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 Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles
 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Tune of the Week 7June 2024: Soapsuds Over the Fence


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/397733

banjukebox - Posted - 06/07/2024:  08:29:22


There are at least two tunes that I know of with the title above. This version is sourced from James Bryan. Here's a version of him along with Carl Jones. He reportedly learned the tune from Alabama fiddler Mack Blalock (also his source for "Farewell Trion").



Mack and the rest of his family were neighbors of Mr. Bryan in the "Lookout Mountain" region of Alabama. James also learned tunes from his uncles Alfred and Henry as well as aunt Annie.



The tune is also attributed to Moses "Mose" Coffman, a West Virginia fiddler. His version can be heard at the Slippery Hill site.



It's a crooked tune played in the key of "D".



Ther are other examples of the tune on YouTube. I think one of the best versions is this this one played by Benjamin and Eric Zorn.



Ken Torke has provided us with a TAB at Tater Joe's.



For anyone interested, Here are the DOTS also found at Tater Joe's.



I recorded a banjo a while back and you'll find the TAB below.



youtube.com/watch?v=3XkRCXNFlfQ



 



 


lapsteel - Posted - 06/07/2024:  12:11:35


Thank you kindly Pat! I enjoy the history in addition to the tune. It’s like icing on a cake.

JanetB - Posted - 06/08/2024:  16:11:46


Anything from James Bryan is always good and challenging, too.  You play smoothly and melodically, Pat -- so pretty.  The B part crooked ending is delightful!



A while back I splurged on a vinyl of Lookout Blues with James' 1983 recording of Soapsuds Over the Fence.  I've tried it here in an open C tuning, which changes fingering of course (some is marked on the tab), plus it has a nice and easy way to do measure 19.  And naturally it's not up to speed compared to James, but hopefully still has its happy energy when slowed down, something I've heard from Mike Compton that James Bryan would approve of.



Do you think the title is just one of those silly names?  I've been known to throw ashes from the wood stove over the fence when there were no neighbors to be bothered (the vacant adjacent land is covered with cacti and poison oak).


banjukebox - Posted - 06/10/2024:  06:09:56


JanetB Beautiful, Janet. It amazes me how you're able to learn and transcribe these tunes so quickly.

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