Gentleman From VA - Posted - 11/06/2020:  05:32:42

Now yes, Ebenezer has been covered before, but not this version. This Take has no relation to the standard G tune I see in most books and played by most folks.



I've been playing/listening to/deep diving into Old-Time music for almost half of my life (I'm 35 and started into Old-Time at 18 for reference so I know I'm still a newbie) BUT I have always loved finding alternate versions or similar songs with different names. This one however isn't that. Its a completely different tune with the Same Name



This comes from Floyd, Va Fiddler Ivan Weddle. Ivan was in the band The Korn Kutters based out of WIllis, VA. I came across this tune thanks to Andy Buckman and Mac Traynham at a workshop they were offering teaching Clawhammer Banjo and Fiddle some three years ago. Something about this tune stuck with me and really resonates the Blue Ridge regional style of playing I only hear so often from other sources. There is something delightfully playful and simple without sounding like a "beginners" tune.







Ivan Weddle in Mabry Mill, 1987 performing his take on Ebenezer in D

youtu.be/z324zf7ge3U

My take on the Banjo Tune (on a banjo made by Mac Traynham)

youtu.be/AvY6vA-qk0E

Also, while double checking the other entry for Ebenezer I noticed a Jam from clifftop was included there that was ACTUALLY this tune! Led here by Mark Campbell - Fiddle, Chris Via - Banjo

youtu.be/jmzg7ImWZOY

Have some fun, play along. Go look up the Korn Kutters. Would love to hear some others play along!

Edited by - Gentleman From VA on 11/10/2020 09:30:37

JanetB - Posted - 11/07/2020:  11:29:15

Thanks, Joshua, for a new tune (at least for me) from Virginia.  I like the Galax licks in your arrangement.  It was a bit hard to decipher the fiddle in the source recording with the added noises of instruments and dancing feet, but at about 28 seconds it becomes more audible.  It's definitely a great dance tune.  In honor of Willis, VA and Mac Traynham I'm playing a banjo he made.  I tried various arrangements with a Galax lick and with drop thumbing, but ended up with more hammer-ons and pull-offs.  It goes to show that there are always many choices that can be made when we arrange tunes.

Ebenezer--TOTW

Ebenezer (CH) tab

Mtngoat - Posted - 11/08/2020:  07:39:28

Thanks for introducing a new tune. I like the dance where everyone seems to be in a groove. I see a slight smile on Mr. Weddle's face and surmise he must be happy with the performance. While listening I was going over in my head how I might play it. Your video helped a bit with the noting and I used some of Mr. Via's licks from the Clifftop jam. After fifteen minutes with the banjo I had a serviceable version of my own. I can't wait to try it out at a dance once the pandemic clears up.

chip arnold - Posted - 11/08/2020:  09:56:10

I've known the G tune for years, but had never heard this D tune 'till I got to Floyd. It's a fun, bouncy tune to play.

banjered - Posted - 11/08/2020:  18:36:21

Thanks Janet! Your playing is always wonderful and so is the sound of all your banjos! And thanks Josuha, sounds almost a variation of Rock the Cradle Joe, another favorite! banjered

WVDreamin - Posted - 11/09/2020:  04:14:34

I heard "Rock the Cradle Joe" too. Nice grooving tune here.