I know my love for this particular music was a direct result of my family. Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories were reading and learning sing-along lyrics from Mitch Miller records at my grandparents' house, watching TV variety & music shows with my great-grandmother, or listening to my father play piano. My family recorded my first vocal on tape at 2 years old...the Schaefer beer jingle.

In the mid-70's, my dad accepted a New Year's Resolution/challenge from a friend to take banjo lessons. I started teaching myself to play, originally using a borrowed tenor banjo I restrung & tuned like a ukulele. Jim Harkins, my dad's teacher, convinced me that I should learn properly, and so I began taking lessons with him. Jim had played guitar and banjo for many years with the Vincent Lopez orchestra, and later with the Sammy Spear orchestra on the Jackie Gleason TV show.

Through Ray Rienecker (a great friend who played both banjo and tuba), my father and I joined the Long Island Banjo Society. I learned a great deal from many players there: Mike Currao (who became my second banjo teacher), Ed Cava, and another father and son "team" of players - Mike & Frank Vignola. For the uninformed, Frank is now rightfully recognized as one of the finest fretted instrument players in the world. I also began playing with the Banjo-Aires, a local Long Island banjo group who are still actively playing - after 25+ years!!

I also was fortunate to study with two great old professionals: Roy Smeck and Sy Shaffer. Roy was known as the "Wizard of the Strings", a star performer in vaudeville and films playing banjo, uke, and guitar. He was the genuine article; a historic figure in early popular music. Sy taught me formal theory and composition. His trombone opened the Arthur Godfrey show for many years with "Seems Like Old Times". He had studied under the likes of Bartok, Serly, and Montieux while simultaneously writing some of Madison Avenue's classic ad jingles.

In the early 80's, I was introduced to Eddy Davis at one of Frank Rossi's Banjo Spectacular Shows, where Eddy encouraged me to try playing a rarity: cello banjo. Shortly after, Cynthia Sayer graciously invited me to join herself, Eddy, Frank Vignola, and a rotation of other great musicians playing in her group, the New York Banjo Ensemble. I am truly grateful to them for the invaluable experience and knowlege I gained over that time.

Over the years, I've been part of some noteworthy bands & gigs. Some highlights:

• Carnegie Hall : The Clef Club Concert
  Performance recorded for NPR broadcast hosted by Wynton Marsalis with William Warfield, Jester Hairston, and the Boys Choir of Harlem
• Carnegie Hall: Gemini Symphony performance of "Rhapsody in Blue"
• Delta Queen riverboat - with Vic Tooker's Riverboat Ramblers
• 14 years as a member of the Howard Hovey Trio
• A 14 month continuous weekly engagement at the Osborne Inn, Riverhead
• Numerous performances with other groups including: The Isotope Stompers, The Smith Street Society Jazz Band, and Hot Jam!

I released my first CD "In One Era and Out The Other" in July 2001, which features an all-star lineup playing some great tunes from the golden age of Tin Pan Alley which are not as frequently performed or heard as their more popular counterparts. I thank all the musicians involved, many of whom inspired me to record & perform this material in the first place. Check out my links page for more information on them, as well as other musicians I've met & jammed with at festivals & conventions over the years.

The Isotope Stompers

The Isotope Stompers are an exhilarating seven-piece Dixieland Jazz Band who were originally founded over 30 years ago by a group of jazz musicians with connections to Brookhaven National Lab on Long Island, New York.  Their music is generally classified as "Chicago-style" Dixieland, incorporating traditional New Orleans repertoire with a more modern and swinging rhythmic drive than older ragtime styles.  You will recognize some of the band’s popular tunes like the rousing Tiger Rag, Fidgety Feet, Kid’s Ory’s famous Muskrat Ramble, the sad and moving St. James Infirmary Blues or Tin Roof Blues.

They will have you clapping your hands and tapping your toes…for THE ISOTOPE STOMPERS celebrate Mardi Gras, New Orleans style, all year long! 

~ Bob Barta