Hello hello. I've chosen this delightful tune from Owens "Snake" Chapman in the sovereign key of C - "Jack of Diamonds." No, it's not the Texas contest tune some may know, nor is it the "Drunken Hiccups" that was made famous by Tommy Jarrell. It seems to be a unique tune that Owens reported he learned from A Chicago fiddler.
There has been much posted in this tune serie about Mr Chapman and his life, including in a recent TOTW post and I've found nothing more to add other than to say our own Janet Burton also has has a nice write up about him.
I learned this tune several years ago when the Fiddle Hangout had a monthly series they called the Virtual Fiddle Festival. I didn't catch all of the nuances of the tune then and when this opportunity came up I chose to revisit Mr Chapman's recording. Glad I did!
And here's an mp3 of The Barn Owl Band playing it for the second time ever at our practice last night. That's BHO member Paul Perkins on the Banjo, Jon Duvick on the guitar Marty Miller on bass and yours truly fiddling. Paul says he's tuned to G with the 4th string dropped to a C. He also says he'll try and work up some tab for y'all. Recorder was set near Paul to give the Banjo the spotlight as much as possible.
This is one of the tunes that seem familiar even though this was the first time that I've heard it. I hear bits of phrases that remind me of other tunes, but then they don't go where I expect them to go. Nice tune, and a good version with your band, too.
I love this tune, terrific choice for Tune of the Week. Your band sounds great! I didn't know you fiddled too, great job. Paul's banjo picking is wonderful. I play C tunes with a couple of fiddling friends, and we're up to about 80 tunes now, and this one got on the list early. I just pulled out my little Tascam DR-05X, and stuck it up on the desk in front of me while I played along with my MIDI playback. Here's a link to what I got:
Snake's recording from his album Up in Chapman's Hollow is on YouTube, with the incredible Paul David Smith on banjo. We can all put our banjos away now.
This is one of the tunes that seem familiar even though this was the first time that I've heard it. I hear bits of phrases that remind me of other tunes, but then they don't go where I expect them to go. Nice tune, and a good version with your band, too.
Thank you kindly, Bill. I have always found C fiddle tunes to have a LOT of shared licks. This one is just different enough to surprise you.
I love this tune, terrific choice for Tune of the Week. Your band sounds great! I didn't know you fiddled too, great job. Paul's banjo picking is wonderful. I play C tunes with a couple of fiddling friends, and we're up to about 80 tunes now, and this one got on the list early. I just pulled out my little Tascam DR-05X, and stuck it up on the desk in front of me while I played along with my MIDI playback. Here's a link to what I got:
Snake's recording from his album Up in Chapman's Hollow is on YouTube, with the incredible Paul David Smith on banjo. We can all put our banjos away now.
Very nice, Don. You've captured the tune quite tastefully. And yes, Mr Smith backs up Mr Chapman so effectively.
I'm actually a fiddler who likes hanging with banjo players. I can play at a couple of tunes on the banjo but generally leave that to those who know more that myself. Thanks for the kind words, we have fun!
I love this tune, terrific choice for Tune of the Week. Your band sounds great! I didn't know you fiddled too, great job. Paul's banjo picking is wonderful. I play C tunes with a couple of fiddling friends, and we're up to about 80 tunes now, and this one got on the list early. I just pulled out my little Tascam DR-05X, and stuck it up on the desk in front of me while I played along with my MIDI playback. Here's a link to what I got:
Snake's recording from his album Up in Chapman's Hollow is on YouTube, with the incredible Paul David Smith on banjo. We can all put our banjos away now.
That was as smooth as silk! Thanks for posting it.
Busy, busy, busy, but I finally got the tune somewhat learned after enjoying yours and Don's versions. I found the challenge of its many phrases to be a tougher one this time round, but with time there are ways to simplify a tune to make it easier. I skipped down an octave on one part, but like the high notes, which weren't too tough in themselves. Hope you enjoy!
Very nice, Janet! I was worried this might be one of those times that doesn't lend itself very well to clawhammer, but you've shown it to be completely doable.
RG, thanks for the kind words. I too think this is a great tune and it needs to be spread out into the OT world.
