[dcab-l] Live Banjo Instrumental: Dear Old Dixie

Songwriters & Music Lovers:

 

Here’s a live recording from a Rattlesnake Hill performance at Cactus Flats near

Frederick, Md.

 

"Dear Old Dixie" is a song referenced in “Masters of The 5 String Banjo” by Snuffy

Jenkins, an early 3-finger banjo performer, who said he learned the song from the

singing of brothers Ransom & Chance Barnett from Polk County NC.  A

Barnett nephew sang what he could remember of the song to Jenkins.  Old timers in

the community felt the Barnett brothers learned Dear Old Dixie from Medicine Show

performers that visited Polk County. 

 

Today, no words are employed; “Dear Old Dixie” has become a bluegrass banjo

standard, popularized by banjo artist Earl Scruggs in the seminal bluegrass band

Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, and appeared on a 78rpm record

(Shellac, 10"  Columbia   ^#21125 in 1953). The flip-side was:  “If I Should Wander

Back Tonight”.

 

Most every bluegrass banjo picker alive plays this tune, and John Brunschwyler,

as is evident, gives a polished performance!

 

Rattlesnake Hill Musicians:

 

           Barb Diederich                     Bassist Extraordinaire

           John Brunschwyler              Banjo

           Garrett Wren                        Mandolin

           Ed Schaeffer                        Guitar

 

To listen, click:  http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html

 

Ed

 

(As always, turn up and headphones preferred)