Joel Hooks, Banjoist.

 
 

    Hello, my name is Joel, and I play the banjo.  I know, the first thing that comes to mind is the rural American stereotype.  But that is not me, or the style I play.  I play in the styles that were popular during the mid-late 19th century.  Carefully researched and recreated, the music I play comes directly from the source. I pay particular attention to documented techniques of the greats.  A lot of the music I play comes from Frank B. Converse, James Buckley and S. S. Stewart.  Modern banjo playing (“clawhammer,” “Scruggs”) came from these styles. 

So have a look around. I hope you enjoy this site and my music.  This is a work in progress and is not complete.  Check back as I make revisions and additions.

 

Banjo playing from the 19th Century.

We are living in the present.  This is the 19th century.  Dreamers of  ‘ye olden time’ have no place in it.”

-S. S. Stewart Banjo and Guitar Journal, Oct.-Nov. 1889.

Read my articles in Mel Bay’s

www.banjosessions.com