Banjo Hangout Top 100 Old Time Songs

A traditional West Virginia Song

We find this Melvin Wine fiddle tune irresistible. A pal of mine recorded Jimmy Triplett playing it at a workshop and brought it to our attention. I'm playing my 1927 Gibson resonator banjo capoed up two frets. It's the only banjo I've ever owned that sounds as good capoed as without one.

Thanks to Craig Caudill for the inspiration.

Thanks to Craig Caudill for the inspiration.

Part of a series of recordings based on the tablature from the book "Clawhammer Banjo" by Miles Krassen. The Henry Reed recording of "Cabin Creek" (same as Barlow Knife) is available free online. Search for "Fiddle Tunes of the Old Frontier: The Henry Reed Collection." (Instrument: Bart Reiter Round Peak.)

Tom Berghan, Kitchen Girl, Clawhammer Banjo with Bass Banjo, Sawmill (gDGCD) 5-String - Chuck Lee Vintage Ovilla, Fretlles Bass Banjo - Gold Tone BB-400 Custom

Tom Berghan, Kitchen Girl, Clawhammer Banjo with Bass Banjo, Sawmill (gDGCD) 5-String - Chuck Lee Vintage Ovilla, Fretlles Bass Banjo - Gold Tone BB-400 Custom

Here is my version of Oscar Wright's famous "Sandy River" recording, played a little slower, gDGDE.

Part of a series of recordings based on the tablature from the book "Clawhammer Banjo" by Miles Krassen. (Instrument: Bart Reiter Round Peak.)

An old shape note tune. I first heard it on Bill Evan's album Native and Fine. Jeff Menzies tackhead banjo with gut strings. Sawmill tuning (not sure of the pitch)

Played on restored 100 year old banjo with skin head.

a recording from around 2005, multitracked with guitar and vocals, all me. Modal tuning...

a recording from around 2005, multitracked with guitar and vocals, all me. Modal tuning...

an old recording, quality isn't great, but an arrangement I'm proud of. played out of double-C tuning...

Versions of this song was collected in Illinois in the 1940s, 50s, and 70s. I finally managed to sing the chorus for a TOTW.