all of our friends in New York will make the trip out to catch the show!

The Dry Branch Fire Squad has performed bluegrass for over 25 years and the current lineup features some bluegrass veterans. Ron Thomason founded the band in 1976 and has been the bands spokesman and singer since the beginning. Ron’s bluegrass background comes naturally through his childhood start in the Clinch River area of VA. Ron has played with Ralph Stanley and  The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Wilson Brothers, Joe Isaacs, Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley. A big part of any Dry Branch show are the great stories of the origins of the songs and music told by Ron. Brian Aldridge handles much of the harmony singing and guitar playing. Brian learned his style of bluegrass while growing up in another one of the bluegrass hot beds, Central Ohio. Brian’s father was a Howard Aldridge and he helped expose Brian to the best musicians who played in the area-  Bill Monroe, Sid Campbell, Frank Wakefield, Jack Casey. Banjoist and Dobro player Tom Boyd has perfected his part in the band by  playing in bands with musicians like  Larry Sparks, The Allen Brothers, Mac Wiseman, Hylo Brown, Jack Casey, Chubby Wise. The bands bass player Dan Russell is another product of the Ohio bluegrass scene and has played not only bass but also banjo and has even toured with country musician John Anderson. This is a band which will entertain and educate you with great songs, harmonies and stories.   They will be at Wintergrass 2010 on Saturday and Sunday.

Just to prove that I wasn’t lying about Curtis Eller being truly great live!

Curtis Eller has been an artist who has been circulating through my ipod for around about a year. I feel as though I was pretty late on the uptake of this guy. His first two records ‘1890′ (which was nearly impossible for me to find) and ‘Taking Up Serpents Again’ showcased Eller’s ability to craft foot stomping stormers and also slow, emotional ballads with the odd yodel somewhere in between. With his most recent effort ‘Wirewalkers and Assassins’ Curtis Eller took yet further strides forward and shows that there is thankfully more to come.

With lyrics about the Civil War, John Wilkes Booth and Buster Keaton, you know that this ‘angry folk-county-punk-blues’ (as last.fm labels him) artist is going to be something of a joy to listen to.

By the way, I caught him live several months ago and it was total entertainment from start to finish! I highly recommend going out and seeing one of his shows.

I took a break from working on the gospel songbook to practice working with my new camera. I love the new Nikon, but taking pictures with it is a completely different experience from working with my old point-and-shoots. I am learning something new every time I pick up this camera and it sure is a lot of fun.

Tomorrow I have to run up to Salisbury for my next Synvisc shot, and Thursday is Thanksgiving. I am already planning out the construction this year’s Thanksgiving leftover turkey sandwich.

That’s all for now. I have to get back to work on that songbook!

See you soon,
-Patrick

John in Chicago writes:

Hey Patrick,

Here’s a tutorial on the D7 hammer on and playing up the neck using the song Oh Mary Don’t You Weep. I really love playing this song, and bet others will too! Perhaps your Daily Frail patrons might like to take a look. Hope all is well!

Father Kieth in the UK writes:

Hello Patrick.

I don’t know if this will be good enough but I put together a daily frail based on a common Bluegrass G lick.
I know it’s not quite the same as you would play it 3 finger style but it sounds similar to my untrained ear.
I don’t have any tab writing software so I had to draw the tab and scan it.

I hope you’re recovering well from the latest surgery.

Fr. Keith.

Freight Train, rock the C chord, banjo straps, Patrick’s next books and other stuff from Crisfield.

This video is also on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eyTZbmaxQk

Hey.

Me and the family went to Stockholm the other weekend (14-15th Nov) to attend the Ny Musik För Hållbar Utveckling-Festival at Kulturhuset.
The line-up of artists and bands were really spectacular and I had a really nice time.

The Highlights:
Henrik Olsson & Daniel Karlsson
Originalljudet
Viking Jews
Skeppet

There was also some really awesome exhibitions going on from Koloni, Mother and Hockey Rawk.
Since we had to go home early on sunday afternoon I missed out on a few things I’d really would’ve liked to see, Altar of Flies
and other goodies, too bad.

I performed live as Tsukimono playing tracks from my two kalligrammofon-records as well as one new track, and I exhibited some of my drawings. First exhibition in quite a while.

I’ve also posted some tracks under the alias “Thee Gutted String” on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theeguttedstring

I hope this finds you well.
.jgw.

]]> http://dailyfrail.com/2009/11/22/a-thanksgiving-melody/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:22:58 +0000 Patrick Costello http://dailyfrail.com/2009/11/22/a-thanksgiving-melody/

Steve in Ohio writes:

Hiya Patrick,

I’ve revived my love for the sounds of accordion and banjo in harmony in a recording, today, with a little 6-sting thrown in for bass:

I tried to record a video a while back (last Spring?) with banjo and accordion in harmony. I’m not sure I shared that yet. The accordion has buttons laid out in 5ths just like the autoharp – a great folk instrument, I think!

And I also, have a question: I’ve found myself “jamming” with a local band that plays more of the rock electric, playing my banjo. They’re looking to folk it up a bit. If we record separate tracks, the mix is outstanding, but playing live in impossible what with two guitars and two drummers, even. What are your thoughts on mics, electric banjos, transdenser/condenser mics, etc?

-Steve

Wes in the UK writes:

Hi again Patrick!

I want to say a big thanks for teaching me this last year, I cannot stress enough how much help your online workshops and blogs etc have been. It’s been a huge amount of fun and I’ve even managed to figure out the tune which originally made me want to play 5 string banjo. Here’s me playing it

Keep doing what you do and shout me if you ever wish to pay Liverpool a visit !

Cheers,

Wes

I don’t remember, but They said I once lived at Home with You
Until I hopped aboard the first train I found – it was headed down, it was headed down

No matter where I go, there You also Are
But somehow I felt so far away

I felt there were some things I had to do – without You
But they didn’t bring me any joy
fleeting happiness is Illusion’s ploy

No matter where I go, there You also Are
try as I might, I couldn’t get that far away, Oh Lord

I don’t remember but They said I came such a long, long way
to reach the point where I see I gotta long, long way to go
to understand about You what I do not know

No matter where I go, there You also Are
help me not forget I don’t gotta search at all, Oh Lord
No matter where I go, there You also Are

Bob Carlin

Bob Carlin talks about the creation his Gold Tone Signature Openback Banjos in an interview with Paul Roberts. View Paul’s videos of original tunes composed for the BC-350+     Drunken Frog and Chinatown

The Gold Tone Banjo Company signaled its intent to continue fine-tuning and expanding its line of openback banjos, when it began collaborating with distinguished clawhammer maestro Bob Carlin. For over 30 years Carlin has spread the artistry of clawhammer banjo through his worldwide performances, his innumerable recording projects and his banjo teaching materials, scholarly writings, lectures and workshops.

Gold Tone offers three Bob Carlin signature model banjos: the BC-350, the BC-350+ and the BC-120. All three use the same 12″ pot and brass tone ring.
In my search for a deeper sound, wider fingerboard and a scoop, I recently bought myself a BC-350+. I’m quite pleased with its sound and playability. I have played my BC-350+ on videos that I’ve posted on the Internet and I’ve received compliments from others who enjoy its sweet sound as much as I do.

Some reviewer comments about the sound:
“Nice full resonant sound with good bass, but good highs and mids too. It’s got a nice old time plunk sound to it, very agreeable to the old-time variety of banjo stuff that I do.”
“It really has quite a full-spectrum sound. I always get complements on its tone.”
________
My interview with Bob Carlin about his signature model banjos:

Paul: How did the Bob Carlin signature models evolve?
Bob: About 5 or 6 years ago – after having partnerships with “boutique” builders like Bart Reiter and after talking to a lot of other small builders – I saw that there was a spot in the market that wasn’t being filled. Banjos such as the Deering Goodtime – decent openbacks in a starter price range – had been introduced, but there was really nothing in the five hundred to a thousand dollar ranges that would be “your first really good banjo.”

I felt the only way to get such a banjo made, would be to partner with a company like Gold Tone. After approaching a number of the companies who were actually mass-producing instruments, I struck up a partnership with Gold Tone. I just felt it would be the best fit.

Paul: Was your initial contact with Gold Tone with this specific banjo in mind?

Bob: Correct, to make what became the BC-350.

Paul: The BC-350 has a brass tone ring, a scoop, a 12” pot and a relatively wide fingerboard. Why did you decide on these characteristics?

Bob: The whole banjo loosely references Kyle Creed, a well-known musician in the Galax, Virginia area, who made banjos in the 60s and 70s. The 12” pot, the use of the dowel stick, even though it’s a faux dowel stick, the wider fingerboard, the scale… all were things I learned from Kyle but they were also features that boutique makers were using. The openback banjo crowd wanted a 12” pot banjo but nobody was mass-producing one.

Paul: So, you were motivated to see an instrument mass-produced that would have similar aspects to instruments Kyle Creed made?

Bob: Yes, because he has been the one (through a maker named Dave Forbes) who has influenced all the current boutique makers, most of whom are making 12” pot banjos. That seems to be what people want because of the sound it produces.

Paul: How would you characterize that sound?

Bob: The 12” pot produces more mids and bass.

We were really trying to distinguish this instrument from all the openbacks that were available at that time. We wanted to delineate it from what had been done before and provide a mass-produced instrument that you could walk into a music store and buy.

Paul: Were players having a hard time getting their hands on what they really wanted when you started this?

Bob: There were boutique-maker banjos being made, but they were never available. One would hit the store and would sell immediately. It was very hard to go into especially a larger, chain music store and find anything. The BC-350 was meant to fill that gap, to mass-produce it with features that would distinguish it from all the other imported openbacks… and you’d be able to walk into a store and find it available, immediately.

Paul: Could you say something about the three different configurations: the BC-120, BC-350 and BC-350+.

Bob: The BC-350 was the first one we made. We wanted it to be fairly straightforward, fairly simple – a basic banjo at a good price point.

Once we had that, we felt that a fancier one would be a nice addition to the line. The Orpheum and Bacon banjos of the 1920’s were our inspiration for the BC-350+ in terms of inlay pattern and headstock design. It has gold parts and a dark stain finish.

The BC-120 is a stripped-down version of the BC-350.

Paul: I noticed in one of your concert press photos that you and Cheick Hamala Diabaté are both holding BC-350’s.

Bob: Right, we’re both using them. He has a lefty – one of the few lefties made – and I’ve got a righty. I use both the 350 and the 350+ on stage.

Paul: Do you think your collaboration with Gold Tone has influenced the design of some of their other openbacks?

Bob: I think it helped bring awareness to modify some of their openbacks to more reflect what the old-time market was looking for.

Paul: Do you still consult with Gold Tone?

Bob: Yes, I continue to give advice. I’m very interested in helping the process of going from generic openbacks with bluegrass construction (resonator banjos without a back) to making instruments that are more conducive to openback banjo playing.

…and his darling wife and the “world premier of their music video featuring their hot new single ‘I Saw the Light.’ Special guest appearance by Tucker Chief Wahoo Kurz.”  

LARRY KEEL & NATURAL BRIDGE

by —Andrew Ritchey

published in www.indyweek.com

From: Natural Bridge, Va.
Since: 2004
Claim to fame: Looking back to bluegrass

Larry Keel’s baritone rumbles with a timeless gravitas that is the shared voice of railroad steel drivers, traveling hoboes and modern mechanics. Rhythmic mandolin drives the songs, and vocal harmonies cry out like train whistles. The deep sound is beholden, but not bound, to bluegrass, and it bristles with excitement. Banjo solos break out between dingy verses. Keel is one of the premier flatpicking guitar players, but he’ll be given a run for his money at LINCOLN THEATRE, as the legendary Tony Rice joins in for the show. $14-$24/ 9 p.m. —Andrew Ritchey

Father Kieth in the UK writes:

Hello Dear Old Dad.

We don’t get much snow in England these days thanks to global warming.
A couple of years ago Linda had one of those ’special’ birthdays so I
arranged a surprise trip to Finnish Lapland to visit Santa. We arrived
just as they experienced a mini-heatwave. There was big thaw and I
even managed to sink a snowmobile ( the instructor didn’t say “don’t
drive into anything soft!” )
It was great fun but I wish I hadn’t spent a small fortune on Arctic gear.

Anyway I was reminiscing over our holiday snaps and being in a
creative mood I put a video together using a few of them.  It took a
while to figure out how to play this song in G but I finally worked
out that the bridge part switches to the key of D.

Patrick’s latest surgery sounds gruesome! I don’t know he’s managing
to concentrate on work but I can’t wait for the next series of books
and DVD so keep him at it.

Mike in Maquoketa on hammer-on’s  & and pull-off’s.

MP3: http://tangiersound.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/hammeronpulloffhammeron.mp3

Braille-Friendly Tab:

Hammer-On Pull-Off Hammer-On

Note: Hold Hammered on notes through strum.

1) 1-0-E 1-h3-E G-ST 3-h3-E 3-3p0-E G-ST
2) 4-0-E 4-h3-E G-ST 3-0-Q G-ST

Patrick is hard at work on his next series of books for banjo and guitar.
He has included lots of songs and tablature of the type that we wrote out in our old music books many years ago. It worked for us and we are confident that you will find it useful. Each volume will include a companion audio CD to play along with.
We also plan to release his next video DVD on intermediate frailing techniques soon.

Somerset banjos has had a very busy year. We have sent banjos to new homes all over the world. The next two are going to Connecticut in the good old USA and Switzerland. After that a couple to Australia and a bunch stateside.

Patrick’s BAHA is working well. The latest surgery to trim away and cauterize skin from the abutment seems to have done the trick. Hopefully they won’t have to go to plan “B” (a length of twine and two Campbell’s tomato soup cans).

Feel free to call me at 410-968-3873 or email pat@funkyseagull.com

Peace to all,
Pat Costello (Dear Old Dad)

Recently I’ve been on a real PBR fueled folk blues kick and William Elliott Whitmore’s “Animals in the Dark” fills my needs quite nicely. William has a great smoked too many cigarettes and drank too much whiskey kind of voice that makes me want to throw on my boots, grab a tall boy, and find a rocking-chair equipped porch.

Myspace

Twitter