I have played in all sorts of bands & done my share of gigs. I play keys, guitar, (electric and acoustic) bass, fiddle, drums, percussion, mandolin, 5-string banjo, tenor banjo, plectrum banjo, 1800's style minstrel banjo, Celtic style banjo, bandolin, autoharp, lead & backup vocals. I would like to see the tenor banjo & bandolin repopularized again in Jazz & Popular Music like they were in the 1920's & 30's. I have enjoyed collaborations with many artists worldwide on other music sites I was trained in Classical Music on the piano starting at age 8.
My Great-Great Grandfather Thomas Branigan was the Rank Chief Banjo Leader for the Union Army High Command in the Civil WarHe performed most notably at Gettysburg, Richmond & Lee's Surrender. He learned most of his pickin' skill from free men who were once slaves below the Mason/Dixon Line. He combined his musical training, luthier skills & Celtic heritage to enable some small evolution of the modern banjo as you know it today. Thomas Branigan also invented the Bicycle Stand.
My Grandfather, Al Brothers was a great Square Dance Caller.
I just love history, and old instruments, don't you? My family's musical history dates back to "The Dark Ages"
