This transcription is based on a performance of East Tennessee Blues recorded by the dual-monikered group Al Hopkins and His Buckle Busters/ The Hill Billies. It was recorded in New York City on October 21st, 1926, and released as Vocalion # 5016 (credited to The Hill Billies) and Brunswick # 103 (credited to Al Hopkins…
Sleeping Lula
The Carver Boys recorded Sleeping Lula at what was, regrettably, their only recording date — a September 6th, 1929, session in Richmond, Indiana. It was released on the Paramount label as #3233, as well as on Broadway and ARC-Broadway (credited to the Cramer Boys). The tune is a fairly straightforward rag in C, with a motive that…
L and N Rag
This transcription is based on a performance Alex Hood and His Railroad Boys recorded at their only recording date, an April 8th, 1930, Knoxville session that produced two sides. A transcription of L and N Rag appeared in my book, but there are three significant issues with that transcription: It is in the wrong key Several phrases are transcribed…
Salty Dog
This tune, recorded by the Stripling Brothers in New York City on September 10th, 1934, is neither the New Orleans standard Salty Dog, nor its later bluegrass incarnation. It is, however, an interesting tune bearing a heavy ragtime influence, including: A secondary dominant in bar 7 Ties across the bar and across beats Syncopated three-note…
B-Flat Rag
This transcription is based on a performance by the Madisonville String Band, recorded at the Gennett studios in Richmond, Indiana, on October 3rd, 1930. It was released on the Gennett-affiliated labels Chamion (#16462 & 45005), Superior (#2756), and also appeared on Decca (#5437). In the recording, the group’s fiddle player takes first section (bars 1-16), and…