Hands On The Tune
Stephen Wade is best known for his Banjo Dancing series of performances that featured his interpretation of traditional and old-time banjo and fiddle music. The name of the project, “Hands On The Tune,” comes from the ability of artists to take historical tunes, remake them, and put their own stamp on them. Wade showcases this approach with selections he has taken from three of his live shows.
Wade performs songs drawn from his research and studies of the music of such sources as Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Doc Hopkins, Hobart Smith, Kirk and Sam McGee, Earl Scruggs, Uncle Dave Macon, and Dee Hicks. Wade sings, plays the banjo and guitar, and is joined by Zan McLeod (guitar, hand drum), and Russ Hooper (resonator guitar). Many of the selections are familiar tunes that include “Sourwood Mountain,” “Buck Dancer’s Choice,” “Diamond Joe,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Arkansas Traveler,” and “Spanish Fandango”.
Others include more obscure pieces like “Roll On The Ground,” “Market Square,” “Chatham Hill Serenade,” and “Hand In Hand.” There are also a couple of nice medleys: “Uncle Jimmy’s Favorites,” Elzick’s Farewell,” and “Minister in the River.” Wade includes a 12-page booklet in which he describes how he came to the music, the sources, and the influences that have made up his long career. In this new outing, Wade certainly puts his hands on the tune.
