Wes Corbett is a progressive banjo player and teacher. He came up in Boston’s contemporary bluegrass scene, around Berklee College of Music, and played with Joy Kills Sorrow. He later joined the Sam Bush Band and has played as a sideman with Molly Tuttle. His solo banjo albums include Cascade and Drift.
Why Corbett matters
Corbett writes his own banjo music and plays it in the Sam Bush Band. He also teaches contemporary banjo through Peghead Nation and has a banjo book from Round Window Press.
Life and career
Corbett went to Berklee College of Music in Boston and played with Joy Kills Sorrow, the Boston string band founded by guitarist Matthew Arcara. He then joined the Sam Bush Band on banjo, and he has played with Molly Tuttle. He released Cascade, a solo banjo project, and later Drift. Round Window Press, part of the nonprofit that runs Banjo Summit, published a book of his banjo music.
Playing style
Corbett plays melodic and progressive banjo. His lessons on fiddle tunes like St. Anne’s Reel and Methodist Preacher show a contemporary take on traditional material. His tune Hartford’s Bend on the Cumberland nods to John Hartford.
Influences and legacy
Corbett came out of the Boston scene. He plays beside Sam Bush and has worked with Molly Tuttle. Through Peghead Nation he teaches contemporary bluegrass banjo.
Signature tunes and songs
Hartford’s Bend on the Cumberland Mary Evelyn St. Anne’s Reel.
Essential recordings
Cascade Drift
Watch and listen
Corbett plays his tune Hartford’s Bend on the Cumberland.
What to learn from Corbett
Learn St. Anne’s Reel from his Peghead Nation lesson. The technique to steal is clean melodic fingering. Plan your left-hand positions so each note rings into the next.
Sources
Wes Corbett archives, Bluegrass Today
Related players
See the banjo players hub and the bluegrass banjo guide for more pickers. Corbett plays with Sam Bush, has played with Molly Tuttle, and came up in the band Matthew Arcara founded.