Music Lovers & Songwriters:
"Some Old Day" is a classic bluegrass song written by the seminal group Flatt and
Scruggs (Golden West Melodies/BMI). To avoid copyright issues, the writers for Flatt &
Scruggs songs are always listed as Louise Certain and Gladys Stacey, wives of Flatt &
Scruggs, using their maiden names.
It was first recorded on 9/2/1955 on their album: Blue Ridge Cabin Home. It was
released again on the album Foggy Mountain Jamboree in 2005.
Several issues with this song. Concerning the key, in bluegrass, as songs are called in
“G”, or “C” etc. to match the vocalist range, there is a joke that the key could be “F#”,
almost totally unheard of in this genre! Nevertheless, Flatt and Scruggs actually
recorded this in F# (they were known for occasionally tuning their instruments UP one
fret). Oddly enough, our cover is also done in F#! (Probably a “D Grab” up 4 frets). At
the song end, Carolyn Kellock can be heard saying: “That’s the best key yet!”, which
allowed proper range for all 3 voices.
A second issue is that Lester Flatt sings the first line as: “I've been working all in the
rain”. These days, almost everyone sings it: “I've been working out in the rain”.
After recording this cut, Terry Wittenberg and I discovered the “error”, and these days,
following tradition, I sing “all” rather than “out”. No one else, except the Earls of
Leicester, sings “all”. Such things are important within traditional music.
Our version, as with almost every version you can find on the web, has a chorus with a
“straight feel”, whereas the Flatt and Scruggs version is a bit less “straight”. Interesting
issue, but the “folk process” has changed the original.
Musicians:
Terry Wittenberg Banjo & Tenor
John Relph Mandolin & Baritone
Carolyn Kellock Bass
Ed Schaeffer Lead Vocal, Guitar
To listen, click below:
http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html
Enjoy!
Ed
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