Listen for the braying mule! This tune changes keys at the B part. For a nice resolve, finish with the A part. Sheet Music from thesession.org Backing Tracks Recording
Sourgrass and Granite
By Brian Pickell “Sourgrass is a common name given to several plant species which have a sour taste.” (wikipedia) Sheet Music from thesession.org Backing Tracks Recording
Cuckoo’s Nest
Cuckoo’s Nest is a reel in the key of D, but featuring a C chord for a modal feel. As usual for fiddle tunes, it repeats in AABB structure. However,Continue readingCuckoo’s Nest
Maggie
George W. Johnson published his poem, “When You and I Were Young, Maggie,” in 1864. He married Margaret “Maggie” Clark that same year. Tragically, she died the following spring. InContinue readingMaggie
Jack of Diamonds
Jack of Diamonds, a traditional song, is also known as “Jack of Diamonds is a Hard Card to Play.” This recording is by the Utah Old Time Fiddlers.
Tunes from Home Schottische
The schottische is a partnered country dance that apparently originated in Bohemia. (wikipedia) “Tunes from Home” is a delightful schottische that Pioneer chapter likes to perform. Here’s a video toContinue readingTunes from Home Schottische
Snow Deer
We’re working on a tune called Snow Deer this month. Snow Deer entered the old-time fiddle tune repertoire at some point after the first vaudeville version (1911) and early hillbilly/stringband recordingsContinue readingSnow Deer
Soldier’s Joy
Our next practice tune dates back to the 1760s, and has roots in Scottish fiddling traditions. Here is Soldier’s Joy. For our mandolinists, here is a video by David Benedict.
Strutters’ Ball
Here is the next tune from our practice recordings, Shelton Brooks’ classic Strutters’ Ball.
Ragtime Annie
A number of years ago, Michael Kelly recorded examples of our core tunes. We’re making these available online to assist your practice. Here is Ragtime Annie. We’ve got a slowContinue readingRagtime Annie