Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by corcoran, updated: 5/12/2026
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Bill Keith arranged and recorded this nifty tune on the 1982 album "Fiddle Tunes for Banjo," with Tony Trischka and Bela Fleck -- an album that every bluegrass player should listen to. JWM is a jaunty excursion into some interesting musical ideas and comprises 3 parts. Incidentally, it was actually written in the 19th century by two classical banjo players, according to BHO member Joel Hooks. So perhaps it should instead have been included on a different album, "Banjo Tunes for Banjo."
Jack Baker Says:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @11:49:44 AM
Michael,
Excellent job on this tune. Bill showed me this as one of his last lessons with me...Great tune...Jack
corcoran Says:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @12:27:51 PM
Thanks, Jack. It is a great tune and a typically great arrangement by Bill. The tune took on its own life in my head as an ear worm, and it kept bugging me while I was sleeping or daydreaming or swimming in the pool. So I finally had to work out the tablature. I am glad you like it.
Jack Baker Says:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @3:49:44 PM
Michael,
You are getting better and better--honest....
corcoran Says:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @4:00:13 PM
Aw, thank you again, Jack.
BTW, our conversation about Bill Keith reminded me of one his virtues that is not acknowledged enough. In addition to introducing melodic style to the world, working out wonderful arrangements, and writing great tunes, Bill had a remarkable touch on the banjo. That is, in the early days at least, he pulled a great sound out of the instrument, much like Earl Scruggs did. Teasing that sound out of the instrument is an aptitude that not many other players have -- J. D. of course, and Kristin, and perhaps a few others. Bill was a remarkable musician in many different ways.
Jack Baker Says:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @4:28:19 PM
I totally agree Michael...Bill had a beautiful tone on any banjo he played--just a great touch.....Jack
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