Jack of Diamonds | Fretless Clawhammer Banjo | Tom Collins

This performance is the culmination of the latest module on Banjo Quest. If you'd like to join, please visit / tomcollins
The banjo I'm playing in this video is Jim Hartel #141. It is one of the finest instruments of any kind I've had the fortune to play. For more about Jim, and his extraordinary work, please visit www.minstrelbanjo.com
I hear this song as a deep look into the pain and tragedy of addiction. It is a lens through which we can perhaps come to some understanding of the numinous human condition.
I recorded, mixed and mastered this in Feb 2021at Misery Island Sound.
Teeshirts are available: teespring.com/...
This is dedicated to my patrons and students all over the world who have made my experience with the banjo richer than I thought possible. To them, and to you, I wish good fortune, joy and love.

[@alexandermoore6182]

I've never commented on a video before....this performance is inspiring me to do so. From one clawhammer player to another, this is absolutely astounding. I learned this off of a Tommy Jarrell recording. I much prefer the slower delivery of your version, life changing really, Simply beautiful and inspirational. You're inspiring me to be a better player! Love the vocal delivery, very smooth and clean, playing is on point as well! Thank you so so much, sorry for the long comment!

[@FretlessFury]

Wow. I am so honored by your comment. Thank you so very much! All a musician wants to do is create something special for someone else to feel and enjoy. Your comment made my day, Alexander!!!! Thanks, Tom

[@zachb8012]

"If the whiskey don't kill me I'll live 'til I die." Ha, I love this song. This is why I play banjo.

[@FretlessFury]

Me too, Zach! The lyrics are just so good!

[@zachb8012]

@@FretlessFury Gotta say, working through the Patreon module you created for this song has made it the best song in my repoir and I was able to wrap my head around playing clawhammer in 3/4 time.

[@dcboyle1968]

I'm grateful for 3 things: 1. I don't have a gambling problem. 2. I don't have a drinking problem (in my opinion). 3. I had an opportunity to hear such a beautiful version of this song, both in the voice and the clawhammer.

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you so much for this comment, David! Best to you, Tom

[@DecayDude]

This goes right into the soul. Man what a recording! I holeheartedly respect this achievement.

[@FretlessFury]

Oh wow, THANK YOU for this comment!!! This was a labor of love for sure. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@marcnerenberg1]

You're always at your best when you're showing off for the Banjo Quest crew. You set a very high bar for yourself for us! "Simply wonderful!" does not say nearly enough!

[@pandjwarren]

Hahahaha.... Marc, from where I am standing, I can not even SEE the bar 😉😆😆

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you, Marc!

[@HilarieBurhans]

This is so lovely, Tom!

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you so much, Hilarie!!!!

[@neilbush9873]

Thats how ide like to be able to sing and play

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks for saying so, Neil! It's all just practice at the end of the day. I do have the full arrangement and lessons on this tune on Patreon if you're interested: www.patreon.com/tomcollins

[@CDONETWOTHREE]

This is so criminally underrated and under appreciated

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you for that!!!

[@davidhale1568]

Lovely pace and singing 👍

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you so much, David!

[@davidhale1568]

@@FretlessFurydo you mind if I ask you what strings you have on the banjo… minstrel? Kind regards from the uk

[@FretlessFury]

@@davidhale1568 I got this Hartel used, so I'm actually not quite sure! I think they're the minstrel set though if I had to guess.

[@DyarContreras]

I’ve never heard you sing before, Tom! Great job 👏

[@sivad2]

Beautiful! The addition of playing it on the fretless is a fantastic addition. A rendition that would make even Shiddy Pickins proud.

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks! Let's all raise a glass to Shiddy Pickins.

[@sivad2]

@@FretlessFury I do every night! Cheers!

[@meredithmoon]

Sounds great Tom!

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you sooooo much, Meredith!!! This comment made my day. Hope all is well!

[@markhanson6880]

Wow!

[@FretlessFury]

Glad you liked!

[@1strule00]

that was truly beautiful! really felt that song and the subtleties of your playing, now to learn it!

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you! Good luck on your quest to learn it. I have a fully tabbed out eBook and video guides on Patreon if you're interested in getting help. Best, Tom

[@Datanditto]

Wow beautiful sound beautiful playing beautiful voice and singing. So good.

[@FretlessFury]

I appreciate that comment. Thank you!!

[@cmosheh]

Tom, this is absolutely perfect! THANK YOU! -- The Hartel #141 has such a rich sound (I love mine #174) and your fine singing rings with genuine authenticity. Love it !

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you, Chris! Ahhh! #174!!! We're banjo brothers! Yes, Jim Hartel is truly an American .... nay! WORLD TREASURE! I can't speak highly enough about his instruments. They are sculptures you can play!

[@didierloncke3796]

@@FretlessFury man !!! just spend 2500 euro for my new button Accordeon. I cannot wait to get my hands on one of those banjos...a Jim Hartell in my dreams only..lol.Probably not an expensive like yours, I see a lots of possibilities of that banjo and my diatonic squeeze ......love your playing Tom...A+

[@jeverhart99]

I love these tunes played more slowly, as you are doing here. Sounds great to me. Nice job

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you Jeannine!

[@tastas3880]

Wow thanks man been watching your fretless banjo videos gives me confidence...

[@FretlessFury]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for commenting, Tom

[@bovineexcrement8635]

Wow

[@blacksheepbanjos]

Just gorgeous, Tom. You inspire all of us! And you’re making me want a minstrel banjo, dang it!

[@FretlessFury]

Uh Oh! Do it!

[@thebanjoboost]

Love the sound of the clawhammer, probably because I'm only good at picking lol

[@ConstantGeekery]

Beautiful! Really enjoyed this Tom... like always👌🏻

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you, fine sir! This was shot on my new BMPCC4k btw! Loving this camera!!!

[@ConstantGeekery]

@@FretlessFury 😁 looking good!

[@SHIVER-REDCAR]

Incredible song , thanks for sharing

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks for listening!

[@neilybuds]

Killer bro -

[@eiyhka8779]

Awesome Tom. Love the Minstrel too

[@Obiwaz]

I have a Hartel banjo. Was curious what strings you use. This is an amazing piece!

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks! Jim Hartel's instruments are the best!! I'm not sure what came on this one, but I think it's the "minstrel" nylgut...not positive though! Shoot Jim an email and he'll steer you right! Tell him Tom says howdy!

[@robinganesan4106]

beautiful!

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you ROBIN!

[@MasonCroneMusic]

That's awesome! I've been playing bluegrass banjo for 3 years and I started learning clawhammer last week. It's a lot of fun so far. God bless you.

[@FretlessFury]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for the comment, Mason!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks!

[@FretlessFury]

Wow, Hillbilly....Thank you so VERY much for that. You made my weekend!! Cheers!

[@HillbillyMusings]

@@FretlessFury trust me, it’s not near enough for the many times I’ve enjoyed your rendition of this song. Thanks Tom!

[@alfike]

Very awesome, Tom! You have helped me a bunch! Thanks for you inspiration!

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks Al! Thanks for posting!

[@zachsmith5399]

This is so good! Very inspiring

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Zach! Best, Tom

[@didierloncke3796]

wow...puissant....énorme !!!! fantastic !!!!!!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Amazing Tom. This makes me want to pick up my banjo again sir, thanks for the inspiration!

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks so much for this comment! Please do pick up that banjo. It ain't gonna play itself!!

[@chefblazer3240]

Damn.

[@will6395]

This is really good

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you, will!

[@TalesoftheBoatman]

Good work man

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks, Chris! Banjo on, brother!

[@user-dg6iw5qb6p]

mood

[@FretlessFury]

thank you!

[@LAIKASUEZ]

Ive noticed im just absolutely in love with this slower clawhammer style... any artists or songs you can recommend for further listening? Ive been basically obsessing for a few weeks now and this song just helped me to pull the trigger on a banjo too So ill see ya around!

[@nathanewald3091]

Might want to look into some of Michael Miles. Some of his claw hammer is a bit transcendent (he does everything from Bach to Jazz), but his style/tone is similar. I’ve heard him play a few tunes on low-tune banjo that have more roots and Old Tyme depth, like this.

[@imyourthatguy]

What tuning are you in?

[@ryankehres3321]

Whats this banjo tuned to? It sounds so low

[@williamkey9041]

Tom, this is an amazing performance! Is the tab for this one on your Patreon site?

[@FretlessFury]

Hi William...thanks for the comment! Yes, there is a whole module and ebooklet for this song on Patreon. Hope to see you over there!

[@hukmansworldoftea3580]

what tuning is this]

[@nickdavis772]

Very soothing - what is the tuning?

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks, Nick! I'm in A standard tuning.

[@clintonfiske4prez]

Is there a lesson for this on your Patreon?

[@FretlessFury]

Hey there! This video is the final performance of a 3 month Jack of Diamonds odyssey on Patreon! Including a 7 day waltz-time bootcamp, singing lessons, and a deep dive into the tune. While I did not tab this arrangement specifically, these are variations of a carefully written tablature available for patrons only. We're just about to start a fretless banjo month, so it's an amazing time to join!!!

[@almartinez8440]

Where can I get a download of this song? It's badass song.

[@cherub2972]

Well that takes the cake. Lowwwwwww. Should line your pockets with silver and gold.

[@FretlessFury]

....but ole Jack will just take it all away again!

[@sebastianrodriguezchavez3232]

Is that the song that appears in "maghie cassidy" first page

[@FretlessFury]

Hey Sebastian...not sure of that reference. Your guess is as good as mine!

[@tomphillips6743]

Do you sell albums?

[@FretlessFury]

Hey Tom...thanks so much for asking! My 2016 album was on CDBaby, but that folded. Working on a solo album now which I'll announce on my KZbin channel. Your music is lovely, Tom! I checked out your banjo playing. Great drive, wonderful sensibility! Excellent!

[@tomphillips6743]

@@FretlessFury Thank you! I'll be on the lookout for that announcement.

[@jimsatterfield8748]

Missed the chorus...

[@FretlessFury]

not sure what this means......

[@jimsatterfield8748]

@@FretlessFury BTW, you & the banjo sound superb. But i was just thrown off when you sing the refrain, Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds , I know you of old, etc. I'm waiting for a IV chord that doesn't happen (on the 2nd "jack of diamonds") I just like the tradional chords but yours is very soulful, for sure.

[@morganacres9360]

@@jimsatterfield8748 ?

[@bumdittybrendan3710]

First

[@_CoolHandLuke_]

Great job Tom! Im diggin the name friend!

[@FretlessFury]

Rock on, brother!