Personnel: Fred Cockerham, Sidna Myers (banjo); Kyle Creed (fiddle).
Liner Note Author: Bob Carlin.
County Records originally released a truncated version of this collection of Appalachian clawhammer banjo players on LP in the 1960s. Recorded by Charlie Faurot and others live in the field, it provides a wonderful survey of a modal banjo style that has all but vanished in the 21st century due to the pervasive influence of modern bluegrass. Highlights include the bright, delicate "Jake Gillie" by Oscar Wright, a flowing, chiming "Little Birdie" by Gaither Carlton, the archaic-sounding "Twin Sisters" by Sidna Myers, and a soaring "Old Joe Clark" by Fred Cockerham, with Kyle Creed helping out on fiddle. Some of these names will be familiar to serious fans of old-time music, but for the casual listener, the chiming, modal sound of the banjo sound on these traditional tunes will be revelatory. ~ Steve Leggett
