Clifton Hicks - Hills of Mexico (Roscoe Holcomb) Two Finger Banjo

[@citicoron]

What a nice rendition of one of my favorite old time tunes! Most of the old timers I recorded during the Pine Breeze field recordings from 1976-1981 played a two finger style. A couple, mainly Eldia Barbee could also play clawhammer, but only Florrie Stewart played almost always clawhammer, and even she would do two finger for songs.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks for hollering back at me, Ron. I only recently discovered your work and I find it to be of immense value. When I was about 13 my father bought me a $100 banjo, a set of finger picks and a Scruggs manual. I soon lost interest in the rigid lessons, threw away my picks and developed the more natural two-finger picking technique you see here. A year later I learned to play "clawhammer" from Ernie Williams out of Sand Mountain, Alabama. Thank you very much for your information regarding the traditional playing styles you encountered in the course of your field recordings; your observations are of great interest to me.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Ron, are your Pine Breeze Recordings available for sale? I do not have a copy and have not been able to find anything online.

[@citicoron]

The Pine Breeze Recordings double CD is available from: Copies are available for $17 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling payable to Jubilee Community Arts, 1538 Laurel Ave., Knoxville, TN, 37916 or from County Sales For more information contact Brent Cantrell at [phone] or [e-mail] and see www.jubileearts.org/

[@citicoron]

and the liner notes/booklet is online at: jubileearts.org/PineBreeze/index.html

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Mr. Hicks as I have written I have been around old time music all my life from my granddad 1912-2002 and you sir are a true expression of its genius. You keep your music simple and striaghtfoward. I really love your music as a fellow musician myself. Keep making this world brighter sir it is a better place cause you are here.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Jeremy, thank you, sir.

[@rcg5317]

Jeremy said for me, too.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

You are very welcome Mr. Hicks. When I was a kid 25 years ago I tried to record my granddad in the mid 90s I got some of his songs but not much. I am not a pro musician just a folksinger like he was. he did not play an instrument he only sang. He was a sharecropper.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Sounds a lot like my grandfather born about 1922 or '24. He grew up in northern AL but traveled around working on other peoples' farms. During the 1940 census he and his family were down in Florida; each one gave their occupation as "citrus picker." He wasn't particularly musical as far as I remember but his father, Amos Moore, was a traditional fiddler and my aunt still has one of his violins.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Very good to learn Mr. Hicks I am glad your aunt still has one of your great granddad's fiddles. My family actually was not musical in the traditional sense my granddad learned his songs from his parents and their brothers and sisters picking cotton other foodstuffs in the 1920s. Though I think if you had heard my granddad sing "The Preacher and the Bear" or "There was young man who would sowe his corn" it would transfix you to another place and time where our ties to land and history were still fresh. One of the memories I have of my granddad were he said his grandfather was hunting the Bufflo in the 1870s with his dad and some indians came looking for some thevies and he my great great granddad hid under the hides to stay alive while his dad got them out of trouble. My granddad most likely alot like yours in that their deepest memories they pretty much kept to themselves. If you can try and get your great granddad's fiddle and learn to play it I am sure he would be proud.

[@tomstafford1605]

A story as old as time, the life lessons of countless men played out on the banjo.

[@beverlyburke4570]

Thanks for playing, The Hills of Mexico! My dad used to play a version that his grandmother sang to him. It started with this: "it was in the town of Griffin in the year of 83, there was an old cow-puncher, stepped up and said to me, well howdy-do young fellow, how would you like to go, and spend a few nice summer months in the hills of Mexico?" With songs this old, there always seem to be numerous versions. In the one my dad sang, when the drive was over, the driver refused to pay the cowboys. So the last phrase is this: "With guns and rifles in our hands I want you all to know, we left that drivers bones to bleach in the hills of Mexico." These old songs are the real deal - full of history. I enjoyed hearing your version.

[@jdoe5835]

Thank you for letting me actual travel on a journey through the song

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Me too. Every time.

[@johnober469]

I got my 4 year old off the bus listening to o death.. my son starts singing it out of the blue before his bedtime while I'm at work. Thank you and almighty for your talent. Your music will be heard on Mars.

[@JacobvsRex]

This is such an awesome recording of this song...

[@olligator22]

By far, one of the best versions of this song I have ever heard!!

[@bobtranquilli9985]

Thank you for keeping the tradition alive.

[@bigal25938]

I like how the lyrics of this song vary among singers. Like hearing a little different story each time.

[@andylishman7986]

Your a musical genius good to listen to

[@loufaggetti3467]

I listen to many of your songs over and again. I have wondered why they create such deep emotion for me. I realize that with all of your skills, perhaps above all you are an excellent storyteller. Hats off to you and all the best Clifton.

[@gregorybowe9383]

You have incredible talent. Thanks you for preserving the common folk's musical history and spreading it to a tired old soul like me. What a wonderful use of a life.

[@Paulcito-x6j]

Thanks for all your amazin music Clifton . I really love it. It pours into my heart effortlessly and makes me think about county Antrim and Appalachia. I feel I belong to this music at least part of me

[@digbiggbyflackbock7472]

Well when I was in old Fort Worth in 1883 Some old Mexican cowboy came stepping up to me He said how are you young fellow How would you like to go And spend a summer season in the hills of Mexico Having no other appointment back to him I said It’s according to your wages According to your pay He said I’ll pay to you good wages And travel to and through If you’ll spend a summer season in the hills of Mexico A lightning storm came upon us It made the cattle run Now our pleasures all had ended And our troubles had begun We got covered in the stickers that on the cactus grow And the outlaws gunning for us in the hills of Mexico Well they caught us in an ambush Way back in the hills They was quite a few in number and the cowboy they did kill Well I made a run to save him But alas I was to slow So I left him with the out laws in the hills of Mexico Well I boarded on the steamboat She carried me to my home How the bells they did ring and the whistle it did blow How the bells they did ring and the whistle it did blow On that god forsaken steamboat in the Gulf of Mexico

[@dickwilloughby]

Bless you

[@richardportman8912]

Dear Clifton Hicks, you sing this song very well

[@peetos-chan2835]

My favorite songs have ways been the ones with a deep melancholy in them. Thanks for keeping this alive. My heart is both sorrowful and glad watching and hear all of these things.

[@annebennett313]

I cannot stop listening to this!!!

[@DanDDirges]

Oh my goodness! This is the way to play it right here! This mellower and somber two finger way gets down inside the soul of the song! Excellent Clifton!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, I think it sounds like the open Plains.

[@anthonywyndham1996]

You sure capture the horrifying realisation of hopefull plans gone tragically wrong. Epic Clifton Hicks

[@jordanaraujo2579]

Man that sounds great. One of my favorites.

[@poisonvax1927]

God that sounds wonderful

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks, Veggie, yer mankin me hungry.

[@poisonvax1927]

Clifton Hicks haha

[@Townes.VanZandt]

Second this, and that.

[@MontyCantsin5]

@Poisonvax19. ‘’Poison vax’’ 🤣

[@nickbaspaly6239]

That's real music right there ! What a great story

[@Robthebanks]

Just getting to grips with Cumberland Gap and I thought 'I need to learn another tune in this tuning.' lo and behold, Mr Hicks has come through again! Thank you very much.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Any time, Bobby! "I'm Dying, Mother" is also played out of this tuning.

[@Robthebanks]

Nice, I'll have to try that after this one! I think 3 is a good number of tunes to consider a tuning practical.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Also "Drunkard's Doom" (aka "At the Close of Day") and I play an original arrangement of "Jesse James" in it as well. I learned the tuning from Matt Kinman c. 2008 and immediately fell in love with it's melancholy sound.

[@Robthebanks]

Thanks Clif, it's such a soulful tuning and it's good to know that a good number of tunes can be played with it. Mr Kinman is a proper lad, thank him for me!

[@logannday]

Wow dude Jesus. Too good

[@jackh337]

My favorite rendition of this song Great voice

[@MsTubbytube]

Might seem like a minor point, but I like that fact that you sing your lyrics clearly. Many renditions of tunes esp banjo tunes, the instrument dominates and I can't understand all the lyrics and thus much of the emotional power. You achieve a nice balance.

[@randallabney2204]

I just want you to know sir. Your who I keep coming back to in my darkest times. Form corner to corner of the great country we live. I feel at home regardless with these picks and I doubt you'll see this but if you do. Please know you your a crutch for some to lip along when emotional limbs are missing

[@jacecockrell4640]

oh i expected this to be the shanty "along the hills/plains of mexico" lol, but this is amazing too!

[@rcg5317]

You do promote the story of the song so well and let the banjo accompaniment bring a magical atmosphere. I really like this tune and the very different versions that Roscoe, Elizabeth Lapriell (sic) and you play all open a time portal to the original story-teller. Boys, THAT is what this music is all about.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks, this piece is a "time traveler" indeed!

[@rickyailion9751]

I’m so happy you did this song again.

[@jrljrl9508]

Love that song….play it all the time!….makes me want to go back in time!….good Roscoe Holcomb work too!

[@theawesomeharveygogangbroo9443]

Not being a musician I like what I hear,one of my favs Clifton

[@rogers3142]

Something about this version being slowed has certainly revived a great timely tune. One of my favorite renditions of yours Cliff. 👍

[@Invictus13666]

Much prefer this version. 2 finger is phenomenal for this, and your voice/vocal style is much easier on my nerves than the higher high lonesome. Thanks!

[@enturer]

I was going to write “simply beautiful”, but that would undermine your fantastic skill. I’ll just settle for “beautiful”-thank you so much for your upload.

[@nicholasslater3638]

I keep coming back to this! Cheers Clifton!

[@wooster7571]

Love this. I'm just getting into 2 finger playing. Thanks for posting

[@tholmichael6032]

Man I love this version. No BS.

[@siggesaltens2663]

I love this. salutes from Denmark.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

Been watching your channel for a while now and I finally ordered a banjo tonight xp

[@TheGrowlery]

I'm glad that you record songs more than once. It's great to hear the differences in styles between the two. Thanks for sending this out into the world.

[@benjaminvieyra2744]

Thank you for what you do

[@Kevin-bi2kr]

Need more people like you.

[@Rob_1776]

The more I listen to you pick that Banjo Brother! The more I love it!

[@Banjo_Dave]

I'll be trying this one out! What a sweet tune

[@landonrader9136]

Love this

[@richardportman8912]

I lived with my brother. I liked to keep him nearby, in case there is an emergency. He would have understood this song. It is not easy to explain . He moved in with his sweetheart, I met the family. I was all- this looks good, but I don't think you know enough about him and his problems. But his sweetheart said we can do it. Yes you can! I said. He died in a work accident about 18 years ago. I don't know how this is a part of the song but I always think of him when I hear certain music. We were brothers. It is not easy to explain

[@darkmysterytemple]

A great voice Clifton.

[@johnober469]

Preservation ❤

[@synvinkel6208]

Thanks for this and all your videos Clifton. Love from Småland, Sweden

[@danallen6754]

Really good man. 👍 my fav version

[@MsTubbytube]

The richness of your voice on this song reminds me of Natalie Merchant - unique, not classically beautiful but complex. Love the way you say "Cooow-boy..." and the pacing of the playing just seems spot-on.

[@DougVieyra]

I first heard this tune (melody, with slightly different words) as "Plaines of the Buffalo" about 1958 or '59, sung by either Rick Von Schmidt, or Dave Von Ronk- I can't remember which. I think I may have also heard it played and sung by Pete Seeger about the same time. - Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif

[@carolsaxton839]

Beautifull rendition ,shivers down my spine .

[@lonzo61]

That banjo has a nice sound. Not as crisp as a new one, but more soulful and earthy--which I prefer. And I have to say I like the two finger technique.

[@thinkpad20]

Amazing rendition.

[@bearshield7138]

Exquisite

[@kylebushey4590]

So good Mr. Hicks! Willie Watson does a great cover of this song!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I met Willy years ago in NC when he was starting to drift away from Old Crow and getting more interested in the banjo. He's a good-hearted dude.

[@MsTubbytube]

Wish I could do a double thumbs up. Real heart in this rendition. Kind of reminds me of Ola Belle Reed

[@drussthelegend3919]

Powerfull voice. Wel done.

[@bourkemynatt694]

Just a Lovely melody

[@backslider893inthebeerjoin7]

Anderson is my hero!!

[@a.p.rodgers]

Playing the melody on the high string is really challenging for me when playing thumb lead. i keep going back to this video for reference. if it takes me another year to smooth out, alteast i get to keep hearing this wonderful rendition of Hills of Mexico. Im gonna have to go through your patreon videos again and take notes. Thanks for the music Cliffton!

[@richardkelley3644]

Asome pickin!!! love it!!

[@robertpaulson2842]

Old Leatherstocking rocks!

[@brin57]

So good Clifton.. - I also found a really nice version of this on KZbin from Meredith Moon. I'm just starting my claw-hammer banjo journey, having been a guitar player all my life. So hard to re-learn that right hand. That said I'm still grateful for having a head start. Thanks bud.

[@madpuppie59]

clifton i been following you since myspace, you have really come a long way, keep on picking brother

[@parachute3725]

Sounds great Mr. Clifton. I also like Willie Watson's version of this tune. Such a haunting song👏👏 well done

[@kingmob2615]

Damn you're good... What I wouldn't give to add some spoon accompaniment. Your style is the exact vibe that I love to play the spoons with.

[@AndrewFlower92]

Wow 😍 🐎I heard that!

[@xZombee]

Golly, thank you for sharing. Goose bumps!

[@nickdunne364]

I love this song

[@bilnjan]

Muy bueno Amigo, Mucho Gusto !

[@bobbo1946]

nice job...

[@101ablerudeboy]

More songs from Old Leatherstocking when?

[@jasonclements4607]

I'm in Louisville KY. I follow on fb also. Are you ever in concert? Me and the wife need a night out. What are sometimes and locations? And thanks again for your service and great music!

[@pigfigjig]

Very DARK ART.. BACK BLACK CORNER BANJO HYMNS.. Just my impression.. I would end up a serial killer listening too to much of this stuff.. 😎

[@brucedeane8]

sehr groovy baby

[@Stoplossed]

well they caught us in some bluegrass way out in them hills they was quite a few in number and the banjo they did kill i played a roll to save him but alas i was too slow so i left my bluegrass banjo for the hills of mexico

[@Sam_the_Butcher]

This song make me feel like I'm there. Feeling some sort of way.

[@melodyholtz1351]

I cannot string my banjo with nylgut.. I've tried so many times now. I want to play the two finger oldtime... But I cant seem to tune my steel strings like this.. I Want to play banjo like a nylog geetar but I can yet. Clifton Hicks I wish yee were up in NeeHampshee to help me !

[@melodyholtz1351]

.. these sound steele actually but in general.. I cant seem to tune the ranges of these 2 finger styles... is it just me ?

[@laschekhauri5888]

Love your playing. Is that a Standard banjo tuning? Hey ho from germany

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

~ fDGCD.

[@svenlittlecross]

is this technique played with fingernails? like frailing or plucking? great stuff cheers!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I keep all of my nails trimmed very short and play only with my bare fingertips.

[@billynomates920]

👍👍👍

[@jasonhall7491]

Tuning? Nice job!

[@garconimunster]

What tuning is this?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

fDGCD, relative. You can also play it in gDGCD if you prefer.

[@mr.t6142]

Howdy Clifton, are you playing out any these days, anywhere near WV? Hope all is well!!🤠

[@corticallarvae]

I’ve always wondered how many instruments you are proficient in. I suspect many

[@shinitaisenpai9057]

sorry Clifton, I'm obviously dumb, but I'm confused over the tuning in the description. the banjo is actually tuned dBEAB, right, so, relative to fDGCD? because I was pretty sure I remember Roscoe played it in fDGCD or maybe I remember incorrectly.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, I am tuned one "step" below fDGCD.

[@shinitaisenpai9057]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks for the quick response, Sir. my ears were hearing something and then I read that about the tuning and I got confused, thanks for clearing that up, gonna give it a shot in this tunging now. and thanks for all your work here and on the BHO as well, keep it up, it's much appreciated.

[@natemofield281]

I wish this was what was on the radayo

[@kingmob2615]

We'd fucking rock it, dude.

[@richardportman8912]

A country song. I know we had problems.

[@taylormorris_]

Sorry for the bother, i was wondering what kind of banjo you are playing on here? I am starting to hunt for my first one, for some reason I'm drawn to this one. Think thats a good call?

[@timallenfanclubofficial]

+1 comment

[@richardportman8912]

I wish i could talk with you.

[@toddmartin1523]

I mean this in the best way to do you are thee s***

[@trboook3300]

No