Rascal Fair

'The Hogwire Stringband plays it swift and sweet. They can blaze along with very best of today's old-time bands, but what sets them apart is their subtle understanding of the music. They love these old traditions and pay them great respect with their modern versions. Of course, Brad Leftwich is a renowned old-time fiddler, but Hogwire is not just a showcase for his playing. The players meld effortlessly and their songs and harmonies are some of the album's highlights.' --Hearth Music Superb fiddling, tight harmonies, high energy, and a direct link with tradition infuse the Hogwire Stringband's brand of American roots music. Widely known as a master of authentic Southern fiddling, Brad Leftwich anchors the band on fiddle and vocals, with longtime musical partner Linda Higginbotham providing driving support on banjo uke and five-string. Hogwire also includes two fresh faces on the circuit, Joel Lensch and Marielle Abell. Ex-punk-rocker Joel retooled his chops in Portland, the old-time music capital of the West, where he developed his powerful backup guitar style and all-out vocal delivery. Marielle emerged on the scene as a clogger with the highly acclaimed dance troupe Rhythm 'n Shoes and has since funneled her considerable talent into old-time bass and singing. Track notes and some lyrics included below. All tunes traditional except Rascal Fair (Abell & Higginbotham/ Gordon Rush Music, BMI). Additional words and/or musical arrangements of traditional tunes: Rabbit in the Lowland (B. Leftwich/Gordon Rush Music, BMI); Sally Johnson (B. Leftwich/Gordon Rush Music, BMI); Who's on the Way (Leftwich & Higginbotham/Gordon Rush Music, BMI); Death's Dark Train (Leftwich & Higginbotham/Gordon Rush Music, BMI). 1. Rabbit in the Lowland - Brad found this cut of George Shortbuckle Roarke on a tape of field recordings sent to him by Kerry Blech. Brad added what words he couldn't make out and arranged this appealing tune about love and rabbits. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: all. 2. Rascal Fair - Marielle was moved to write this beautiful melody after reading Ivan Doig's book Dancing at the Rascal Fair. Linda added the words, dedicated to anyone who has ever lost a loved one. Sung by Marielle and Brad. 3. Sally Johnson - Brad's version of this classic fiddle tune was 40 years in the making. 4. Shout Lula - Garry Harrison inspired us to go back and listen to Joe Birchfield again. Lead vocal: Joel; harmony: Linda, Marielle. 5. Lost Indian - From Ed Haley. 6. Let Me Fall - A Tommy Jarrell classic, sung by Marielle and Joel. 7. Who's on the Way - Brad & Linda arranged this song from one of Peter Hoover's field recordings of Dan Tate of Fancy Gap, Va. (Now available from the Field Recorder's Collective). Linda wrote two new verses. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: all. 8. The Last of Callahan - Brad's not sure where he picked up this eastern Kentucky fiddle tune. 9. I've Got a Bulldog - From Fields Ward's Buck Mountain Band, we added some verses inspired by workers recorded on Lomax's Prison Songs. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: all. 10. Big-Eyed Rabbit - One of Brad's favorite tunes he learned from Tommy. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: Joel, Marielle. 11. Hell up Cole Holler - Ken Perlman steered us to the Henry Reed recording, collected by Alan Jabbour. 12. Fall on My Knees - Joel and Marielle's fresh take on an old Round Peak chestnut. 13. Susan's Gone - Brad found this Emma Lee Dickerson tune on the digital library of Appalachia after one of his students wanted to learn it. Marielle whoops it up. 14. Say, Darling, Say - Brad and Marielle sing another song he learned from Tommy, with a few extra mockingbird verses. 15. Sun's Gonna Shine - Keith Little revived our interest in this Carter Family / Flatt & Scruggs favorite. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: Joel, Marielle. 16. Death's Dark Train - Based on the Dock Boggs version of Little Black Train. Lead vocal: Brad; harmony: Marielle, Joel. (At the tail end Brad and Linda play Glory in the Meeting House with Marielle on feet.) Artwork and graphic design by Joel Lensch Photography by Greg Clarke Recorded