Old Time, new times

Reviving my Old Time String Band songs with guitar was intended as a side-line, but it’s worked out well and I’ve been encouraged to give it more priority.

I'm not entirely sure why, but I feel more relaxed performing the American material and can pack more punch into it. This makes for a better performance and more engagement with (noisy) pub audiences, the milieu I often find myself in and most enjoy. The approach, and material, may be less appropriate for some folk clubs and festivals, where I will continue to focus on the trad folk repertoire.

Reviving my Old Time String Band songs with Guitar

I went from trad folk to Americana and back again, never feeling comfortable about pursuing both genres concurrently. But a chance to participate in a new session finally inspired me to revive my American Old Time String Band repertoire alongside my mostly English and Irish folk songs. 

Rather than use the Mandolin, I'm relearning the songs with Guitar as this is more appropriate as a solo instrument. I’ve had Guitars since I was a teenager. I’m not a complete beginner, but I’ve rarely played Guitar in public. 

Right: My Gretsch Jim Dandy parlour Guitar. I originally bought this for Delta Blues but that is another story...