Mississippi Sawyer

This is one of the traditional tunes I really like. I learned it from Frank George, the great West Virginia muscian, and close friend from many years ago.

If you really want to hear what it sounded like 40 years ago, go to the Field Recorder's Collective and look Frank George up. This organization took my field recordings from that period and also on that CD is John Fitgerald Hilt of Tannersville, VA - one of the truly great old time and largely unknown old time fiddlers.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• frailing
• oldtime
• banjo
• clawhammer
• folk
• fred coon
• 2-finger
• style

[fiddlerosin]

I just went to the Field Recordingsd site and bought some Tommy Jarrel and George, nice site. Thanks.

[fredcoonbanjo]

In his day, Frank George was one of the great fiddlers of Appalachia - bar none. His style of both fiddle and banjo bridge a gap of many generations of West Virginia mountain music. The "Round Peak" style of Tommy was very different. In fact, before the advent of CD's etc, the style of Tommy was different than fiddlers of Boone, NC or even Galax VA. Now, it seems that with the advent of recordings and distribution, the styles are melding into one another and it is in some ways a shame.

[fredcoonbanjo]

I am so glad you did. The man who inspired the site and owned it died this year so I am not sure what will happen to those collections. A real good many gone too soon.

[Wishuey]

A great old tune superbly performed!

[fredcoonbanjo]

thanks!

[77Fairbanks77]

Nice job on this tune

[fredcoonbanjo]

Thanks for the nice comment.

[Blkbanjoman]

Love your playing. Really loose and free. Thank you for posting.

[ryanfbaker]

very nice version!

[Artcarnie]

Cool!