We had an excellent opportunity to gather together and have a jam session in preparation for attending this year’s Appalachian String Band Festival, A.K.A. “Clifftop.” We were joined by friends and family; Dennis and Taylor (fiddle), Sid (banjo), Gary (guitar), and Jim and Pat (lap dulcimer). Just an excellent group to review songs and learn a few more.
We played many of our favorite songs such as “Sail Away Ladies” and “Spotted Pony” but we also did a few new tunes: “Hangman’s Reel,” “Liberty,” and “Over the Waterfall.” Dennis helped us to play at what he called “dance speed” and it was fun. He has been providing our band excellent guidance on how to properly play Old Time songs. Our weekend together provided us time to refine some new songs we have been working on such as “Hangman’s Reel” and “Liberty” which are posted here as well as an old favorite we have played for years, “Buffalo Gals.” Our learning of other new songs included Steve Martin’s “Sun is Gonna Shine” and “Rock the Cradle Joe.”