Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
British banjoist Olly Oakley (real name Joseph Sharpe, 1877-1943) plays "Bolero", written by Alfred Cammeyer (1862-1949), an American-born composer and zither-banjo player who moved to England as a youth. It is based on the Bolero dance style that was became popular in Spain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
British banjoist Joe Morley (1867-1937) later wrote a bolero for banjo titled "El contrabandista" (c. 1920). Morley's composition is a true bolero in 3/4 time, whereas Cammeyer's composition is written in 4/4 time.
Oakley has a keen sense of rhythm (one might almost say 'swing'). He was apt to be a bit careless (or at least carefree) - sometimes making mistakes - but his risk taking gives him a slight edginess that is also appealing.
OLLY OAKLEY
Olly Oakley (zither-banjo) accompanied by piano (possibly George Atkinson)
Recorded London, January 21st, 1907
9821b…….Bolero…….Gramophone Concert Record
British banjoist Olly Oakley (real name Joseph Sharpe, 1877-1943) plays "Bolero", written by Alfred Cammeyer (1862-1949), an American-born composer and zither-banjo player who moved to England as a youth. It is based on the Bolero dance style that was became popular in Spain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
British banjoist Joe Morley (1867-1937) later wrote a bolero for banjo titled "El contrabandista" (c. 1920). Morley's composition is a true bolero in 3/4 time, whereas Cammeyer's composition is written in 4/4 time.
Oakley has a keen sense of rhythm (one might almost say 'swing'). He was apt to be a bit careless (or at least carefree) - sometimes making mistakes - but his risk taking gives him a slight edginess that is also appealing.
OLLY OAKLEY
Olly Oakley (zither-banjo) accompanied by piano (possibly George Atkinson)
Recorded London, January 21st, 1907
9821b…….Bolero…….Gramophone Concert Record
