Jens Kruger – 5-String Banjo Workshop

Banjo workshop? So what does this have to do with birds, nature or photography? Well, other than the wonderful print of the Great Blue Heron in the background, nothing. However, the 5-String Banjo, the instrument best known for creating the driving sound behind Bluegrass music, is yet another love of mine. Yes, I may have too many hobbies, but I am never bored!

Too many people immediately equate the 5-sting banjo to the movie Deliverance and while the Dueling Banjos scene is quite entertaining, please realize that few (if any) banjo players resemble the young musician in that scene. The banjo does have its roots in the mountains of Appalachia, however, and is the only truly American instrument.

I first remember hearing the banjo in the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies with its theme song The Ballad of Jed Clampett. Earl Scruggs, who developed the driving sound of what is now known as “Scruggs Style”, played that song and appeared in many episodes alongside his guitar pickin’ partner, Lester Flatt. They also performed the theme song for the movie Bonnie and Clyde titled Foggy Mountain Breakdown… considered a classic tune. Earl, now in his eighties, is still performing on a regular basis!

I must admit though, that it was the scene in the movie Deliverance, which I saw at age 16, that made we want to learn how to play the banjo. Through a string of events that involved a motorcycle, I was able to get my first banjo… and I just took off with it. But I digress…

On Saturday about 25 Jens fans gathered for this workshop at the home of the organizer, banjo teacher Don Foot. We are all fans of his amazing sound and were awed with being in his presence. But Jens quickly opened his door and let us in… not talking to us, but with us. With a rare and refreshing humble demeanor, he shared his knowledge of music theory, folk music history and of course, banjo technique. It was like having a conversation with an old friend in your living room.

Jens Kruger, born and raised in Switzerland, was introduced to the sounds of Appalachia through LPs his father brought home from the USA. Jens and his brother Uwe (pronounced Oo-vay) learned the words and guitar parts from these albums. It was a few years before Jens finally got his first banjo… a 4-string (think New Orleans jazz). A bit later he acquired a 5-string to finally re-create the Bluegrass sound. However, he enjoyed all musical styles and quickly began incorporating other sounds into his playing. He continued his musical education through classical instruction in Europe.

Jens has integrated all of these sounds into a unique and very personal style that wins praise from artists in every genre. He has taken the banjo well beyond the folk music walls and into every other possible realm. Name a style of music and he will make his banjo not only fit, but enhance the sound as if it were always meant to have a role.

During the breaks Jens took the time to do some banjo set-ups for a few students — helping them to get the tone we want from our playing styles. This was an unexpected opportunity to get into the heart of the banjo’s sound.

After the workshop and a great dinner, everyone joined in the fun, including Jens, and we jammed for hours… until well past midnight! Food, fun and great music with a master musician joining in as “one of us”… what a great day (and night) for all!

A round of applause for Don for getting this workshop together, and for Anne and ‘Mom’ who did so much behind the scenes to be sure we were very well fed with breakfast, lunch and a fine dinner… and fresh baked cookies in between!

And to Jens Kruger, a HUGE thank you for your time, your energy, your wonderful attitude, your friendship and most of all for the amazing music you deliver from your heart.

To hear some of Jens’ and the Kruger Brothers’ music visit these following links:

My two favorite albums to search for on iTunes:

The Bridge – Jens Kruger (A showcase of the artistry of Jens)

Up 18 North – The Kruger Brothers (a blend of Jens’ unique style and the song and sounds of traditional Bluegrass)

While visiting KrugerBrothers.com be sure to check their concert schedule. You will be amazed at the huge sound that just three musicians can create — Jens on banjo, brother Uwe on guitar (and Doc Watson-like vocals) and Joel Landsberg on bass.