Old Time Fiddle lesson - Sandy River Belle

[@robertshorthill4153]

Mr. P --- funny you should mention the late John Hartford. What a genuinely great fellow he was. He was also a certified river boat pilot. One of his quotes was, "too thick to navigate, too wet to plow". This saying has stuck in my mind many are the years. I had the opportunity to take a boat trip on the Julia Belle Swain several years ago, which was one of his favorite river boats. He even wrote and sang a song about this beautiful craft. While we were cruising on the Ol' Miss they were playing his music. I walked past the stairs up to the wheelhouse, and one of the crew invited me up. The pilot and I talked briefly about Mr. John, but the best part was they let me take half an hour at the wheel ! After we docked, I thanked them graciously and they invited me back on some future day. Regretabley, I've never been back. So, your redition of this Sandy River Belle has a bit of a special meaning to me. I do have photos of the whole occasion, tho, which I cherish. Cheers, my friend. Bob in Montana

[@peakfiddler]

I've enjoyed listening to John's playing on an internet radio station I used to listen to a lot at one time. His laid back style and easy going manner, just came across so well in many of his live recordings. The Indian War Whoop in the 'Oh Brother' film, sounded so strange and yet suited the scene so well. Nice story Bob, certainly an occasion to remember, you certainly were very lucky that day.

[@zachb8012]

I saw an old video that must have been recorded in the 30s of this 80 something year old man describing the origin of Sally Goodin' as a widow whose husband was killed in the Civil War, she settled on the bank of the Big Sandy River in Kentucky, where she'd host the men from the steam boats, giving them food and a place to rest. They were so fond of her one of them renamed a fresh take on Sandy River Belle after her. You have to admit the tune is similar and I like the story, so I'm gonna take his word for it.

[@michaeltaylor7407]

Thanks! Another great tune

[@dobrodoc]

Thanks! Very nice!

[@marciah0312]

Another fantastic song to learn! Thank you, Peakfiddler! :)

[@ellenwelch9356]

You would definitely hear it played at Old Time jams here, especially since this is where John Hartford grew up.

[@dannagail7]

So love your posts! You are wonderful dear

[@peakfiddler]

Thank you so much!

[@robertshorthill4153]

Mr. P today is 8/01. I'm just going through some of my favorite tunes you have presented to us folks the world over. Yes, I find those doubled notes add so much more to this tune, and many more tunes as well. Friends have commented what a great tune this is -- like floating down a lazy river on a Huck Finn type raft. Or an inner tube down the Madison river here in Montana on a hot summer day. Cheers, and thanks again, dear friend, for all your inspiration and great music. Bob

[@carolinestagg6807]

Thank you! Understood easily.

[@yayoatmeal]

💕✨

[@Fersiope]

La música contiene la verdadera historia de los pueblos y culturas

[@joeharris8574]

thanks. How would I get your sheet music for this?