I was able to pick out a tune in short order. Nothing fancy, no ornamentation or any creative frills – just a few notes hobbled together that sounded very much like “Cripple Creek“. While my playing would not have been pleasing to a listener, I was very much in love with the hypnotic power that the instrument gave off. For the next few weeks, I improved – marginally. I learned a few chords and tricks, but instruction from the book was not the best teacher. When the monthly rental was due, I decided to return the instrument – a decision based on my busy schedule, lack of a proper instructor, and some sores on my fingers due to my improper style on the instrument.

Even though I did not keep up with the instrument, I had a whole new respect for the banjo. The relaxing and warm feeling that I had playing the instrument, for my pleasure alone, was something that I can not easily describe.

Well, I don’t have to describe what it is like. Joel Mabus has done it for me and for everyone who has ever wondered about the seemingly simple instrument. Joel’s latest CD is a masterpiece titled “The Banjo Monologues” (official release date is May 1, 2007 but the CD is available now through Joel’s website – www.joelmabus.com .) This CD is an opus to the banjo, filled with delightful old time banjo tunes and Joel’s captivating storytelling.

Many of the monologues contained on the CD have been part of Joel’s performances over the years. Joel is a fixture on the folk circuit (particularly in the mid-west) and is well known for his diverse talents on the guitar, banjo, fiddle and as a singer. Joel just might that “missing link” as he straddles the world of traditional and contemporary and shows the true connection between both. He connects with his audiences in a powerful way. You get the feeling that you are visiting with an old friend who delights in sharing his treasures with you. While we don’t get to see enough of Joel on the east coast, his appearances are a guarantee of a wonderful evening of folk music.

As you will discover by listening to “The Banjo Monologues“, Joel Mabus comes from a musical family. Joel was born in a southern Illinois town that he describes as being “about 105 miles southeast of Mark Twain, 190 miles northwest of Bill Monroe, 110 miles southwest of Burl Ives and just over the river and up the hill from Scott Joplin. ” Joel’s father and uncle (one named Gerald and the other Jerald – aside from the different spelling, Jerald had the middle name of “Lee” that helped distinguish the brothers) that performed in a “hillbilly” band known as the Mabus Brothers.

Joel grew up absorbing the music of the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bill Monroe as well as the traditional old-timey, blues and spiritual music that was so rich in the region. While studying anthropology at the University of Michigan, Joel began performing as a professional musician by working with local bluegrass and string bands. Joel also expanded his musical horizons by learning other forms of music including country swing, older blues, and even Celtic music. He also started writing songs.

In 1977 he released his first album (recorded with mandolin legend Frank Wakefield) and would soon be signed to Flying Fish Records. While today it is commonplace, in 1986 Joel started his own record label, becoming one of the first “independent” artists to take full control over their recordings and distribution.

Over the past 30 years, Joel has released 18 recordings. Prior to “The Banjo Monologues“, the prolific artist treated us to “Parlor Guitar” in 2005, a sublime treat of finger style guitar instrumentals that included standards from a variety of composers including George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Eubie Blake – all performed on an old-fashioned “parlor” guitar, smaller than our modern guitars and meant for enjoying self-made music in living rooms. A guitar instruction book was created based on the CD, which will hopefully inspire others to make music for the pleasure it brings.

It seems only natural that Joel chose the banjo for his latest project. On the recording, Joel tells us that the banjo would be his choice of instrument to have with him on a deserted island, because “nothing – and I mean nothing – kills time like a banjo”.The feeling of making music on the banjo, and sharing music on the banjo, is much deeper than that.Far from all the insipid banjo jokes, the instrument evokes a unique setting for music and a spirit that is best described in a monologue called “Leonard Lively“, a true story based on Joels experience teaching the instrument to a retired Kentucky Coal miner. The story is a tribute to the power of making music.

This is a personal recording from Joel. As mentioned above, Joel shares his families history in several of the monologues. He continues the family history that he started sharing during the “Gerald and Jerald Lee” monologue with another warm and witty piece called “WLS & The Prairie Farmer“. This is a marvelous story that fans of old-time radio will enjoy for the history that is shared, but it also strikes a chord in all of us whose parents or grandparents shared stories of life during the depression. Joel’s performance of “Liza Jane” during the monologue is a treat by itself!

The CD is a grand tribute to the banjo and to old-time music. Modern audiences may not understand why “hillbilly” music was so popular in its day. Early record producers gave the style the “hillbilly” moniker, which unfortunately created an image that has detracted from the music. In “The Banjo Monologues”, Joel celebrates the true beauty and significance of the music, enabling modern audiences to understand the connection the music had with its audiences. Listening to the CD from beginning to end is a unique experience. I imagine this what Mark Twain or Garrison Keillor would sound like if they played the banjo!”The Banjo Monologues” helps cement Joel Mabus reputation as an artist.

Joel Mabus is the Joe Dimaggio of the folk music world – a virtuoso who can make the toughest plays appear effortless. His performances are memorable and he leaves the audience with the feeling that they have spent an evening with a good friend or long-lost relative. His charm, intelligence and skill are evident in his inviting style.

His current tour schedule has him appearing in Massachusetts at Club Passim on July 12, the New Bedford Whaling Museum on July 13 , and a return to the northeast when he appears in Princeton on October 19th. While his local appearances are infrequent, I strongly urge listeners to consider a trip to see one of his concerts. It is worth the effort to see a craftsman like Joel at work.Whether or not you can see him perform live, you will be doing yourself a favor by adding “The Banjo Monologues” to your CD collection. (My WFDU-FM TRADTIONS c0-host Bill Hahn also recommends the recording on his website.) Visit Joel’s website at www.joelmabus.com to pick up a copy!