Texas Quickstep

This transcription is based on a performance by the Red Headed Fiddlers, recorded at their first recording session, an October 18th date in Dallas. The recording was released as Brunswick # 285. Brunswick also released the recording as # 52084, credited to Les Deux Gaspesiens. The tune is a standard form, comprised of two eight…

Ridin’ in an Old Model T

Ridin’ in an Old Model T is one of six sides recorded by the Dixie Ramblers at a March, 1937 session in Birmingham, Alabama. Russell’s Country Music Records actually lists four unrelated groups that recorded under the name The Dixie Ramblers. Unusually for 1930s string bands, this group appears to have been racially integrated. Ridin’…

Green Mountain

Earl Johnson recorded Green Mountain at a November 22nd, 1929, session in Atlanta, Georgia. It was paired with Rocky Palace, and released as Victor # V-40304. Green Mountain is Flop-Eared Mule in all but name. His is the only recording listed in Tony Russell’s Country Music Records under that title. The tune is a simple AABB fiddle tune with the A strain in…

Liberty for two mandolins, with tablature

Here’s a simple two-mandolin arrangement of the warhorse fiddle tune Liberty. With the exception of the pickup to the ‘A’ strain, both the melody and harmony parts can be played entirely in first position. You can hear the arrangement via the embedded audio player at the bottom of this post.