Bonnie George Campbell (Clifton Hicks; Richard Alexander)

Рет қаралды 147

10 күн бұрын

This song is dedicated to my friend and neighbor, Barbara Jo Timberlake of Wake County, North Carolina and to her Bonnie George, David Timberlake of Timberlake, North Carolina. Mr. Timberlake was a reenactor with the 1st NC Cavalry and was an avid outdoorsman, husband, and father. He passed away unexpectedly in 2002 while out riding his beloved horse, Jake. For me, this ballad has always been associated with Barbara Jo.
I learned this song from Clifton Hicks of Copperhill, Tennessee and Richard Alexander of Sutter County, California. Mr. Alexander learned it from Mr. Hicks. Mr. Hicks writes: “I learned ‘Bonnie George Campbell’ (Child 210, Roud 338) from a recording of Bascom Lamar Lunsford. It was also recorded by Frank Proffitt as ‘Bonnie James Campbell.’ Lunsford thought this song was an ancestor of ‘Cumberland Gap.’” He notes that Tay refers to the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland. To see their channels, please visit ‪@CliftonHicksbanjo‬ and ‪@baningobarge‬.
I am playing in g standard tuning (gDGBD) on a Bay State 309 crafted by John C. Haynes. This is technically a banjourine, which has a standard pot but a shorter scale neck. This size is excellent for travel and was once very popular with ladies and children. This 309 belonged to a man named Chris Kennedy, as his name and social security number are etched into the pot. My friend Stefan (‪@Vishalmaha88‬) informed me about the auction on this instrument and I would like to thank him for thinking of me; I acquired the 309 from an eBay auction, who bought it from a New York Estate sale. I am trying to find the family to ask them about the instrument and Mr. Kennedy, but I haven’t had success just yet. The banjo had clearly not been played in years and needed restoration. I had a wonderful time returning it to its true form and learned a lot in the process. It is outfitted with custom La Bella nylon strings and a Joel Hooks bridge. A huge thanks to Blaine Chappell (‪@blainechappell5383‬) for guiding me through the restoration process.

Пікірлер: 13

@chickenindoubleC 9 күн бұрын

High upon highland low upon Tay Bonnie George Campbell rode out on one day, All saddled all bridled and booted rode he Home came the saddle but never came he A plume in his bonnet a sword at his knee Home came the saddle but never came he, Home came the saddle all bloody to see Home came the good horse but never came he His wife came inside to escape the night air Sat at the table and wept in despair, "My barn is unbuilt and my child is unborn Bonnie George Campbell will never return."

@oliviahartland 9 күн бұрын

Hay!

@chickenindoubleC 9 күн бұрын

Hay you!

@Vishalmaha88 8 күн бұрын

There’s something that commands calm and stillness when listening to your playing Mads. I’m glad you’ve maintained that quality throughout.

@chickenindoubleC 5 күн бұрын

Thank you, friend, that is really humbling. Thank you for taking the time to listen and for all your knowledge. In fact, I would not have this instrument if not for you. I've updated the description to reflect that and I'll be sure to acknowledge you wherever I mention the 309's origins.