- Long John and the Tights banjos
Steve Arkin grew up in New York’s legendary Washington Square music scene, playing both old-time and bluegrass music in early bands with Jody Stecher, David Grisman, Maria Muldaur and other outstanding musicians. In 1964 Steve played banjo with Bill Monroe (who, in James Rooney’s book, Bossmen, was quoted as saying ”it takes backing to get that stuff going. Steve could play the best backup banjo I ever heard).” Steve has won numerous banjo contests and played in many bands, including nationally-known Northern Lights, and with Virginia-based old-time band Troublesome Creek, who’s CD, FAST AS TIME CAN TAKE ME, on County Records, received widespread critical acclaim. In a review in the Old Time Herald, Pete Sutherland said: ”Arkin’s adroit playing achieves that most rare combo of beautiful, intricate melody and absolute pedal-to-the-floor drive.” Steve has also taught both bluegrass and old-time banjo at a variety of music camps and festivals, and over the past decade has been a member of old-time string band, Lightning in the East.