GALAX BOGTROTTERS

GALAX BOGTROTTERS
OLD TIME JUBILATIONS

Dittyville
No Number

   The Galax Bogtrotters are Eddie Bond on fiddle, banjo, guitar, and vocals, Erynn Marshall on fiddle, banjo, and vocals, Carl Jones on mandolin, guitar, banjo, and vocals, Eric Hill on guitar and banjo, and Bonnie Bond on bass and vocals. Joe Dejarnette plays bass on “Pretty Little Widder.” Their 17 wonderful tunes and songs (there are two medleys) feature four originals by Erynn, Eddie, and Eric.

   They open with Emmett Lundy’s Mixolydian “Highlander’s Farewell” with Eddie on fiddle and Erynn on banjo. Ed Haley’s “Ida Red” and “Red Rocking Chair” feature both on fiddle. In a medley of two Albert Hash tunes, “Drunk Man’s Blues” and a quick-paced “Little Brown Hand,” Erynn fiddles and Eddie banjos. They switch back for Uncle Norm Edmonds’ “Ship In The Clouds.” It’s back to double fiddle for a medley of “Southern Girl’s Reply,” sung by Bonnie, and “Year Of Jubilo.” “Bull Run Creek” is Erynn’s original tune, and I predict it will join her “Springfield” in future jams. Erynn and Carl sing Charlie Poole’s “Highway Man.” Eric wrote “Foggy Creek” and plays banjo with Eddie’s fiddle. “Pretty Little Widder,” from John Ashby, is double fiddled. Eddie and Bonnie sing the plaintive Carter Family song, “Lover’s Return.” The rich blend of double fiddles returns for Erynn’s “Oak Ridge Waltz.” “Shady Grove” is a unique version from Eddie’s grandfather, fiddled and sung by Eddie. “October Morning” is Eddie’s original tune. “Kingdom Come” has a melody from Uncle Norm and words by Carl who sings it with Erynn’s solo fiddle tuned to DDAD.

   These are all powerful musicians and singers, and they make amazing music together in many combinations and arrangements. Their recording comes with this reviewer’s highest recommendation. It provides great listening to carefully chosen music, and who could ask for more than that? (www.galaxbogtrotters.com)SAG