I couldn't believe when I saw that Shady Grove had NOT been a TOTW yet, so I am jumping at the change to share and learn more about one of the best old time songs that is out there.
As far as the title of the song - is it a place? is it a person? I say both, and that seems to be an answer that I saw repeated throughout some brief research on the web. Reading the lyrics to the song, it seems that is the case.
Peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall
If I can't have my Shady Grove, I'll have no one at all
Shady Grove, my little love, Shady Grove I know
Shady Grove, my little love, I'm bound for the Shady Grove.
From Miles Krassen's Clawhammer banjo book - "This is one of the best known modal tunes in the Appalachian Mountains. In recent years (book was written in 1974), it has become popular among more urban audiences due to many popular recordings." His version comes from Oscar Wright and the Myers brothers, is "more representative of the appalchain playing than the more common versions because of the rarely recorded high part." Our very own blanham recorded his take from the book, and it's hard to beat his smooth playing.
Also, one interesting note is the relation to the song Mattie Groves. The melodies are very similar in places. Mattie Groves is an old english ballad from around the 1600's. I could be totally wrong here, but it seems that part of the Shady Grove melody has come from this song? One thing I had a hard time finding is the origins of the songs i.e date and place. It seems that it originated in the north carolina mountains, but I'm not sure when. I'd love to hear the input from those of you are much more knowledgeable than me in that area!
Now, I am by no means an old time music expert, and I can't wait to learn from all the knowledge here on the hangout. It seems to me that there are about 300 verses to this song, and about 20 different variations/versions. There is one specific melody of Shady Grove that I know and play, but I know that there are different variations on the melody.
It appears that over 100 artists have recorded this song, and there are probably too many to count.
One of my favorites is by Tony Rice - obviously no banjo in this version, but I love the way that he plays this song.
Also be sure to check out the version by Tony Rice, David Grisman, and Jerry Garcia on the pizza tapes. HOLY COW!
Now for some banjo versions
First one of the most legendary (in my mind) performances is Doc Watson - the banjo throughout this version is mesmerizing.
BHO's own Mark Johnson - Incredible video of his arrangement
Mr. Zepp has about 100 versions on his own from when he did his Shady Grove series on a bunch of different banjos. Here's one of my favorites from him on a Cedar Mountain banjo which just happens to be my dream banjo.
Here is a 2 finger up-picking version from janalov
I have also uploaded my take as well and have attached it on the thread. I hope you will enjoy it!
I'd love to see you guys and gals post your own versions for us to listen to. It would make my day!