HOG-EYED MAN

HOG-EYED MAN
OLD WORLD MUSIC OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS

Old-Time Tiki Parlour 013

   This is the fourth CD from Hog-Eyed Man, which is the duo of Jason Cade on fiddle and Rob McMaken on lap dulcimer, mandolin, and guitar. On their third CD, they added two friends on banjo, second fiddle, and guitar. On this recording, they add Tom Baker on banjo, Nancy Hartness on guitar, Charlie Hartness on uke, and Art Rosenbaum on banjo and vocals.

There are some duets, such as Marcus Martin’s “Wounded Hoosier” and “Marcus Martin’s Jig” (medleyed with “Snowbird”) and John Salyer’s “Kentucky Winder.” They open with Salyer’s “Jack Wilson” with Baker on banjo. The second cut is a five-piece rendition of “Redican’s Trip To Appalachia (The Ironing Board)” from Irish-American fiddler Larry Redican. Next is Allen Sisson’s “Cumberland Gap” with Baker on banjo and Rosenbaum on vocals. On “Wounded Hoosier,” the fiddle is tuned to Dead Man’s Tuning (DDAD). In this tuning, you can hear the influence of the pipes, and the lap dulcimer contributes to the drones. Cade learned his unusual version of “Durang’s Hornpipe” from his mentor, Bruce Greene. “Saline County” is a Missouri tune with Rosenbaum on banjo. Bill Hensley was the source for “Georgia Horseshoe.” “Woodswoman” is an Ed Haley tune with a new name. “The Snowstorm” from Kentucky fiddler Darley Fulks is also a duet. The rest of the 19 tracks include “Juno Rye Straw” (from Bob Rogers), “Grassy Creek” (from Red Wilson), “Indian Ate A Woodchuck” (from Haley, done as a jig and a reel), Haley’s “Rebel Raid,” “Spike Island Gals,” “Oldtime Grey Eagle” (Manco Sneed), “Downfall Of Our House” (Ernie Carpenter), and “Indian Nation” (Hiram Stamper).

The centerpiece of this fine recording is the lyrical fiddling of Jason Cade, and each well-crafted arrangement brings out the tune. The theme of the music is to explore some of the roots of the music in Europe and among Native Americans, and the extensive and well-written liner notes explain that. This reviewer gives this CD his highest recommendation, and I expect (and hope) to hear many of these tunes played in sessions everywhere soon. (www.oldtimetikiparlour.com)SAG