Pokey LaFarge

Saw Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three last night based on a recommendation from my cousin-in-law (if that's a familial category). Even though I was slightly distracted by the Kentucky-UConn game that was simultaneously going on, I'm glad I went. They are a good time and have a really unique stage presence.

Not necessarily an old-time band the way I've been using it on here, but certainly rooted in music from the early 1900s. Makes me think of the music of traveling shows up and down the Mississippi River in its heyday.

Lots of music samples on the website, so definitely go check those out.

Here's a live recording:



YouTube/djmfilm

Say, Darling, Say

When I saw the Fox Hunt the other day they played this tune. It sounds really familiar but I actually haven't heard any of the old timers do it in West Virginia. I'm sure they do, or have done it in the past, I just haven't heard it much.

Just the same, here's a really nice version. Great fiddling.

Adam Hurt: New River Train

One of the best banjo players I've heard is Adam Hurt. Here he is with New River Train. I have an old-timey recording of this somewhere that I'll post later to compare. I like his playing better though because it's so clean and precise and he's not in a hurry.

Ragtime Annie

Thank you sizefam4, great version of Ragtime Annie. See also sizefam1, 2, and 3 for alternate versions... ok that's a joke. But seriously, I like this tune.

Elsick's Farewell

This tune has a story behind that I'm not sure I'm sold on, but I haven't heard otherwise either. My father-in-law's family is from the county line between Kanawha County and Clay County, WV. One of his brother's told me that this tune originated during the time of the Civil War by a family near them that is still around, the Carpenter's (of Ernie Carpenter).

He told me that when brother Elsick Carpenter was going off to fight for the Union (I believe he told me it was the Union) one of his relative's wrote him this tune, and that's why it's called Elsick's Farewell.

He could have told me that just to mess with me, I don't know, but it seemed legit.

Or if you prefer, here's the fiddle version by the very talented John Morris, who I believe is from Clay County, WV.

Walnut Gap and Ducks on a Millpond

Always nice to see the young kids learning the tunes.

Here's the same instructor playing Ducks on a Millpond, which is a very nice old-time tune.

Louisville Breakdown

I stumbled across this in my YouTube subscriptions and realized that this fiddler also keeps a blog about sustainable farming as well as old-time music if you're interested.

This second video is the same tune just played in a different setting with more instruments. The first is good as kind of an instructional video.

Girl I Left Behind Me

I've generally had a hard time on YouTube finding this tune, so this is one of the better versions I could find. It's followed by Red Wing. Generally I want a little more grit out of my old-time music, but this will do.

North Carolina Breakdown

This is a video I stumbled upon a while ago but it's still my favorite version of this tune that I've heard yet. It features Erynn Marshall among many others.

Lester McCumbers Plays Yew Piney Mountain

How could I not post this tune? This video is mostly the story of Lester McCumbers, which is worth watching, but if you just want to hear the tune it starts at 4:34. For what it's worth, the two people playing with him are regulars at Jackson's Mill in West Virginia and both are fantastic players in their own right.

Booth Shot Lincoln

This is one of my favorite old-time tunes, Booth Shot Lincoln. I really like the tempo these guys play at here. If you're trying to follow along, this tune is a little easier to play in cross tuning, either AEAE or GDGD.

Old Mother Flanagan: Lester McCumbers

A lot of people are familiar with Lester McCumbers. He's kind of a legend in West Virginia. Here's a good example of why.

Boatman

Here's the same guy as in "Jordan Am A Hard Road to Travel" doing another hard to find tune, Boatman. Well done AppalachianNoir.

Jordan am a Hard Road to Travel

Man this tune is hard to find. This guy does a great job with it. It was also redone later, during or following the Civil War, as "Richmond Am A Hard to Travel."

Benton Flippen: Soldier's Joy

I love seeing the old timers play. I've probably put a lot of posts on here with Soldier's Joy already, but it's such a good tune.

Wild Goose Chase

Ever wanted to punch a guy in the face for a video? You will:


Here's a way less annoying video, same tune with no bowing instructions.

Johnny Don't Get Drunk

This guy's stuff is always great if you're trying to learn new tunes.

Yes We Can

Interesting...

Dusty Miller

I recommend this guy's YouTube profile... lots of good tunes, some of them are tutorials on how to play certain tunes.

Old, Old Arkansas Traveler

I just back from the stovepipe hat store myself.