Droolin Banjos, Lullabies for Babies by Doug Back and Rik Lovelady

From his virtuoso renditions of classic banjo pieces of the past, to his recordings of classical guitar works, Doug Back's enviable reputation as musician, educator, and performer are certainly well deserved," wrote All Frets magazine (Fretted Instrument Guild of America) editor Johnny Baier.

While earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in music performance (classical guitar and lute), Doug Back studied at the St. Louis Conservatory, The University of Missouri-St. Louis, and The Florida State University. Awards have included a 1993 National Endowment for the Arts Recording Grant, a 2002 Governor's grant award, and the International Network of Performing and Visual Arts Schools Teacher of the Year award in 2003. Back has appeared as a soloisit on classic 5-string banjo, 4-string plectrum and tenor banjo, classical guitar, renaissance lute, and mandolin in concerts throughout the United States, Australia, Great Britain, and the Philippines.

About Rik Lovelady: Rik Lovelady is Professor Emeritus of English and Greek at Grace College and prominent banjoist for national banjo conventions, with personal concerts at 300 locations. Lovelady holds the Ph.D. from Purdue University and Diploma in Tenor Banjo from the University Extension Conservatory, Chicago.

With "Dimensions in Brass" he was a featured soloist on banjo and guitar on recordings and in performance across America, Germany, and France. With the "Swampwater Stompers Dixieland Band" he performed for former President George H.W. Bush. With a strong dixieland inclination, he has performed with the "Stompers," The Sugardaddys," and with Carol Kaye's Dixieland Jazz Band," a nine-piece group. He has recorded two solo banjo recordings and several others with the "Stompers" and "Carol and Kaye's Dixieland Jazz Band."

Press Reviews:

This CD is one of those rare finds in the banjo world. I'm so impressed, I'm almost in tears-thank you, thank you, thank you! CD review-Eddy Davis (musical director of Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band)-The Resonator

With a scintillating combination of tenor, plectrum and classic five string banjos along with bouzouki, acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and synthesizer, Back and Lovelady have crafted an extraordinarily interesting banjo recording. ..Bravo Doug and Rik. CD review-Johnny Baier-All Frets magazine.

This is a very fine multi-instrumental effort by two very talented and musical ABF members. The duet and multi-tracked playing is sensitive and beautifully done. Eli Kaufman-editor- The 5-Stringer

On this CD the banjos are in league, complementing each other with beautiful harmonies. Also, the music is slow and quiet enough that you can hear and enjoy every phrase. The CD cover also implies that the music is only for babies, but grandpa Derek thoroughly enjoyed it too. There is interesting variety, with the use of other instruments, as well as multiple banjo playing styles, including classical five string and clawhammer. This CD wouldn't have been possible without the skill of two very accomplished musicians. Douglas Back and Rik Lovelady are to be congratulated.

CD Review-Derek Channing-The Ban-Joes of Michigan Newsletter, Nov. 2005

A portion of the proceeds from this CD goes to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

FINGERPICKIN GOOD!

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