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Bisbonian - Posted - 11/22/2008: 10:36:15
J-Walk is always prompting me to learn new songs, and this is one that he tried to teach me. I'm kind of slow to pick up on things, and I think all I was able to do was chord along with him as he played. But when I got home, I started looking up other versions of the song, and found that Mary Z Cox had recorded it on "Walkin That Old Banjo Home", so I sent for it immediately, and the tab book to go with it. I don't pick things up by ear quite as well as J-Walk, either.
Mary warns in her book, not to actually try the dish (not that there was any danger of me doing that) because many squirrels have "fever", and people have died from it...so I will repeat the warning here. When I play it around other people, though, I tell them it is a "Breakfast song".
There seems to be some controversy as to whether it is actually an Old Time song...apparently some-one made it up, and passed it off as one. From the Fiddler's Companion:
Composed by fiddler Chris Germain c. 1975, originally from Ferguson, Missouri, lately of Washington D.C., apparently as part of a joke. Ironically, the tune has entered tradition and is sometimes listed as a "traditional" melody. The rumor that there is an older tune by the same name only seems to be part of the joke. One story goes that Germain asked around at fiddlers gatherings and parties whether anyone had heard the 'old' tune called "Squirrel Heads and Gravy," then, a few months later started playing his composition allowing people to assume he had unearthed a long-lost piece. Squirrel heads and gravy is a delicacy, said Missouri fiddler Taylor McBaire (1911-1994) of his favorite food: "You get a skillet with those squirrel heads in that gravy; you take a hammer and crack open those skulls and suck out those brains. Now that's good eatin"
So, again, lets pass on the eatin', and get on to the song. Here's a real nice fiddle version by "fiddlerdon" on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG_AxNiHUCA
And a mandolin version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8wi0FF4DZo
Aside from Mary's recording on the CD, I haven't been able to find any banjo recordings, so I had to make my own. Please excuse my playing, and the goofy sound from my laptop microphone, and get out there and make your own! (Recordings, not breakfast.)
http://www.banjohangout.org/myhango...asp?id=18058
Update: Some people asked about posting a Tab version. I did up a real simple one in TablEdit format, and Don Borchelt graciously posted it on his website. You can find it on this page: http://www.banjr.com/hangout.htm
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
Edited by - Bisbonian on 11/27/2008 19:02:43
J-Walk - Posted - 11/22/2008: 11:40:58
That's some pretty good playing, Bisbo. And a good choice for Tuna Duh Week.
Dave Landreth provides some more details:
Well. Here is something I actually know. Who wrote it and how it came to be written...
There is an older fiddler by the name of Irwin Thompson from around Godfrey, Il. near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. It was about 1976 or so and Irwin was going around asking all the fiddlers he met at that time if they knew a tune called 'Squirrel Heads and Gravy'. Of course no one did. It was a legitimate search by Irwin though. He said that, as a young man, he was playing a dance and a boy come up to him and asked "Hey Mister. Do you know a tune called 'Squirrel Heads and Gravy?'" He was taken aback by the title and before he could snag the kid for further questioning he was gone.
This was told to me by Irwin himself. The race was on. It seems a hand full of folks thought there should be a tune by that name but who could get there first. Chris Germain did. I had one that I ended up calling 'Squirrel Heads in a Skillet' but Chris's tune caught on. Me and Bill Rintz learned it from Nancy Lippincott as a three part tune in G. (Recorded by Allen Street String Band at the time) She had learned it from Chris. It then took on a life of it's own.
Chris denied writing it as it was supposed to be circulated so as Irwin would finally hear someone say "Yes, I know that one." for a while everytime I heard it played it was different. I have never heard Chris own up to though. We asked him about for credit and he was just cagey about it. True story.
J-Walk - Posted - 11/22/2008: 11:51:59
And here's a short video of how it sounds on a gourd banjo.
tron.miller - Posted - 11/22/2008: 12:06:37
Bisbonian,
I hadn't heard this before and I liked how you played it...so I gave it a try. Here's my version of your version of...um...someone's version of a pseudo-traditional tune:
http://www.banjohangout.org/myhango...asp?id=14246
I think I missed a few notes but most of them are there :)
------------------------------
People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and I really enjoy a nice pair of slacks.
Edited by - tron.miller on 11/22/2008 12:07:11
Nide44 - Posted - 11/22/2008: 12:40:26
So's somebody got a TAB version?
Iff'n tiz a TunaDaWeek.....'t should hava TAB version!
Bob B
My Level? Uh...kinda...
......"Advanced"...Novice ?
Edited by - Nide44 on 11/22/2008 12:44:05
maryzcox - Posted - 11/22/2008: 15:43:23
Hello,
Actually--I'm offering an experimental bonus MP3 of a different animal tune this month for anyone who orders the tab book or CD of "Walkin' That Banjo Home." from my website. There is an easy tab to "Squirell Heads and Gravy" in the tab book. 
www.maryzcox.com
Best wishes,
Mary Z. Cox
www.maryzcox.com
If you suspect you need a new banjo--you do. Trust your musical instincts. If a banjo calls to you to buy it, don''t fight destiny. It was meant to be. :)
http://oldbluebus.blogspot.com/2008...a-banjo.html
J-Walk - Posted - 11/22/2008: 16:13:23
quote:
So's somebody got a TAB version?
It's really a pretty simple tune.
If you don't normally learn tunes by ear, this is a good one to start with. Standard G tuning. Listen, and then try to play what you hear. You'll get it.
Bisbonian - Posted - 11/22/2008: 17:45:23
Okay, I'm working on a tab for it, for the aurally challenged among us. I didn't want to do it at first, and take away from Mary Z's tab book, but I certainly play it differently than she does, so I'll post how I do it. I can post a Tabledit file here somewhere, can't I?
Update: Tabledit version of TAB is done, and I tried to post it, but I guess all I can do is email it to Eric. Anybody know of another way to get it into this post? Yeah, it's pretty dang simple...even I could probably figure it out by ear 
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
Edited by - Bisbonian on 11/22/2008 18:12:38
J-Walk - Posted - 11/22/2008: 18:42:38
What Bisbonian failed to tell me (until a short while ago) is that I have a video of him playing this tune on a gourd banjo that he made. Last month, he rode his motorcycle from my place (in Tucson) to his new home in the Santa Cruz area. I gave him a video camera to take along. He sent the camera back, but I didn't even look at the videos until today.
So here it is: Bisbonian playing 'Squirrel Heads & Gravy' on a gourd banjo. I'm impressed.
And a bonus... at the end of the video you get a good view of his gourd banjo.
Bisbonian - Posted - 11/22/2008: 19:32:15
Thanks MaryZ. I suspected that I needed a new gourd banjo...so I built one. And, thank you so much for the inspiration...I really like your Old Timey version of the song.
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
Edited by - Bisbonian on 11/22/2008 19:35:54
Nide44 - Posted - 11/23/2008: 05:43:50
quote:
Originally posted by Bisbonian
Okay, I'm working on a tab for it, for the aurally challenged among us. I didn't want to do it at first, and take away from Mary Z's tab book, but I certainly play it differently than she does, so I'll post how I do it. I can post a Tabledit file here somewhere, can't I?
Update: Tabledit version of TAB is done, and I tried to post it, but I guess all I can do is email it to Eric. Anybody know of another way to get it into this post? Yeah, it's pretty dang simple...even I could probably figure it out by ear
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
Maybe you can copy it as a .jpg file then upload it to your BHO home page and then post the link to your home page here?
BTW, yes I can play it by ear, but when learning a new song, I like to pull out my pages of TABS to practice with. I can't seem to remember all the new ones right away, (especially one=a-week) and kinda need the page as a 'memory jolt'. But TunaDaWeek is great! Just what I need to 'freshen up' my cycle of boredom when I practice.
But I guess at 64, learning this new stuff doesn't come as easy as it usedta.
Picking up banjo two years ago, from a hiatus since 1968, was a major accomplishment for me. Now I hardly ever pick up my guitars anymore.
Just like to work on my banjo larnin'. And TAB helps me practice. Never learned to read music or TAB for guitar, it was all by ear - since 1959.
(I did learn to read melody lines for vocals, though)
Bob BMy Level? Uh...kinda...
......
"Advanced"...Novice ?
rteale - Posted - 11/25/2008: 15:38:37
quote:
Originally posted by Bisbonian
Squirrel heads and gravy is a delicacy, said Missouri fiddler Taylor McBaire (1911-1994) of his favorite food: "You get a skillet with those squirrel heads in that gravy; you take a hammer and crack open those skulls and suck out those brains. Now that's good eatin"
No way - and I dont care how much ketchup you put on it.....
Ray
Don Borchelt - Posted - 11/26/2008: 01:03:26
I have a three-finger style version in open G that I worked up a few months ago. Tab is posted on my website, in Tabledit, PDF, MIDI formats. Neat tune, good pick.
Nice picking, Bisbo. I you send me the tab file, I will post it. I'm home fighting a mild flue or something, and have not much to do.
http://www.banjr.com/tablatures.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I don''t like to play it like he did. I try to play it the way I play it" - fiddler Lester McCumbers, interviewed by Erynn Marshall
Check out my webpage.
Edited by - Don Borchelt on 11/26/2008 01:10:14
Bisbonian - Posted - 11/26/2008: 04:09:51
Thanks a lot Don; it's on it's way :)
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
dewbanjo - Posted - 11/26/2008: 04:43:27
Yummm, sounds like a great meal... by the way could you send a copy of the tab to me too? (already know how to fix-up squirrels for eating).
email dewbanjo@comcast.net
Thanks.... got to go hunting now for a few more squirrels
Keep on the "sunny side"!
Don
BANJOJUDY - Posted - 11/26/2008: 06:03:19
HELP! You Tune of the Week Lurkers!
I need volunteers for December!!!
Judy
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Where you will find great prices on
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rkbarry - Posted - 11/26/2008: 06:33:10
Hmm. Well, I don't see an OT version of SH&G anywhere. This is pretty tantalizing. That BG version at banjr.com looked and sounded good, but I'm trying to nurse along a new-found love of CH, too.
janolov - Posted - 11/26/2008: 07:28:57
quote:
Originally posted by rkbarry
Hmm. Well, I don't see an OT version of SH&G anywhere. This is pretty tantalizing. That BG version at banjr.com looked and sounded good, but I'm trying to nurse along a new-found love of CH, too.
I have put down a CH tab of SH&G. You can send med your email address if you want a copy of it.
Jan-Olov
Don Borchelt - Posted - 11/26/2008: 09:40:44
Bisbonian's tab of Squirrel Heads & Gravy, in Tabledit or PDF format, can be downloaded from my webpage, link below:
http://www.banjr.com/hangout.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I don''t like to play it like he did. I try to play it the way I play it" - fiddler Lester McCumbers, interviewed by Erynn Marshall
Check out my webpage.
Don Borchelt - Posted - 11/26/2008: 09:45:15
Nide44 wrote: "I couldn't save it or copy it to use, cuz its password protected."
Bob, the password protection just keeps someone from changing or altering the tab, it shouldn't keep you from downloading it. I just tried it, and was able to do it. But I will email it to you, just the same.
Edit: I just realized what you were doing. You were probably trying to save it from inside the program. You have to save it either when the File Open window first pops up, or by right clicking on the link. It won't "save as" from inside the program, because of the password protection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I don''t like to play it like he did. I try to play it the way I play it" - fiddler Lester McCumbers, interviewed by Erynn Marshall
Check out my webpage.
Edited by - Don Borchelt on 11/26/2008 10:25:16
Don Borchelt - Posted - 11/26/2008: 09:57:25
quote:
Originally posted by Bisbonian
Squirrel heads and gravy is a delicacy, said Missouri fiddler Taylor McBaire (1911-1994) of his favorite food: "You get a skillet with those squirrel heads in that gravy; you take a hammer and crack open those skulls and suck out those brains. Now that's good eatin"
I think the fiddler's name was McBaine, and I think he was puttin' the shuck on somebody...
Edit: Then again, maybe not. I just found this posted online, from a man named "Bayou Bill" Scifries:
"I know, the notion that squirrel heads should be saved for cooking may bring about some cases of the "jeebies." But there is a lot of good meat on the cheeks and the part of the head that joins the neck, not to mention a great little morsel of brain when the top of the head is cracked (usually with the handle of a table knife) after the meat is removed."
Just like eating a lobster.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I don''t like to play it like he did. I try to play it the way I play it" - fiddler Lester McCumbers, interviewed by Erynn Marshall
Check out my webpage.
Edited by - Don Borchelt on 11/27/2008 11:29:39
slabounty - Posted - 11/26/2008: 12:01:08
Well, if I can get some time over the next couple of days, I'll be giving this a shot. Adn if my kids don't think clawhammer banjo is geeky enough as it his a tune with this title should put them over the top ;-).
Scott LaBounty
Orange, CA
Big Doug Nez - Posted - 11/27/2008: 07:51:55
One of my friends family cracked the heads open and then cooked the brains in scrambled eggs. They called it brains-n-eggs but didn't tell newbies until they were done eating. The brains were gray and sweet. Old timers claim eating squirrel brains would make you smarter. This Okie version squirrel brain eating sounds similar but maybe just a little more civilized.
Bisbonian - Posted - 11/27/2008: 14:04:21
Don, thanks so much for posting that TAB on your site. I went browsing around, and wow, you've got a lot of information on there! I am sure I will be back again and again.
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
Edited by - Bisbonian on 11/27/2008 14:10:46
Darlin Cory - Posted - 11/27/2008: 19:26:47
OMG, when hubby & I were first married (many moons ago) this was his favorite meal. Really, I think he just liked grossing everybody out !!!! Finially I decided that those squirrel heads were going to disappear before they hit the frying pan.
gorf - Posted - 11/27/2008: 20:39:12
Great tune, and tab, really enjoying the tune of the week
srselby - Posted - 11/27/2008: 21:42:08
In Shandong, China, there's a dish they serve of deep-fried rabbits' heads. Truly gross - especially when accompanied by another local speciality: fried scorpions.
Here's my contribution (tab) to this noisome feast.
http://www.banjohangout.org/myhango...51&albumid=0
Stephen
Edited by - srselby on 11/28/2008 04:49:12
Bisbonian - Posted - 11/28/2008: 05:53:51
Hey Stephen, I like it. Nice variation on the tune...and the recipe!
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
slabounty - Posted - 11/30/2008: 14:49:10
Well, I spent pretty much the whole vacation messing with this tune and I must admit that it has quickly become a favorite. Thanks for posting the tune and the tabs!
Scott LaBounty
Orange, CA
rkbarry - Posted - 12/01/2008: 08:55:53
Oh, Cory, please tell me you are kidding. I thought the title of this tune was just a sort of whimsical bit of West Virginian abuse. Squirrel Heads 'n' Gravy is something that one actually eats? Oh, cripe. With times as tough as they are I fully expect that the squirrel population in my area is going to mysteriously begin to drop. But *squirrel heads*. Ho boy.
Now, Stephen, you have not surprised me at all with your story about what the Chinese will eat. Those guys eat pert near anything as far as I can tell.
rkbarry - Posted - 12/01/2008: 09:16:04
Well, I got CH tab for SH&G - two distinct, eh, recipes. (I think I'm going to be ill now.) Jan Sunqvist was kind enough to send me a very good tab and I found and downloaded the other version by Lawrence Hargis. I'm muddling through them now. I should be up to speed on this tab of the week sometime next... year. Well, anyway, why I am posting is to ask if there is any merit in the idea that tabs of the week should always be uploaded to BHO - just as a matter of course. It just makes sense to me to have them on board here. Perhaps that is what is done but, for SH&G I went to two non-BHO sources for the recipes.
Just a thought.
dewbanjo - Posted - 12/01/2008: 10:05:30
Good afternoon, thanks Don for putting the tab on your web site!!
Now, this begs the question for some of us players that like to know the lyrics too... anybody know any? Already know how to fix a batch to eat, now just need to know how to sing-a-long while I learn the tune to play.
Keep on the "sunny side"!
Don
fishheadsaid - Posted - 12/01/2008: 11:52:16
quote:
Originally posted by rkbarry
Oh, Cory, please tell me you are kidding. I thought the title of this tune was just a sort of whimsical bit of West Virginian abuse. Squirrel Heads 'n' Gravy is something that one actually eats? Oh, cripe. With times as tough as they are I fully expect that the squirrel population in my area is going to mysteriously begin to drop. But *squirrel heads*. Ho boy.
We used to eat them all the time here in North Florida.
However it's been harder and harder to get close enough for a clean shot since they went militant.
Bisbonian - Posted - 12/01/2008: 17:20:30
"Well, anyway, why I am posting is to ask if there is any merit in the idea that tabs of the week should always be uploaded to BHO - just as a matter of course. It just makes sense to me to have them on board here. Perhaps that is what is done but, for SH&G I went to two non-BHO sources for the recipes."
Yes, rkbarry, I agree. Unfortunately, I submitted the tab to the BHO to be posted a week ago Saturday, and it's not there yet. I think I did it right. Thankfully, Don filled the gap, and posted it on his site. Sometimes, you have to improvise when playing the banjo.
"When Banjos are Outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos."
