Bluegrassers:
Let's listen to a traditional love song this time:
"Gold Watch and Chain", dated to 1879.
I found reference for the song's verses, which are
evidently from sheet music within a music publication
called the: "1879 Performing Arts Encyclopedia".
The "Contributor" for this sheet music was Thomas P.
Westendorf. The "original song" was (evidently)
"Is There No Kiss For Me Tonight, Love", and this song
is the one that appears in the Encyclopedia. My guess is
that A.P. found the song, and possibly changed the verses.
The Carter Family recorded this song in 1933 in
played her 1928 Gibson L-5. Maybelle and Alvin Pleasant
"A.P." Carter sang harmony.
(As a notation, Maybelle Carter's L-5 is now kept at the
Country Music Hall of Fame in
This rendition was recorded live, on stage, at the Appalachian
Jubilee, with Carol Hausner on her Martin D-35, singing harmony.
Later, I added a bass line at John Vengrouskie's studio:
"SoundScenes".
I originally started singing this song because it appears within
the Earl Scruggs banjo book. I figured if the song was in
his book, banjo pickers would probably know it, and it would be
a reliable part of my repertoire that pickers would know immediately.
Also, instead of the 3rd verse, which the Carter Family sings,
I sing the one written by Ricky Scaggs, who sang this song
during Emmy Lou's "Roses in the Snow" tour.
One last notation: At the Jubilee, folks would ring a Cow Bell,
and sure enough, you can hear it at song's end! To hear the song,
just click the URL below:
http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html
As always, turn UP and try headphones!
Ed
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