|
Yet more
recollections of the 'Wizard' from Florida
banjoist Mike Currao... I
studied banjo with Roy for several years, and
learned from him many things that cannot be found
in any book! At the time I was already considered
a proficient banjoist, but I was able to pick up
many new tricks and techniques from Roy.
I used to visit Roy during my lunch hour. His
wife Fay was one of the nicest people I ever met.
Prior to sitting down for my weekly session I
would spend some time with her and she would feed
me a ham sandwich and a glass of milk. When Roy
got impatient, she would tell him "You can
wait for Mike - he's here on his lunch hour to
play with you, he has to eat first!" Roy
would then laugh and wait.
Roy always used to admire the silk neckties I
wore to work. which I purchased at Macy's. On
several occasions I arrived back in my Manhattan
office without a necktie because Roy admired it
so much that I gave it to him!
When I relocated to Pennsylvania, Roy was truly
upset, as he would prove by writing a surprise
letter now and then. And he even called on
Holidays and special occasions. He was truly a
great individual and held back nothing when it
came to showing me undocumented playing
techniques, ideas and tricks. He spent a great
deal of time passing on to me performance
routines and entertainment tips that just could
not be learned elsewhere.
In my possession I have over 100 tapes of Roy and
myself playing together, and I cherish each one
of them.
Thanks,
Mike - it's fascinating to hear first hand
stories about our favourite stars. Can anyone
else send us memories of their ukulele heroes?
|
