Mel Bay Author’s Note
Bunny is mentioned in the third paragraph of this Author’s Note page from Mel Bay’s Tenor Banjo Method: “Later I was inspired by my teacher Bunny Longo, a top artist and great teacher into becoming a professional on that instrument.”
The handwritten inscription was addressed to Bunny’s grandson, Jeremy Fields, when he met Mel Bay on a visit to his music store: “To Jeremy – You have a lot to be proud of. Bunny was the greatest. Mel Bay“
Transcript:
TENOR BANJO METHOD VOLUME 1
AUTHOR’S NOTE
As a youth during the roaring twenties I enjoyed playing the Tenor Banjo in orchestras in my area. The Tenor Banjo gave the sparkling lift so essential to the dance music of that era.
The immortal Harry Reser was playing over the air waves leading the Cliquot Eskimos with his superb Tenor Banjo solos and arrangements. There were many stars on that instrument during that period.
Later I was inspired by my teacher Bunny Longo, a top artist and great teacher into becoming a professional on that instrument.
The Tenor Banjo was eventually shelved in favor of the Guitar to remain in the background for many years. Today it has made a tremendous comeback enjoying great popularity.
For many years I have wanted to create a good text book for the Tenor Banjo and feel that now is the time for a modern approach to fundamental musicanship for those desiring to play this instrument.
I sincerely feel that this book will be the answer to that approach to good Tenor Banjo playing.
Mel Bay
The handwritten inscription was addressed to Bunny’s grandson, Jeremy Fields, when he met Mel Bay on a visit to his music store: “To Jeremy – You have a lot to be proud of. Bunny was the greatest. Mel Bay“
Transcript:
TENOR BANJO METHOD VOLUME 1
AUTHOR’S NOTE
As a youth during the roaring twenties I enjoyed playing the Tenor Banjo in orchestras in my area. The Tenor Banjo gave the sparkling lift so essential to the dance music of that era.
The immortal Harry Reser was playing over the air waves leading the Cliquot Eskimos with his superb Tenor Banjo solos and arrangements. There were many stars on that instrument during that period.
Later I was inspired by my teacher Bunny Longo, a top artist and great teacher into becoming a professional on that instrument.
The Tenor Banjo was eventually shelved in favor of the Guitar to remain in the background for many years. Today it has made a tremendous comeback enjoying great popularity.
For many years I have wanted to create a good text book for the Tenor Banjo and feel that now is the time for a modern approach to fundamental musicanship for those desiring to play this instrument.
I sincerely feel that this book will be the answer to that approach to good Tenor Banjo playing.
Mel Bay