schlange - Posted - 03/17/2015:  10:59:40

had a hit in 1947 with this tune.

This week's tune is an old fiddle tune of uncertain origin. "Li'l Liza Jane" was first published in 1916 by Sherman, Clay & Co of San Francisco, California as a composition by Countess Ada de Lachau, described as a "Southern dialect song." Various testimonials and scholarly research points to origins in at least the mid-1800's, though, as an African-American folk song.

Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys had a hit in 1947 with this tune. It's a hugely popular tune in the New Orleans Brass Band scene as well, so I've included a couple videos below as examples of that.

This is typically played as a 2-chord song, and while there's no recognized "standard banjo break" for it, the melody to this tune is well-known.

One important note--this is not "Goodbye Liza Jane," which is arguably a more popular tune among bluegrass banjo players.

Played in various keys--usually C, A, or G.

Lyrics:

1. I'se got a gal an' you got none, Li'l Liza Jane.

I'se got a gal an' you got none, Li'l Liza Jane.

CHORUS: Ohe Liza, Li'l Liza Jane.

Ohe Liza, Li'l Liza Jane.

2. Come, my love, an' live with me, Li'l Liza Jane.

I will take good care uv thee, Li'l Liza Jane.

3. Jimmy John is layin' low, Li'l Liza Jane.

Honey, take me for you beau, Li'l Liza Jane.

4. Gwine ter th'ow the dice away, Li'l Liza Jane.

When yo' name the happy day, Li'l Liza Jane.

5. Bumble bee he out for sips, Li'l Liza Jane.

Takes mah sweetmeats from yo' lips, Li'l Liza Jane.

6. Liza Jane done cum ter me, Li'l Liza Jane.

Bof as happy as can be, Li'l Liza Jane.

7. Ev'y mawnin' when I wakes, Li'l Liza Jane.

Smell de ham an buckwheat cakes, Li'l Liza Jane.

8. House an' lot in Baltimo', Li'l Liza Jane.

Lots of chilluns roun' de do', Li'l Liza Jane.

9. Nevermo' from you I'll roam, Li'l Liza Jane.

Bestest place is home sweet home, Li'l Liza Jane.

As composed by Countess Ada de Lachau

San Francisco: Sherman, Clay & Co., 1916.

Learn the Tune:

• Hear it using the GrooveShark playlist to the right.


• We have a lesson video from Casey Henry teaching you her break to this tune. Only $6 thru 3/9! Get it here >


• Backing Tracks: Band in a Box tracks are included below at various speeds for your practicing pleasure.


• Tabs: here's one from Mark Stockton in the BHO archives.

Share!

I (and others) would love to hear (and see!) you play your version of this tune--post it in a reply below!

VIDEO: Alison Krauss and Union Station Little Liza Jane (click to view)	VIDEO: We Banjo 3 - Poor Old Liza Jane & Dance Boatman Dance (click to view)	VIDEO: Little Liza Jane - Excerpt from the Custom Banjo Lesson from The Murphy Method (click to view)	VIDEO: Wynton Marsalis - Lil Liza Jane (click to view)
VIDEO: Chuck Perkins - Lil Liza Jane (click to view)	Liza Jane Backing Track (C) 70BPM	Liza Jane Backing Track (C) 90BPM	Liza Jane Backing Track (C) 110BPM
Liza Jane Backing Track (C) 130BPM	Liza Jane Chords

MrManners - Posted - 03/17/2015:  16:30:25

my piddlin

dkfitz - Posted - 03/17/2015:  19:53:30

Thanks for including the Joy Kills Sorrow version.   They are one of my favorite bands (no longer together as I understand).

Jack Baker - Posted - 03/17/2015:  21:54:34

Casey Henry plays a very tasteful break on Little Liza Jane. Casey obviously puts  a lot of time into her arrangements--cute too ..Jack

Edited by - Jack Baker on 03/17/2015 21:59:38