Mahar

[Tim Twiss]

I just added an appendix from the William Mahar Book "Behind the Burnt Cork Mask" showing the frequency of appearance in early minstrel songsters. It is especially interesting with the availability of the Christy Glee Book.  

[Tim Twiss]

Looking more at this list....Mary Blane, Dan Tucker, Lucy Long, Lucy Neal, Picayune Butler, Jim Crack Corn....and we have "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny". I've never done it, but reference Carl and  Kyle's version from a couple of years ago. Note that all these are in the Ethiopian Glee Book...a treasure.

[Tim Twiss]

Okay...further down the list-Uncle Gabriel  -  and varients. Who has any experience with this tune? I'm looking in the the Glee Book, and will look further. Quite popular...must be something in there. The initial look at Christy's has me a bit stumped.

[Tim Twiss]

That version (Uncle Gabriel / Glee Book) seems dependent upon the group singing the chorus...and whatever went on theatrically. 

[Tim Twiss]

Alabama Joe...we all play it...ever sing it?

[Bell Banjos]

Sing it Tim.  I can't figure it out, it seems like the refrain doesn't fit my version, or my lyrics are goofy.

[Tim Twiss]

I'm going to go to the store and take a shot at it. 2 verses from Christy's aren't too bad to adapt. I'm also going to try the "Walk Into De Parlor" from Converse 1886...a few different things in this ...a really nice, well thought arrangement. 

[Bell Banjos]

Tim, 'Joe' and 'Parlor' may be my favorite tunes, I sure wanna learn the way you do them for when we get together.

[Tim Twiss]

More...Next I see "A Life By The Galley Fire". I've done this as an instrumental, but I can't see a way of making this work vocally. Then there is "Dearest Mae"...seems like an ultra-typical song of this time..anybody do this one? Tempo suggestions??