Jazz Banjo II: Elmer Snowden

Today, I wish to dive in a little deeper to specific jazz banjoists. When one hears "jazz banjo" I think that most people think Belá Fleck, and stop around there. Belá Fleck is great, but he is far from the whole story. Today, we discuss Elmer Snowden. He was a fantastic banjoist in his own right, but was also a bandleader that played a huge part in the early career of other huge figures. In 1923, he led the Harlem group the Washingtonians, which included Duke Ellington in its ranks. Due to money disagreements, Snowden was forced out, and Ellington became the new leader, making Snowden's former group the nucleus of his orchestra. Also in his bands, at various times, were Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Bubber Miley, Benny Carter, Roy Eldridge, and Chick Webb. He played until his death in 1973, but fell into obscurity by the mid 1930's. In the 1960's, during the Folk Revival, he played with Lonnie Johnson and had a career revival, teaching and playing for two years. Check out him playing in a banjo trio with drums/ bass on the tune "Up A Lazy River" on YouTube to hear his playing and some of the classic tenor banjo ornamentations. It is easy to forget some personalities of the past, but often, their tendrils run into the present music. I hope that this has been at least somewhat illuminating. Next, I will cover Johnny St. Cyr, another famous early jazz banjoist.