Click to look inside

PRICE:  $35.00

For anyone wishing to play along with a truly excellent professional, Sean Moyses’ Banjo Backing Tracks is a great way to go. 

Sean, one of Europe’s leading 4-string banjoists, has compiled 13 tunes for this 3-CD package, including a CD that contains pdf. files of the arrangements, chords, music and lyrics  ready for printing. 

The music CDs alone are worth the price of the package!  First, Sean plays the tune lead with a group of seasoned musicians backing him up.  He goes through each tune on a track multiple times, usually improvising along the way.

Then the same tune is completely replayed in the following track without Sean.  This allows you to play Sean’s part using your own interpretation of the tune.  It’s a superb way to learn. 

Play and practice at your own pace.  The end result of your practice and patience will be the ability to play these tunes up to tempo in any band setting.  

Another fine feature of this package is the inclusion of many verses, most of which are rarely, if ever, heard.  That makes Banjo Backing Tracks a fine musical resource.

Where appropriate, Sean sings the words to the tunes.  This is also helpful to those learning.  Sean has a very nice singing voice.

The mix of tunes is interesting and broad-based.  Standards like "Mr. Sandman" and "Four Leaf Clover" are included, but so is the complicated "Temptation Rag."  Also included are a couple of "large band" tunes like "High Society" and "You're Driving Me Crazy."  If that isn't enough, Sean plays a couple of George Formby tunes:  "Chinese Laundry Blues" and "Leanin' On A Lamp Post."  Great stuff!

The data CD itself should be used as a guide.  It contains all of the tune lead sheets, but words and notes do not always match what Sean is singing and playing.  In reality, that's a good thing because each player should be developing their own technique and style anyway.

The lead sheets can be used by tenor or guitar-tuned players and can be played as chord melody or single-string.  Sean's design opens the package up for many musical uses.  (As a matter of fact, Sean plays "Open G" tuning — D-G-B-D.  He is a walking, breathing example of the package benefits.)

You could create a fine listening CD by downloading the tracks where Sean plays — but this package goes way beyond that.  Now you can play along, create your own leads and counter-points or just back up Sean with the chord pattern.  

You can count on endless hours of enjoyment, both listening to and playing with Sean Moyses and his Banjo Backing Tracks.

Resonator Review

David Frey

My banjo backing tracks are fun for either rehearsing with or using on stage. It's like Karaoke for banjo players!

Sean Moyses