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banjukebox - Posted - 07/03/2020: 06:38:36
This week’s TOTW is “Freda” an old-time tune originally from Kenny Baker, however, I will be presenting Carthy Sisco’s version.
Carthy was a long-time fixture in the Old-Time community here in the Pacific Northwest.
He was born in 1921 in Carroll County, Arkansas. His father was a banjo player which influenced him to pick up the instrument at the age of seven. He became frustrated with the limitations of the banjo and switched to the fiddle early in his teens.
At the age of 16 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he met some like-minded musicians helping him to refine his playing skills.
Soon after, he moved to Sedro-Wooley, WA to stay with his aunt. While there he signed up for Boeing’s vocational education program and was hired at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. He worked there for 37 years. He put away the fiddle while working and raising children.
In the early 70’s he broke out the fiddle again and joined the Washington Old-Time Fiddlers Association. He developed his own style of playing and was known for putting new life into old tunes. Locals called it “Carthyizing.” One of his favorite fiddlers was Kenny Baker. Sisco’s versions of Kenny’s tunes, though similar, are often difficult to recognize.
More on Carthy Sisco
Liner notes from Carthy Sisco’s “Rugged Road” Album. Lots of Kenny Baker tunes on that album.
Here is Kenny Baker’s version.
Freda
I was recently introduced to “Freda” (listed as “Frieda” in the Tractor Tavern Book ) by Seattle fiddler Josh Larios. Josh runs a local Seattle jam called “The Slower Than Dirt” Jam. You can listen here to Josh and Cameron Dewhitt playing on one of Cameron’s “Get Up In The Cool” podcasts. The podcast is an hour long, but it’s the first tune played.
Freda
By the way, if you haven't been to Cameron's site, you'll find it an exhaustive source of information, interviews and great tunes: Get Up in the Cool
Here is a banjo version and tab:
Edited by - banjukebox on 07/03/2020 06:40:44
JanetB - Posted - 07/04/2020: 19:07:36
Always a treat for you to choose and play a tune, Pat. An interesting life story of Carthy Sisco, making cornstalk fiddles as a young boy, showing a keen musical interest. Then working to support his family before returning to his beloved fiddle. I couldn't find if he is still alive at 99 years old. I found a sound bite on the Slower than Dirt Jam site to arrange the tune, which is similar to your version, Pat. Then I thought I'd try Kenny Baker's. My, it's complex! I took some ideas from it which are included in the first half of the A part.
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