Michael Nix and the New Classic Banjo Project
Michael Nix performs on classical guitar, Banjar, banjo, and mandolin, throughout the United States and Asia; has recorded for the PBS series, "American Experience," several independent documentaries, numerous CD projects; and his compositions are performed internationally. His music has been heard on "Weekend Edition," and other NPR programs. His new solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records and distributed by NAXOS.
A banjo innovator, Nix designed the Banjar; a modern seven nylon string banjo combining elements of the five-string banjo and classical guitar; bringing the classic finger-style banjo of the late 1800's into the twenty first century. His instrumentals, songs, and compositions draw from classic finger style banjo and guitar, infused with folk, jazz and world music traditions.
The New Classic Banjo Project was instituted by Nix to develop and record a modern classical banjo repertoire. Nix’s compositions will form the core of the New Classic Banjo Project works.
Michael Nix offers these programs as one hour performances, or as a two set full concert:
• A solo program of New Classic Banjo Project music on seven-string Banjar featuring music from hs new solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records and distributed by NAXOS.
• A solo program of classical crossover music for seven-string Banjar and guitar.
•A NixWorks Ensemble New Classic Banjo Project concert. Michael Nix collaborates regularly with a number of musicians
In 2017 Nix performed his compositions for New Classic Banjo at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC.
Nix participated in Seegerfest 2014, and other concerts commemorating the life of Pete Seeger. In 2012 Nix performed American music at the Surin International Folkore Festival in Thailand with the Sorvino Dance Project.
He founded The NixWorks Ensemble in 1999, a flexible chamber ensemble, to explore multiple creative influences and genre. Nix formed The Pioneer Consort in 2005, with violinist Chris Devine, and cellist Greg Snedeker to play World Chamber Music. He currently performs with Chris Devine as the Devine-Nix Duo.
Quotes:
“Essentially crafting a new genre of New Classical Banjo, Nix has us re-think all the possibilities of his instrument…”
Take Effect Music Reviews, July 31, 2023
www.michaelnixmusic.com
