Genuine Negro Jig

Comment by Paul Draper on October 3, 2018 at 8:24am

Thanks, Tim. I totally agree. The CCD rendition is perfect in every way - haunting and hypnotic. Ever give it a shot with Al?

Comment by Strumelia on October 4, 2018 at 10:08am

Could someone actually dance a jig to this?  Seems the wrong kind of timing.  Wondering- did Emmett title it as a jig...?

Did Emmett present it as a banjo piece?  Was a fiddle part included in the original, or was that left up to improvising fiddlers?

Comment by Paul Draper on October 4, 2018 at 10:31am

 I would assume it was written for fiddle.  Here is the transcription of it as it appears in the Nathan book:

Comment by Paul Draper on October 4, 2018 at 11:10am

Thanks for the manuscript, Tim. 

Comment by Paul Draper on October 4, 2018 at 11:13am

Notice he doesn't have his name next to the title, as he does for No. 48. 

Comment by Joel Hooks on October 4, 2018 at 12:35pm

Reading the book "Way Up North in Dixie" cover to cover I found that the authors failed to make any true connection to Emmett. If i remember correctly, the only "evidence" was a publicity image of Emmett that was found in a box of paper stuff from the family.

The claim of "Dixie" authorship seems highly unlikely as there is no proof of any kind other than a local story that was added to a grave in 1976 (for tourism?).

It has been awhile since I read it but I seem to recall that even the authors admit that there is no evidence beyond the story and the grave marker.

The various media outlets took the book promotion and ran with it.

The Emmett collection was passed around between the early banjoists and was even owned by Frank Converse for a short time (see his letters to the Cadenza).

As far as I know there is no real evidence that Emmett even knew the Snowdens (including period accounts).

What is funny is that it seems everyone that brings this up in conversation did not read the book.  I'd like to hear from other people who did.

Comment by Al Smitley on October 4, 2018 at 8:47pm

I think Tim and I talked about it, very early on, but I don't ever remember trying it.  I'm willing, however, but I think we've only seen each other once since Memorial Day weekend.

Comment by Chris Prieto on October 6, 2018 at 3:21pm

Such a beast of a tune. I also agree the CCD really did manage to get something really good going. Almost belly dance worthy

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