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Comedian and banjo player Steve Martin (yooperann/flickr)
Smackdown: The Banjo
For the last half of the 20th century, the banjo didn't wander far from folk, bluegrass and the "Dueling Banjos" scene in the film Deliverance. But today, banjos are popping up in a wide variety of genres. Today: Stan Jay of the Staten Island-based instrument shop Mandolin Brothers explains the ...
Ian Bostridge
Soundcheck CD Picks of the Week
This week’s picks bring us a beatboxing classical flutist, an indie rock take on the civil war, and saxophones from Switzerland.
The Definition of a “Gentleman”
What do you think of the banjo? Is it annoying or awesome? Tell Soundcheck.
Gig Alerts: A Place to Bury Strangers
These raucous shoegazers will open for the Big Pink tonight at Webster Hall. Download their throwback track "In Your Heart."
Gig Alerts: Flying Lotus
This experimental producer and musician works in the electronic and hip-hop worlds, but he's a descendent of a jazz original. Download his cool, dusky track "Quakes," then see him tonight at Le Poisson Rouge.
Gig Alerts: Califone
This quartet likes to dabble in post-rock -- and the movie business. Download their gloomy, film-inspired track "Funeral Singers," then check them out tonight at the Bell House.