Picayune Butler misprint?

[Tim Twiss]

Okay fellas...break out your scores and go with me on this one. Is the famous version of Picayune Butler found in Rice, which Joe Ayers so masterfully recorded, actually a misprint with regards to the key signature? Check the version in the Ethiopian Glee Book. I won't go into to technical details with notation, but those of you who are able, check this out. It changes a significant interval in the melody, and really transforms the tune...not just a teeny bit, but quite a bit. The Rice Book shows the key signature as being "E". The Glee Book shows "G". I think it is possible that the Rice Book added an extra sharp in the key signature....try it without that extra D#. So far as intention, look to the fingering in the banjo instrumental of Rice...strong case for a D natural. Also, in case you were thinking that the Glee Book omitted a sharp (making it parallel to Rice), notice the intentional C# in the tenor. Musically, it makes a lot of sense. Not knockin' Joe's...it's what we've always heard. Although I have not dug deep, I cannot find another sheet music for Picayune Butler. Are these the only 2?   

Compare it harmonically and melodically to Jenny Get Yer Hoecake Done.

   

[Silas Tackitt]

It's in '68 Buckley at page 20.  Key of E. 

There's also a version in the Levy Library in the key of G from '47.  Here's a link to a pdf of this version : http://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/levy-cgi/datastream.cgi?id=020.12...

[Tim Twiss]

Thanks Silas. The Buckley version supports the Rice version. The Levy (which I have no idea why I could not pull it up) parallels the Glee Book.  I say, look to those original vocal sheets...decide for yourself. The more I hear the Levy / Christy way, the more I like it.

[Tim Twiss]

I know John's voice is not quite up to a post for Clare De Kitchen, but let's look at Picayune Butler for a post by the end of the year. I respect Mr. Ayers....but let's open our minds to "question authority"...a  ha

[Al Smitley]

I haven't looked at Picayune Butler to comment but I have noticed that we can't automatically assume that tunes were played as they have been written.  I have found what appear to be key signature errors in Ryan's.

[Tim Twiss]

Well, having played them both, and thinking about other similar tunes, I cast my vote for the C / D version as opposed to the C# / D# version. I back this up by looking at reliable sources...the sheet music from2 different places...1. Levy's Collection AND 2.The Ethiopian Glee Book. In addition, I like the sound of that interval better in context with the tune.

My 2 cents worth...