HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — New York City — In the vibrant landscape of New York City’s jazz scene, few artists shine as brightly as Cynthia Sayer, a masterful banjoist, vocalist, and bandleader who has dedicated her career to revitalizing the four-string jazz banjo. With a unique blend of technical prowess and engaging audience rapport, Sayer has not only established herself as a leading figure in the genre but has also garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Steve Martin Award.
After some initial lessons as a teen, her journey began apprenticeship-style, learning on the job, sometimes with jazz legends. Her background includes being a founding member of Woody Allen’s New Orleans Jazz Band, and she has performed and recorded with numerous leading artists in jazz and roots music, ranging from Wynton Marsalis to The Kingston Trio. During her decade-long tenure in Woody Allen’s jazz band, she honed her craft and showcased her exceptional talent. Playing the four-string banjo, an instrument crafted by OME and now part of the Gold Tone family, Sayer wields what she considers to be the “Rolls-Royce of banjos.” This handcrafted instrument, designed for contemporary playing, allows her to deliver a big, full-bodied sound that suits the wide range of material she likes to perform and is also far less heavy in weight than other top-quality instruments.
When first starting out, Cynthia couldn’t figure out why the banjo, an African instrument and the original fretted instrument of jazz, was virtually ignored and even marginalized in jazz history. She eventually looked into its history for answers. Her deep appreciation for the four-string banjo stems from its historical significance in the jazz world. Though primarily a performing artist who tours with her bands and as a guest artist worldwide, she is also an avid educator who has created programs about the banjo’s fraught history. She describes it as being only newly freed of the racist stigma it carried from its slave and minstrel show past. After experiencing jazz as virtually all-male for years, she recounts discovering that the banjo was also once a popular instrument for women. Sayer likes to include fun banjo factoids in her shows, like the banjo family with 6-foot tall bass banjos, cello banjos, piccolo banjos, and more. A recent Lincoln Center program she created included a banjo orchestra, which was popular in the late 1800s. She pays tribute to the Jazz era in her performances, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of the four-string banjo’s contributions to early jazz. While the five-string banjo often takes center stage in bluegrass and old-time music, Sayer champions the four-string banjo in jazz, declaring it a “kick ass swinging instrument,” and has single-handedly upped its presence in the world of banjo.
The contrast between the four-string and five-string banjos is a frequent topic in Sayer’s discussions. Sayer highlights how the more popular five-string uses a finger-picking or claw-hammer approach, whereas the four-string banjo is played with a flat pick, requiring entirely different skills. She described how there has been a huge gulf between the four- and five-string worlds due to their different genres and playing approaches, with surprisingly little interaction between them, and she’s created numerous programs aiming to bridge this gap, introducing audiences to a much wider world of banjo.
Among her musical influences, Sayer cites historic banjo star Elmer Snowden as her favorite jazz banjoist. Listening to Snowden’s driving swing on his album, “Harlem Banjo” (Riverside Records), inspired her to become a jazz banjoist. She also embraces the theatrical flair that characterized many four-string banjoists and enjoys integrating these dynamics in her programs, resulting in exciting, fun performances.
Sayer’s contributions to the jazz scene extend beyond her regular performances at significant venues like Lincoln Center and the Greek Theatre. Recent New York City gigs include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Mona’s, and she is now heading back to Europe.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Sayer received the Steve Martin Award, becoming only the second four-string banjo player to be honored with this accolade. The ceremony’s surprise guest was Woody Allen, who spoke about his work with Cynthia, a testament to her impact within the jazz community. For Sayer, this recognition is not just a personal achievement but a welcome into the broader world of five-string banjo players, further inspiring her to continue exploring new creative avenues.
With a deep respect for the jazz tradition and an unwavering commitment to her art, Cynthia Sayer stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of four-string banjo. Her performances resonate with audiences, drawing them into the realm of jazz while honoring the instrument’s past. Whether at a local club in New York City or an international stage, Sayer remains a passionate advocate for the jazz banjo, inviting everyone to discover its joy. If you have the opportunity to see her perform, don’t miss the chance to experience her show.
