Comment by thereallyniceman on September 2, 2015 at 17:44

Kentucky Parade, one of the best “unknown” compositions by Joe Morley.

Over the last few months Anthony Peabody has been sending audio files of the Joe Morley’s compositions that he has been working on for the “Works of Joe Morley” page.

Some compositions are good, some are quite average (avoid anything that mentions bagpipes!). He was obviously developing his musical skills and incorporating the ragtime syncopation that had become popular in the USA.

As I have edited the files one solo jumped out at me as an absolute CRACKER!

 

 I had never heard it played before and it seemed that in the UK only 1^st banjo part was available. By sheer coincidence my friend Eric Silverstone from Israel visited and brought with him some old Morley scores for me. Unbelievably, I spotted that he had the full score for 1^st and piano for Kentucky Parade !!

 

I sent the piano part to Anthony and he produced the audio for banjo and piano...  AMAZING. I simply loved this piece, so I have done a recording playing on my new baby, a Clifford Essex Regal banjo, that I just bought on Ebay....  lucky me :-))

 

 

The score is now available in the MUSIC LIBRARY

Comment by Thomas Edgar on September 2, 2015 at 18:47

Another great one! Thanks for all you do for Classic Banjo.

Comment by Eric STEFANELLI on September 2, 2015 at 18:53

Great performance! This piece was unknown to me until this day, Joe Morley was really a great composer, great idea to have shared!

Comment by Jody Stecher on September 2, 2015 at 22:24

Ooh, the Regal speaks so clearly and deeply. And with a Remo frosted head! Who wudda thunk it?

Comment by Shawn McSweeny on September 3, 2015 at 1:26

Played with great success by thereallyniceman. The Regal should stay out of the case for a while. It sounds terrific.

Comment by Anthony Peabody on September 3, 2015 at 17:12

A really beautiful piece played beautifully well.  A lot of Joe's "unknown" pieces are real gems.  I could recommend many, but this one, and Mandy's Wedding from the Tutor is another.  A daft title and an unpromising origin has probably hidden Mandy's Wedding from view.

Well done Ian, particularly as you recorded it for me.

I should also say that whilst the audio files are really useful, there is nothing to beat a real live performance, so get out there and start playing them!

Comment by marc dalmasso on September 3, 2015 at 20:42

The Music by JM is magic ; so is your playing & the Regal

Comment by Tony Bamforth on September 24, 2015 at 12:44

yes..I  like this little lively fun tune.  It seems to have a modern sound to it .  

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