Collected in the mountain country of southwestern Virginia by Eric H. Davidson, Paul Newman, and Caleb E. Finch, this recording focuses specifically on the string band music of Grayson and Carroll counties and was intended to give recognition to the intricate instrumental band music which attained high levels of development in the region. Thus, examples of the oldest indigenous band style—as heard on “Western Country”—can be found alongside tracks recorded in later styles such as Irish band music.
The liner notes help clarify the relationships between the different string band styles, and chart the course of musical development through half a century of cultural change.
Track Listing:
1. Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
2. Walkin' in the Parlor - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
3. Jenny Put the Kettle On - William Marshall and Glen Smith
4. Soldier's Joy - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
5. Sally Goodin' - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
6. John Lover Is Gone - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
7. Cindy - William Marshall and Glen Smith
8. Sally Ann - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
9. Don't Let Your Deal Go Down - Wade and Fields Ward and Glen Smith
10. Ragtime Annie - Wade Ward and Glen Smith
11. Paddy on the Turnpike - Uncle Charlie Higgins, Cliff Caraco, and Kelly Lundy
12. Skip to My Lou - Spud Gravely and Glen Smith
13. John Hardy - Wade and Fields Ward and Glen Smith
14. Cotton Eyed Joe - Spud Gravely and Glen Smith
15. Train on the Island - Wade and Fields Ward and Glen Smith
16. Eighth Day of January - Bruce Mastin, Kyle Cole, and Dale Poe
17. Jesse James - Wade and Fields Ward and Glen Smith
18. Walkin' in My Sleep - The Bluegrass Buddies
19. Banks of the Ohio - Glen Neaves, Jessie Neaves, and Ted Lundy
20. Old Joe Clark - The Bluegrass Buddies
