Person Record

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1 of 1977 Gary Isbell

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Name

Isbell, Gary

Role

Banjoist

Spouse

Liz

Places of residence

California/Bend, Oregon

Sphere Of Activity

Gary Isbell, a native of Tracy, California, is a self-taught musician. At an early age he began playing the ukulele, advanced to the guitar, and, finally, progressed to the banjo. Gary found satisfaction and pleasure with the energetic and sensitive qualities inherent to the banjo. He then worked to create his own style. His remarkable technical abilities heightened and developed. Gary plays a full chorded melody enriched by elaborate chordings and garnished with intricate chord progressions. A banjoist of rare attainment, Gary Isbell has indeed created a peerless style.

The list of Gary's professional engagements is an impressive one. His Bay Area career began at Magoo's in Los Gatos. Since then, he has performed at various prestigious hotels, numerous Shakey's Pizza Parlors, and the Paul Masson Winery. He has been the regularly featured artist at the Cable Car Restaurant in San Jose, at Scarlett La Rue's in Los Gatos, and with many important dixieland jazz bands. Some of the many banjo shows which have featured Gary as a solo performer are the Seattle Banjo Pickers' Ball, the Los Angeles Banjo Spectacular and the Peninsula Banjo Band's Jubilee.

Until Gary moved from the Bay Area a year ago, he had been an active member of the Peninsula Banjo Band for over fifteen years. During the time he was the Band's lead player and rarely missed a playout or Monday night practice session at the Straw Hat Pizza Palace in Campbell. He gave willingly of his time and talent.

Throughout the years Gary has taught the banjo to many people. His students include some past and present Band members. Gary is always eager to encourage and instruct enthusiasts.

Gary and his lovely wife, Liz, are now living in Bend, Oregon, to our great loss. He performs two nights a week at Fanny Annie's Pizza Parlor where banjo players and friends are given a warm welcome.

In tribute to a banjoist of exceptional brilliance and in appreciation to a member of valued loyalty, the Peninsula Banjo Band proudly dedicates the 1980 Banjo Jubilee to Gary Isbell. Copy: 1980 Banjo Jubilee Program