The Arts  Give Me the Banjo: 4-String Swing

Cynthia Sayer resurrects the 4-string plectrum banjo as an instrument for hot jazz. Details

 

Program: The Arts

Episode: Give Me the Banjo: 4-String Swing

The 4-string tenor and plectrum banjos came to the fore in vaudeville, early dance bands and jazz around WWI. Its heyday barely lasted through the Twenties, however, and it survived mostly among hobbyists and nostalgia purveyors like Shakey's Pizza Parlors. Breaking the mold is New Jersey-born Cynthia Sayer who plays hot, swinging jazz on the plectrum banjo and performed with Woody Allen's band.

Duration: (4:57)
Premiere Date: 10/31/2011
Episode Expires: Never
TV Rating: NR


To view the full experience of this website, please download and install latest Adobe Flash Player version.

Did you know? Viewers like you are our largest single source of support.

More Videos from The Arts

Full episodes
3 VIDEOS

PBS Arts From Cleveland: Women Who Rock
1:26:10 Air Date 11/19/11

PBS Arts from Minnesota: Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore
2:23:55 Air Date 10/14/11

Young Arts: Performances by the 2011 U.S. Presidential...
1:32:58 Air Date 08/17/11
Previews
5 VIDEOS

Paula Kerger Introduces the 2011 PBS Arts Fall Festival
1:00 Air Date 08/26/11

PBS Arts Fall Festival 2011 Preview
0:35 Air Date 08/26/11

PBS Arts from Chicago: American Masters Bill T. Jones: A...
1:35 Air Date 08/26/11

PBS Arts From Cleveland: Women Who Rock Preview
1:20 Air Date 08/26/11

PBS Arts from Miami: Great Performances
2:03 Air Date 08/26/11
Shorts
78 VIDEOS

PBS Arts from Cleveland: Artistic Choice
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11

PBS Arts from Miami: Miami's Island Arts
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11

PBS Arts from Minnesota: Arts Scene Minnesota
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11

PBS Arts from San Francisco: The Art of Doing It Yourself
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11

PBS Arts from Seattle: Something in the Water
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11

PBS Arts from the Blue Ridge Mountains: Hand Made
00:00 Air Date 12/19/11
+ MORE SHORTS