Mary Z. Cox Banjo Web Page: Press Kit

Banjo Fusion

Banjo goddess Mary Z. Cox and percussion master Yazid meld Afro-Caribbean drumming and Celtic clawhammer frailing fusion banjo at a live-wire performance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Mockingbird Lounge, 1225 N. Monroe St. The duo has released a pretty darn thrilling CD called "drumming on the Edge of Banjo" and will be celebrating Saturday. Banjo (a percussive stringed instrument) and drums make surprisingly good musical mates on the disc, which features mostly re-tweaked traditional tunes and one song with vocals by George Clinton. Yes, that George Clinton. Its free. Call 222-4956

Florida Banjo is the latest CD from one of our favorite old-time banjo players. Mary Z. Cox has introduced the art of pre-Scruggs style banjo to an entire generation. Through her workshops and classes she has unleashed a vibrant community of old-time banjo and dulcimer players on a musical world that had all but forgotten the beauty of clawhammer style banjo. As usual, Mary has also provided tabulature for the songs on Florida Banjo available as a book for aspiring banjo players.

The fifteen songs on Florida Banjo not only showcase one of the most amazing practitioners of old-time banjo, but some other mighty fine musicians as well. As expected, Mary's husband Bob Cox adds his delightful flat-picked guitar. The sounds of Bob's guitar and Mary's banjo intertwine so effortlessly, as only a duet with decades of musical intimacy can. Other guest artists adding to this thoroughly enjoyable album are Kerry Blech, Jim Crozier, Lo Gordon and Ellen Sheppard.

Mary Z. Cox was interviewed by Larry Wines for his syndicated radio and television show "Tied to the Tracks." The show has yet to air, but the interview is available online (video here.) Be sure to watch all five segments, each featuring a wonderful performance by Mary Z. Cox, often accompanied by Bob Cox.

For those of you that already own Mary Z. Cox's CDs, Florida Banjo is a must-have, as I don't know of anyone who owns only one Mary Z. Cox CD. All six of Mary Z. Cox's CDs are cherished treasures in my own collection. Those of you not yet initiated, give a listen to the track below and watch the video above. Then follow one of the links below to start your collection.

Mary Z. Cox - Wind That Shakes the Barley.mp3
beautifully performed on her custom Deering GDL Banjo.

Artist: Mary Z. Cox
Ttile: Florida Banjo
Artist Website: maryzcox.com
Mary's blog: A Secret Life of Banjo
MySpace: myspace.com/banjodreamin
CDs and downloads available at:
maryzcox.com
CD Baby
County Sales
Elderly Instruments
Amazon.com
or your local independent record store.

posted by Ed at 10/20/2008 09:05:00 PM