J.D. Crowe’s recordings with Jimmy Martin from 1956 to 1966 are among the most important banjo recordings in the history of bluegrass banjo. In this session, Bill takes a look at some of J.D.’s most innovative solos from these years and explores how J.D. continued to develop some of the ideas contained in these solos over his long career. He analyzes three songs: “You Don’t Know My Mind” (from 1960 and 2009), “Big Country” (from November 1966), and “Ocean of Diamonds” (featuring classic 3/4 back-up licks from February 1958). 

Here’s what Bill says about session two:

Welcome everyone to session two of our exploration of the banjo style of J.D. Crowe. This week, we will take a look at some of J.D.’s most innovative recordings made with Jimmy Martin in the 1950’s and 60’s. Let’s add Part 4 of the Kentucky Educational Television’s “A Kentucky Treasure: The J.D. Crowe Story” to our viewing for this session. This new video is seven minutes long and here are the links to the first four sections of the documentary (22 minutes long in total):

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfczIhoOwo8

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhlOTrdmJZc

Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdRdsZ-Ahs

Part 4: “The Jimmy Martin Years” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EELMw1uhrFw&t=2s

 If you’ve been able to obtain a copy of Crowe on the Banjo: The Music Life of J.D. Crowe by Marty Godbey (2011, University of Illinois Press), congratulations! If you have the time, read through chapters 3 and 4, which discuss J.D.’s years with Jimmy Martin.

Here are video and audio links for the songs we’ll cover in this session:

“You Don’t Know My Mind”

Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mt. Boys w/J.D. Crowe (recorded January 1960) 

JD Crowe with the New South, Sugar Maple Festival, Madison, Wisconsin, 2009 (great views of J.D.’s hands and fingering!). 

“Big Country”

JD’s 1966 recording with Jimmy Martin

“Ocean of Diamonds”

JD’s 1958 recording with Jimmy Martin 

JD performing with Jimmy Martin, Paul Williams and Bill Yates in 1987. This is a video recording of the entire set and it’s remarkable. Take note of how Jimmy’s guitar is the perfect match for J.D.’s great banjo playing. “Ocean of Diamonds” begins at around 21:27 but you might just want to watch this entire set (and check out “Train 45” at 9:55. It’s simply incredible!).