Clifton Hicks

The Banjo Sightings Database

This is a wonderful resource that I've just learned about. They have photos of 193 different banjos dating to before circa 1880 (these are considered "early" banjos). 

2018-08-12 21:36:27 +0000 UTC View Post

Mary Lomax | "The Devil Song"

Here's another version of the song I just performed sung unacompanied by Mary Lomax. I learned my version from a recording of North Carolinian Bobby McMillon--Lomax is from Georgia and he version is clearly different (and shorter) than McMillon's. Bo...

"The Devil Song" | Performance

gCGCD "The Devil Song"/"The Farmer's Curst Wife"/Old Lady & the Devil" (Child 278). 

I forgot a few really funny verses. Below are the complete lyrics as performed by Bobby McMillon of Yancey County, NC when he was recorded by Art Rosenbau...

George Gibson | "Cold Icy Mountain/Hook & Line"

George Gibson talks a bit and plays a couple of exceedingly old banjo tunes on antique instruments.

Traditional Dance | Thomas Maupin, Daniel Rothwell & Friends

Here's a recent Ted Talk presented by Thomas Maupin and his grandson, banjoist Daniel Rothwell. I actually saw these guys perform a few times during the time I lived in Watauga County, NC.

More on Thomas Maupin: 2018-08-09 14:22:54 +0000 UTC View Post

Impromptu Hoedown with Road-Weary Traveler!

Mr. Methe stopped by the house on his way home from the 2018 Appalachian String Band Festival aka "Clifftop" up in West Virginia. After days of drinking, picking and dancing he still wanted more so we went ahead and tied one on. 

"Hook & L...

On the Road Somewhere (I've Got a Mule to Ride) | Close-up

fB♭FB♭C one step below gCGCD "Double C" or "Hook & Line" tuning.

https://patreon.com/cliftonhicks | 2018-08-07 13:14:36 +0000 UTC View Post

"On the Road Somewhere" (I've Got a Mule to Ride) | Performance

I learned this song last month from George R. Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky who learned it from his neighbor Gran Hudson during the 1950s. This old railroad song was popularized by the Stanley Brothers under the title "I've Got a Mule to Ride."&nb...

1860s Ashborn Guitar & Edmund Valentine Banjo?

"Son, if you can't sing her don't pick her." - Gran Hudson

Keep an eye out for updates on this beautiful c. 1860 James Ashborn guitar. As soon as I get the original case restored this instrument will be FOR SALE--$860 shipping included (+extra if b...

Hook & Line | Close-Up

Here's a close look at all of my variations for "Hook and Line" one of the earliest banjo songs still played in the United States. At one time this was an extremely popular dance piece in southern Appalachia; today it mostly survives in the repertoir...

Banjo 15 | Discussion (Early Gourd Banjo)

Here's a detailed look at my latest banjo build: an 18th or 17th century style gourd banjo. Historically these have been referred to as "banza," "banjer," "strum strum," "banshaw" &c. This instrument is entirely handmade (no power tools were used...

Banjo 15

Here's my first serious attempt at an 18th-century style gourd banjo. I made this thing as quickly as possible using only hand tools, attempting to emulate a folk instrument made by someone living in harsh conditions (i.e. an enslaved person). The ne...

2018 Banjo Gathering at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia

See the link for travel and lodging information. This event has been held since 1998 and continued for some time as something of an exclusive banjo collectors' convention. In recent years, however, it has morphed into a more inclusive event attractin...

"Hook & Line" Lesson

Recently I was asked to show some of my variations in the essential dance piece "Hook and Line." The banjo is tuned to relative gCGCD. Other titles this song is found under include "Minnow on the Hook" and "Shout Lulu."

2018-07-31 00:21:54 +0000 UTC View Post

SOLD--Three Early 1900s "Figure 8" Banjos

These banjos are all SOLD--Thanks! If you are still interested in a banjo email me at clifhicks@gmail.com or message me here on Patreon with your price range and what kind of banjo you're looking for and the next time I pick up another load of banjos...

Little Gold Fiddle | Discussion & Lesson

Let's discuss George Gibson's "Little Gold Fiddle" an exceedingly rare cante-fable dating back to at least 1707. I will also explain why I've been selling so many banjos on Youtube lately and show three instruments in particular that I'd like to get ...

"Little Gold Fiddle" Cante-Fable

Here is the version of "Little Gold Fiddle" collected by Halpert for a 1942 edition of the Journal of American Folklore (Vol. 55, No. 217; July-Sept. 1942). Halpert's version, called "The Irresistible Captain," is quite lewd. George Gibson says his f...

George Gibson performs "Little Gold Fiddle"

George R. Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky performs the exceedingly rare cante-fable "Little Gold Fiddle" which he learned from his father Mal Gibson. The only other reference to this piece that we can find comes to us from Herbert Halpert's artic...

Barbara Allen | Lesson

UPDATE: I've added overhand style tableture and a sound file to this lesson (1 August 2020). 

gDGAD relative (eBEF#B actual) aka "Moonshiner Tuning." This early folk ballad happens to be quite simple when played in the above tuning: it ...

"Barbara Allen" | Performance

(gDGAD, relative, "Moonshiner Tuning)

In Scarlet Town where I was born 

There was a fair maid dwelling,

She was the fairest of them all 

And her name was Barbara Allen

All in the merry month of May ...

Banjo #14

I used my usual materials: red oak for the pot; black walnut for the neck, nut and bridge; submerged cherry for tuning pegs and tailpiece; unbleached goat hide from gourd banjo and fiddle maker Jeff Menzies. Finished with walnut dye and a hand-rubbed...

Q&A | Drop-Thumb While Up-Picking?

"What do you think of or what is your experience with up picking overhand using drop thumb technique together? Thank you so much!" - Jonas

Visit from Field Recorder Dan Torigoe

Recently I was visited by field recorder Dan Torigoe and photographer Ray Asaba. These two gentlemen from Japan are presently doing important work documenting contemporary folk music in the southern United States. Torigoe has recorded such notable fo...

"The Cuckoo" Lesson & Tab

 Banjo is tuned fCFB♭C one step below gDGCD aka "Pretty Polly Tuning," "G Minor," or "Sawmill Tuning."

 👇 Download 8.5" x 11" Tablatur...

The Cuckoo | Close-Up

Banjo is tuned: fCFA#C (one step below gDGCD aka "G Modal" tuning). Click on the machine cog symbol in the bottom right corner of this video player and select "...

21st-Century Folk Revival

 I just visited Dr. Art Rosenbaum and his wife photographer Margo Newmark Rosenbaum (of well-deserved Art of Field Recording fame) at their home in Athens, GA and we discussed the subject of the current folk revival.  ...

Art of Field Recording

"Blindingly beautiful," indeed!

Banjo #14 Show & Tell!

Latest banjo is roughed out and about halfway completed. In this video I briefly discuss the concept/inspiration behind this build and some of the materials and techniques used.

https...

"The Cuckoo" | Performance

 I learned this song from George R. Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky. Banjo is tuned to gDGCD, relative. 

Living Music & the Story of Amédé Ardoin

In response to questions and insights from Trish the other day.

https://patreon.com/cliftonhicks

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