Banjo Hangout Newest 100 Clawhammer and Old-Time Songs

The source of Crook Brothers Breakdown is a 1964 recording of a group who were with the Grand Old Opry from its inception in the 1920's. They play fast, fast, fast! I play at 65% of their speed. You'll hear a bit of cello banjo accompaniment.

Here's a 4-part Alabama tune from fiddler Ralph Whited. I guess my favorite part was his slide in the A part. We have wild turkeys every day at our place -- big birds who use their feet to scratch, scratch, scratch the dirt, and also in ash and weed piles.

An original tune

A song everyone knows is being explored on Tune of the Week and simultaneously recognizes our faithful BHO moderator, Bill Rogers. The second part of the song may or may not be known. I call it The Old Gray Mare or Stud, with apologies to Bill if necessary.

The current Tune of the Week honors the only Illinois female fiddler Stelle (or Stella) Elam who recorded ten tunes for the immense Dear Old Illinois compilation. The medley of three included in this medley are called Grotts, Jaybird, and Crooked Road. They've been arranged in double C tuning and use an AAB format, as she did for the most part.

Here's my attempt at Matt Brown's arrangement of Cold Frosty Morning, from his 2-finger Patreon/YouTube stuff.

From the fiddling of Stella Elam. Key of D (aDADE)

Stella Elam's version of Jaybird (in key of G) with banjo tuned gEADE.

A song from an 1800's hymnal, being brought back to life, as the departed souls are promised to be in the last verse.

As played by WV fiddler Ellis Hall, here's a three-part tune that's been played all around by many well-known players. I'd like to hear James Bryan, but can't find his version. However, his partner, Carl Jones, plays it prettily on guitar and you can hear it on a link in this week's Tune of the Week.