Banjo Hangout Newest 100 Songs

The current Tune of the Week honors the only Illinois female fiddler Stelle (or Stella) Elam who recorded ten tunes for the immense Dear Old Illinois compilation. The medley of three included in this medley are called Grotts, Jaybird, and Crooked Road. They've been arranged in double C tuning and use an AAB format, as she did for the most part.

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

Here's my attempt at Matt Brown's arrangement of Cold Frosty Morning, from his 2-finger Patreon/YouTube stuff.

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

From the fiddling of Stella Elam. Key of D (aDADE)

Stella Elam's version of Jaybird (in key of G) with banjo tuned gEADE.

Old time fiddle tune finger picked on a new 12" open back.

Written by myself and Zero

A song from an 1800's hymnal, being brought back to life, as the departed souls are promised to be in the last verse.

The tune was written by Bill Napier, the mandolin player in the Stanley Brothers' band. The musicians on the recording were Carter Stanley, guitar; Ralph Stanley, banjo; Bill Napier, mandolin; Curley Lambert, bass; Howdy Forrester, fiddle; and Benny Martin, fiddle.

spaghetti western theme

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

As played by WV fiddler Ellis Hall, here's a three-part tune that's been played all around by many well-known players. I'd like to hear James Bryan, but can't find his version. However, his partner, Carl Jones, plays it prettily on guitar and you can hear it on a link in this week's Tune of the Week.

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

A tune popular especially in Quebec, Rabbit Hop is a dance tune with some hopping heard in the B part.

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

An original tune by Eric Field

An original tune by Eric Field

An original tune by Eric Field

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

From the playing of Virginia fiddler Dudley Spangler (1885-1981), the association with Angeline the Baker is strong, but who knows which came first...

A 1930's-style melody featuring Bob Barta on vocal & multiple string instruments (including banjo, guitars, ukuleles, & mandocello) with Peter Kontrimas on string bass.

Key of G and played on a newly crafted 11" walnut open back

From the vocals of Doc Watson

This banjo is for sale. Please see the ad in the classifieds.

fiddle and Banjo

Fiddle and Banjo

fiddle and banjo

fiddle and banjo

This version of Cold Frosty Morning is from Melvin Wine, WV fiddler, learned from his father. It's different and "happier" than the other two more commonly known tunes with this title.

From the home studio using my 1927 TB4 conversion with it's original no-hole archtop re-installed. I'm playing Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin and rhythm guitar and bass with the mouse.

Melvin Wine learned this tune from his father. Banjo - aEAC#E

From the playing of the late Christian Wig and the collections of old tunes by William Hamblen. Blacksmiths are near and dear to me, as my son is one.

Example of my mahogany bow tie conversion - 1960. No hole, archtop to flathead conversion, Clancy Mullins neck.

Banjo solo played from original A notation sheet music