Down Home Rag (Sweatman)

[carrie horgan]

Would anyone happen to have a banjo score for 'Down Home Rag' by Wilbur Sweatman.  It would be much appreciated - I promise not to record myself tap-dancing and rattling teacups :)     

[thereallyniceman]

Sorry Carrie, no joy on this one.... but "Who you gonna Call?"

..... STEVE !!      where are you?????

DOWN HOME RAG Fred Van Eps Orchestra

ps. You promise, PLEASE no cow bells, bones, hooters, swanee whistles, chickens or rattles?

[Jody Stecher]

Here's a great rendition by the composer. Much better band on this one. They have a feel for the tune and the style. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEPL4WCzm-o

I'd like to see someone try *this* with 3 banjos:

[Jody Stecher]

On the Sweatman recording, which has no sound effects, the melody can be heard clearly. I think you can make your own banjo arrangement, Carrie, without using sheet music. There are very few notes. The beauty is in the timing . Ink and paper can't adequately convey that.

[carrie horgan]

Yes, I guess you're right Jody.  It's interesting to hear the different versions on YouTube.  Van Eps plays it in a machine-gun, staccato style whereas the Sweatman recording has more 'swing'.  I like both, although it does sound like Animal from The Muppets might have taken over the studio in the Van Eps recording.