newportfolkfest:

Today is the 50th anniversary of the release of Bob Dylan’s debut album, and in commemoration the organizers of the recent four-CD Dylan tribute album “Chimes of Freedom” benefiting Amnesty International are releasing a new video of Dylan mentor Pete Seeger singing the Minnesotan’s 1974 song “Forever Young.”

The Gabriella is coming along beautifully! As you can see, the resonator is nearly done. It has been finished and then sanded down once more for a second finish before the overlays are added. We can’t wait to show you this wonderful banjo when its done!

A custom Deering Eagle II 6-String banjo dreamed up by our Production Manager finally became a reality. Affectionately known as the “Beegle”, this is certainly something new for Deering! What do you think??

The Gabriella - Part 2

If you missed Part 1 to this, you may not have realized that making its way through the Deering production team right now is a very seldom seen Gabriella banjo, so we thought it would be fun to document the process. 

Well, a few weeks have passed and its about time we shared with you all how far the beautiful Gabriella has come. When we left off, the Mother of Pearl fretboard was complete and looking incredible! Lets take a look at what has happened since then. 

Firstly, the peg head inlays have been handmade, ready for the peg head itself…

…the nickel frets have been added…

 

…and the Mother of Pearl inlays are starting to come to life with the addition of some incredible engraving from our very own Master Craftsman! 

This banjo is really starting to take shape now. Soon, it will be time to have the neck heel carved and work can begin on the pot and the resonator. Stay tuned for the next installment and Happy Holidays from everyone at Deering! 

For a full spec on the Gabriella, please click here.

How to Improvise: Béla Fleck and Jason Marsalis

americanroutes:

Listen to this week’s show!

This week we meet with two practitioners of the art of improvisation. Béla Fleck joins us for a conversation about banjo traditions and experimentation in bluegrass, jazz and classical music. Then we’ll head to the studio for a jazz breakdown by New Orleans master percussionist Jason Marsalis.

Wow!  This is a can’t miss show.  American Routes on NPR this weekend!