KindiePDX

Professor Banjo has a new CD coming out September 1st.

PB and Jam is a unique project. Over the past 10 years Professor Banjo (musician and educator Paul Silveria) has gotten to know many young musicians and musical families. For this album he invited a handful to join him in the studio. The Small Time String Band, Fiddlie-I-Ay, and Riley Calcagno each recorded two tracks with the Professor. The delightful results range from an example of square dance calling, to a classic novelty song, to a vintage comedy skit. The remaining tracks feature Paul’s prime solo material: traditional songs both familiar and obscure, and traditionally inspired originals with just a hint of off-beat humor.

Paul Silveria has a passion for traditional music and the grass roots from which it springs. As “Professor Banjo” he shares that music, and its story, with audiences up and down the west coast. His show emerged from his musical interests (including old-time string bands, jug bands, country blues, and square dance calling) and his love for kids, fostered by his years as a pre-school and k-12 teacher.

Professor Banjo is part of a growing “Kindie” community in Portland and the Northwest, and has a September CD release tour including shows in Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA, Portland OR, and Eugene, OR.

Starting off the album, “Spotted Pony” is a cheery solo banjo introduction to the world of traditional playing. To paraphrase comedian Steve Martin, how can anyone be sad when they hear banjo? This sets the mood for the entire album, which is made up of traditional songs and three original tunes. The fun continues when his guest performers join him. “Arkansas Traveler” (played to the tune of “Baby Bumble Bee) with Riley Calcagno is a vintage vaudeville bit with dialog between Prof. Banjo and Riley on fiddle playing the Traveler. Riley’s playing is sure and clean. When they reach a bargain – food in exchange for teaching Professor Banjo the “B” section of the tune – the conversation livens up.

Riley Calcagno is a natural fiddler and singer. He’s a strong player and a confident singer who sounds like he’s having a good time. He’s a veteran performer at the tender age of 13, performing regularly with the Onlies, a trio of talented young traditional musicians, and the indie-pop duo Gloh Worm. He’s also a classically trained violinist, playing in the Seattle Conservatory of Music.

“Miss Liza” brings in Fiddlie-I-Ay. Fiddlie-I-Ay, from Olympia, WA, features 11 year old Maggie and 7 year old Ruby on fiddle, washboard, and mandolin. Parents Erik Neatherlin and Emily Teachout play banjo, ukulele, and guitar, with family friend Ray Leach on stand up bass. This tune is pure family fun – with everyone joining in on a fun chorus, it’s gonna get everyone dancing.

“Hit a Bowl With a Spoon” is a short ditty with a bit of humor – “Hit a bowl with a spoon/don’t hit your dog with a spoon, Hit a box with a spoon/don’t hit your cat with a spoon”, etc, with appropriate sound effects and spoon percussion.a great sing along/audience participation song.

‘Soldier’s Joy/Square Dance” brings Professor Banjo’s alter ego Paul Silveria and his square dance calling skills to bear. The Small Time String Band join along: The Small Time String Band plays in the Seattle and beyond at markets, festivals, dances and stage performances, but are most know for their street-corner busking. 8 year old Eli has been blaying banjo for three years, and 12 year old Oliver has been fiddling since age 7. The boys are joined by their parents Danny and Terrie on Bass and guitar.

The album is 15 tracks, all variations on the traditional themes and songs of our early history. Easily learned (if you don’t already know them) and easy on the ears and nerves. The help Prof. Banjo receives from his guest artists really adds to the variety of sound and songs. It’s fun hearing the younger players and singers and I think it’ll encourage parents and kids to sing along.

A couple things I really like about this album:

1. It’s gentle and quiet, rather than edgy or incessantly rambunctious; so many kindie records want to be the latest thing for hipsters rather than the hipsters’ kids: edgy, loud and reaching. This record is a throwback to a time when it was nice to be quiet and listen to the words and not act like a thrasher-dad. It’s very simple music, played simply.

2. It includes kids who are musicians: and I’m not talking about gathering kids who have never stood in front of a mic, but kids who are familiar and comfortable as a performer. One of the wonderful things about bluegrass and traditional folk or roots music, but especially bluegrass, is the tradition of musical participation running in families – whole families from the time the kids are really young. These kids come from that tradition and it is apparent in their playing and singing. It becomes as natural to them as eating pancakes on Sunday. It’s just what the family does and so there is a camaraderie and a safety inherent in the making of music with your family. They sing and play with confidence and really sound comfortable. And here’s a big thing for me: when they sing, they sing in their natural register with their natural timbre, and not in a forced range or sound to emulate an adult. They sound like kids should sound!

Professor Banjo plays banjo (naturally) and the kazoo, and sings on this album. His bass-baritone voice is sure and steady; his playing clear and clean. All in all, it’s a really pleasant trip to a simpler time with friends and family.

Enjoy “Sandy Boys” with Riley Calcagno

Riley Calcagno, Oliver and Eli of The Small Time String Band, and Ruby and Maggie of Fiddlie-I-Ay