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I am an amateur musician in Central Illinois. I'm putting up some tunes that I play on my banjos. Most of them are clawhammer/frailing, although I also do some 2-finger picking, and am just starting to learn minstrel stroke style. I never have learned 3-finger, either bluegrass or old-time, but there is still time. I think I've been getting better at recording, and the more recent files are somewhat improved compared to the earlier tunes. However, many tunes here are just recorded directly into a computer (either linux or winXP), using the onboard soundcard or usb-based sound "card" called an "i-mic". That seemed to cut down on extra noise. I also have a digital recorder, manufactured by Fostex, and I've been learning how to use that. And a few are done using on Olympus voice recorder.
If you are interested, I have set up a page at ezFolk: http://www.ezfolk.com/audio/bands/956/, so far there is nothing there that isn't here. Still, there is the advantage of being able to listen HI-FI(broadband) or LO-FI(dial-up) "radio" stations.
Do you host a public jam, or are you looking for one, try
. I am in the beginning stages of starting up a "Central Illinois Frailers Support Group." If you are interested, you can read more at http://www.folkjam.org/node/3633. If you want to subscribe, you will need to register at folkjam (it is a free registration).
The recordings here are just my interpretations of tunes & songs, certainly nothing definitive. I think most of my tunes are compatible with what is commonly played, but my versions of the melodies are often pretty skeletal, or a sketch of the melody. Please understand that these are quick & dirty recordings of no particular importance. Please feel free to download them and/or use them in any non-commercial way you choose. If you would like to use something for commercial purpose (on a website, etc.), I ask only that you give me credit somewhere. If you have any questions or comments I shall be happy to discuss them with you.
Erich Schroeder
