William J. Ball

CLASSIC BANJO

The L.P’s

“Banjo Classics” Produced in 1994 this was the first recording of fingerstyle banjo since the Van Eps L.P’s thirty years before. It featured the playing of Bill and his accompanist Eileen Smith on one side, and the Torrences, a husband and wife duet on the other. The L.P was privately published by Andrew Wilson who financed the whole project and it was very well received by the banjo press.

Side One
1. El Contrabandista Joe Morley
2. Chop Suey Emile Grimshaw
3. Banjoland Joe Morley
4. Polka De Concert Joe Morley
5. At Sunset Emile Grimshaw

6. Palladium March Joe Morley

“A Banjo Galaxy - The Classic Banjo of William J. Ball”, produced by the American folk label “Rounder Records” followed soon after “Banjo Classics” and again featured Eileen Smith accompaniments on piano. This was a very influential recording. Rounder Records distribution system ensured that Bill’s playing reached the widest possible audience including the ears of Bluegrass and Old Time players. It came as something of a revelation. See The Review page for some comments.

Side One
1. Marche Impromptu Paul Eno
2. Syncopatin’ Shuffle Frank Lawes
3. Pompadour Joe Morley
4. Egyptian Princess Joe Morley
5. Danse Arlequin Joe Morley
6. Freckles Joe Morley
7. Mr. Punch Joe Morley

Side Two

8. Zarana Joe Morley
9. Humoresque Joe Cammeyer
10. Carry On Alfred Kirby
11. A Spanish Romance Emile Grimshaw
12. Ad Astra Joe Morley
13. Dream Dance Joe Morley

14. Thumbs Up Joe Morley

“Banjo Highlights” was released in 1976 by GWR Records, the private label of Bristol Recording engineer Dennis Mann who had recorded the “Galaxy” L.P for Rounder Records. Bill provided his own piano accompaniment for the “Banjo Highlights” L.P. Although well received by the banjo press, sales figures were lower than Mr Mann had anticipated.

Side One
1. Palladium Rag Joe Morley
2. Rondo Caprice Silberberg arr. Van Eps
3. Torchlight Parade Joe Morley
4. Progressions Frank Lawes
5. Step Lively Joe Morley
6. Jumbo Rag Bert Bassett
7. Olympian March Joe Morley

Side Two
1. The Gunner’s March Joe Morley
2. Hot Frets Frank Lawes
3. Patrol Eccentrique Joe Morley
4. A Desert Trail Joe Morley
5. Coconut Dance Herman arr.Van Eps
6. A Banjo Frolic Joe Morley

“Bakers Dozen” a popular radio programme hosted by Richard Baker presented a variety of music to the public and frequently played tracks from the above L.P’s :- “Palladium Rag” from the “Banjo Highlight’s” L.P was given an airing in January 1980.

Tracks from the above L.P’s are now available on C.D. See the C.D’S AVAILABLE page for details.