schlange - Posted - 04/06/2015:  15:33:55

The great J.D. Crowe

 

This week's tune is a popular barnburner from J.D. Crowe (although word on the street is, Doyle Lawson helped him compose it). Released on the 1971 "Ramblin' Boy" LP by J.D. Crowe & The Kentucky Mountain Boys, it later became the name of the album when it was re-released.

The band lineup on that album was featured J.D. on banjo, Doyle Lawson on guitar, Larry Rice on mandolin, and Bobby Slone on bass. They just tear it up on this tune--if I may say so, it could replace FMB on Bonnie & Clyde and work wonderfully!

Typically played in B.

Learn the Tune:

• Hear it using the GrooveShark playlist to the right.


• We have a lesson video from Casey Henry teaching you J.D.'s break for this tune. Only $6 thru 4/13! Get it here >


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


• Tabs: a few different versions in the tab archive, including a nice one from Jack Baker/Lee Marcus.

Share!

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

VIDEO: J.D's "Blackjack" - played by Russ Carson (click to view)	VIDEO: Dave Hum - Blackjack (click to view)	VIDEO: The Del McCoury Band @ DelFest 2014 "Blackjack" (click to view)	VIDEO: "Blackjack" J D Crowe, Grisman, Rice (Mark O'Connor's American Music Shop) (click to view)
VIDEO: J.D. Crowe - Blackjack (Rebel Records) (click to view)	VIDEO: Blackjack - JD Crowe and The New South (click to view)	VIDEO: Blackjack - Excerpt from the Custom Banjo Lesson from The Murphy Method (click to view)	Blackjack Backing Track (B) 70BPM
Blackjack Backing Track (B) 90BPM	Blackjack Backing Track (B) 110BPM	Blackjack Backing Track (B) 130BPM	Blackjack chord progression

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 04/07/2015:  06:18:48

Another great version I like is from Royce, here on the hangout.

banjohangout.org/myhangout/med...archived=

Jack Baker - Posted - 04/07/2015:  08:30:53

Wow! Nice arrangement from Royce, thanks Laurence...Jack

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Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

Another great version I like is from Royce, here on the hangout.

banjohangout.org/myhangout/med...archived=

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Laurence Diehl - Posted - 04/07/2015:  09:32:49

Yeah Jack, Royce's timing (esp. up the neck) is worth studying don't you think?

Jack Baker - Posted - 04/07/2015:  10:06:15

Yes,

Royce's timing is very solid...Jack

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Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

Yeah Jack, Royce's timing (esp. up the neck) is worth studying don't you think?

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Possom - Posted - 04/07/2015:  10:57:08

banjohangout.org/myhangout/med...archived=

My piddly version from bout 3 years ago. Sadly I never pick it cause nobody here knows it and I can't even get close to this version anymore 

Preacherbilly - Posted - 04/08/2015:  15:49:46

My short, rough version. I am working on a long smoothe version.

VIDEO: Blackjack (click to view)

Preacherbilly - Posted - 04/09/2015:  06:04:05

chrisb5string - Posted - 04/09/2015:  13:30:46

youtube.com/watch?v=6pZwfbjoR4g 

Here is my version.  I started on this great tune by J.D.  by ear  last night after hearing a couple versions.  I'm not the best player, but man,   I love the sound of my 1928  Style 3 Mastertone.

Preacherbilly - Posted - 04/09/2015:  14:46:13

You do have Avery good sounding banjo Chris, and you played the song in the right key, and had the right ending. I didn't.

banjott - Posted - 04/10/2015:  05:20:17

Here's my attempt. I added a Kenny Ingram type of lick to it. Hope it makes sense...

Blackjack

Jack Baker - Posted - 04/13/2015:  11:26:43

Perfect playing...just great...Jack

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Originally posted by banjott

Here's my attempt. I added a Kenny Ingram type of lick to it. Hope it makes sense...

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pappy c - Posted - 04/13/2015:  12:15:50

Great song. Certainly movie worthy. Maybe a bit to much to say it could replace FMB. Well done Banjott. When I get the tech figured out I will attempt a version.