Andy ‘Buddy’ Wachter took an interest in the banjo at a young age. The Rosedale musician performed at school talent shows as a teenage while also playing pop music with local groups in the mid-’60s. Eventually Buddy landed a steady gig at the Straw Hat where he continually improved upon his skills.
In 1969 Buddy traveled to California to perform at the Banjo Spectacular which featured many of the top players from around the country. By 1970 he had become proficient enough that he was asked to join Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians.
Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanian’s
After two years on the road with the Pennsylvanians he decided to return to Baltimore and finish his college education. Eventually he began playing local clubs as a solo and as member of various bands including a swing trio with Henning Hoehne (clarinet), and Charlie Harris (bass -formerly with Nat King Cole). He could be seen often at Shakey’s Pizza throughout the ‘70s.
In 1980 Wachter was offered the opportunity to be the subject of a German film documentary about traditional jazz. His show at Shakey’s was filmed and used for a television documentary in Germany. As a result Buddy made some concert tours throughout Europe. An album was released on the German Kraft label “Banjo Special” in 1982.
Beginning in 1983 he began performing at the annual International Banjo Festivals with a group featuring Bela Fleck, Tony Trishka, and others. Subsequent record releases include “The Natural” (1985), “Banjo Exploration” with the Transatlantic Banjo Company featuring Peter Meyer (guitar) and Keith Nichols (piano), and “Together” with tenor banjoist Sandy Riner.
Buddy has taken the art of banjo playing to new levels of respectability and has played with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and other prestigious institutions.
As an instructor, Wachter released the video “Learning Tenor Banjo” (1990 Homespun Tapes).
1982(LP) Rofunda Banjo Special
