Released on Flatt & Scruggs' 1961 "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album
This week's tune is an old-timey number, one where nobody really knows who first wrote it. It also goes by Sailaway Ladies, Big Sweet Taters, Sandy Land and other names. (As BHO member Janolov said here "I think the main difference between the G version of Sally Ann and Sail Away Ladies is the title.")
Researching this tune gets confusing after a while, because it seems like everyone has a different version of it (and lots of folks know two or three). You can read up on it at the Fiddler's Companion site.
Flatt & Scruggs recorded an instrumental version of this tune (released in 1961) which features Earl's picking. The backing tracks I've created for this were made to match Earl's version.
There are also versions with lyrics--and the lyrics vary as well.
Earl's version is typically played in G or A, and old-timey folks usually play this in D.
I just watched Earl's black and white video with Lester. Now I know why everybody tries to imitates him in one way or the other. His timing is simply perfect in every way. His pauses, how he thinks ahead, and the tone he wants the banjo to have. There will never be another like him...Jack
Greg Rich asked me to walk him through this tune. He agreed to let me share the videos, so here they are. Nope, they're not particularly polished or fancy, but should give you a workable break to the tune.
Riley's version above is a different tune. It may be related and some folks refer to it as "Old Time Sally Ann". It's a neat contrast, but it's not a good reference for learning the bluegrass version.
I just watched Earl's black and white video with Lester. Now I know why everybody tries to imitates him in one way or the other. His timing is simply perfect in every way. His pauses, how he thinks ahead, and the tone he wants the banjo to have. There will never be another like him...Jack
Originally posted by Jack Baker
How right you are, Jack. This really is a remarkable arrangement and performance. It's good for us to revisit these classics and renew our appreciation when we can. Is your low break in there anywhere? I bet I still have the one you gave me back in the 80s; going to have to dig it out . . .
The video with Charlie Cushman and Johnny Warren I Eric's original post above captures the feeling of Earl's playing so well. Charlie adds a few surprises and shows how much fun he's having. No wonder that video has almost 54,000 hits now.
