From Hills To Hollers

In this episode we will talk very briefly about the history of the banjo but more specifically that of the Tenor banjo. Where it might have been developed and some early recordings and its rise of popularity among different music in the teens, twenties and thirties.  Track list: Lollypops: Harry Rieser As you please: Fred Van Eps Dixie Medley: Fred Van Eps Banjokes: Len Fillis Cavan Reel: Flanagan Brother Johnson Jass Blues: Frisco Jass Band Come Back To Georgia: Art Hickman's Orchestra My Wonder Girl: Paul Whitmans ambassador Orchestra Yazzo Blues: Bennie Motens Kansas City Orchestra Snake Rag: King Olivers Creole Jazz Band Sud Bustin Blues: Prions New Orleans Orchestra Station Calls: Celestins Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra Dixieland Jug Blowers: Banjareno Michigander Blues: Jabbo Smith & his rhythm Aces My Four Reasons: Banjo Ikey Robinson and his bull fiddle band  Kitten on the keys & Lolly pops: Harry Rieser  The ghost of the banjo: Roy Smeck  Cutting Up: Ralph Cochillio Sort of Uncertain: Len Fillis Thats Everything: Savoy Orpheans Brownies Stomp: Milton Brown and his musical brownies  How Come: Ocie Stockard and the wanderers  Tom Cat Rag Just Because: Leons Lonestar Cowboys Houston Blues: Shelley Alley and the Alley cats Bully of the Town: Did Tanner and the skillet lickers Square dance fight on bald top mouton: John Dillieshaw Amarillo Waltz: Eck Robertson Sweetest Flower: East Texas Serenaders L'apputamento: Giovanni Gioviale  J'ai Peur De Coucher Tout Seul: Les Fra Res Paguri Houma LA: George Guesnon   For further reading on the history of minstrelsy in America: Love & Theft: Eric Lott Inside the Minstrel Mask: Readings in nineteenth century blackface minstrelsy  Blacking Up: Robert Toll  Where Dead Voices Gather: Nick Tosches Thank you everyone for listening!!

Part one of a three part series diving into the history of black fiddle music from the state of Texas. This episode involves a conversation with the music historian Dan Foster. For further reading on the subject or articles written by Mr. Foster please visit the field recorders website! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or feedback about the episodes. Or if you just want to chat about old music. [email protected]    

A brief dive into the development and evolution of American fiddle music through the story of one tune in particular. In this case, Miss McLeods reel. How can a tune from the isles of Scotland ended up being played over on hundred years later in the state of Texas?