From Hills To Hollers

Sort Of Uncertain: A brief history of the Tenor Banjo and its role in early American recordings

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!!

Pinewood Magic Part 1. A history of black fiddle music from Texas

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.
Alexandermunozjones@gmail.com
 
 

Miss McLeods to wake up Jacob

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?