Can You Run?

Since we finished our latest CD (“Live, In Concert”) earlier this year, we’ve been hard at work learning a whole slew of new tunes which we aim to roll out at shows later this summer and in the fall. One of our favorites in the new bunch is this little Civil War vignette penned by Kentucky’s young master songwriter Chris Stapleton. Our Randy Hamilton, who brought us the song, is singing the lead here, with cool harmony support by Michelle Lewis and Paul Martin. Oh, check out Doug Chaffin’s fiddling; he was born to play this tune! Here’s Chris Stapleton’s “Can You Run?”

Happy birthday, Mountain Mama

We always try to take note of West Virginia’s birthday, and since last night’s rehearsal just happened to fall on West Virginia Day, we had to do at least one shoutout for our home state. Instead of singing “Happy Birthday” to our Mountain Mama, we chose this composition by one of West Virginia’s most favorite daughter, the late, great Hazel Dickens, and her song, “West Virginia, My Home.”

Darlin' Companion

To keep our cred as West Virginia’s most eclectic string band, we feel obliged to continue drawing material from as many diverse sources as possible, such as, in this case, the 1960s’ most electrified jug band. John Sebastian’s folk rock group called “The Lovin’ Spoonful,” which took its name from a great Mississippi John Hurt song (but that’s another story), was also quite eclectic. It drew many of its melodies and themes from early 20th century roots music, from jug band to country. The Flood has just started playing with this wonderful old John Sebastian composition, “Darlin’ Companion.” Here's where's Flood arrangement stands, as played at last night's rehearsal.

Friendly Ghosts

On some nights — our lucky ones — the ghosts come out during our rehearsals, and one of the friendliest is the spirit of our old friend, the late great fiddler J.P. Fraley. Now, our Doug Chaffin played with J.P. for many, many years and learned scores of fiddle tunes from him. Perhaps our finest musical gift from J.P. was his teaching everyone the beautiful Pat Shaw composition, “Margaret’s Waltz.” Here, in the sweetest moment from last night, is Doug’s rendering of this gorgeous tune, with assistance from Paul Martin and Sam St. Clair.