Chuck Naill - Posted - 12/07/2009:  10:08:02

If you could go back in time and have a lesson with Eck Robertson, what you you ask or do?

DougD - Posted - 12/07/2009:  10:50:44

That's easy. "Where did you learn "Ragtime Annie?" No one seems to know where that tune comes from.

leroyleroux - Posted - 12/07/2009:  11:17:32

Heh, my dad just gave me a bunch of his old records, and one of them was by this guy. I hadn't heard of him, so I did a little research. Interesting stuff, and a pretty good record. I converted it to digital.

Peghead - Posted - 12/07/2009:  11:41:23

If I could have a lesson with any great fiddler alive or dead I would pick the live one.

Edited by - Peghead on 12/07/2009 11:43:55

scrubber - Posted - 12/07/2009:  11:53:08

Seems academic to me, since this is impossible.

We can, however, learn much from Eck's recordings (although we have to provide our own answers to the questions / challenges his playing presents!)

dave

mudbug - Posted - 12/07/2009:  12:58:51

Going back in time always presents problems.

1) Do you pay him in current values which would probably give him a heart attact,or do you pay in his time's value which would be ripping him off?

2) Would something that you play change his playing style?

3) Would you crosspaths with your grandfather as a young man? Never a good idea.

He left you lessons on his recordings. Don't bugger up the space/time continuem!

Chuck Naill - Posted - 12/07/2009:  13:44:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by mudbug

Going back in time always presents problems.

1) Do you pay him in current values which would probably give him a heart attact,or do you pay in his time's value which would be ripping him off?

2) Would something that you play change his playing style?

3) Would you crosspaths with your grandfather as a young man? Never a good idea.

He left you lessons on his recordings. Don't bugger up the space/time continuem!

---

M-D - Posted - 12/07/2009:  15:16:59

1) He'd never take money for this.
2) Not bloody likely.
3) Nope. Wrong part of the land-mass.

The space/time continuum changes constantly, and it's easy to do. No big deal.

ScottK - Posted - 12/07/2009:  16:36:44

I'd settle for a lesson or two from Glenn Godsey and I'd ask him what he learned from Eck Robertson and the other old timers he knew as a young man.

Scott

leroyleroux - Posted - 12/07/2009:  18:07:20

In the record that I mentioned, there is a little booklet about Eck, his discography, and a recap of the songs. Here's what it says about Ragtime Annie, Doug.

"Ragtime Annie - This tune may have originated as a piano piece known as Raggedy Ann Rag. It is very well known in Texas and the entire Southwest as a popular contest tune. The first two parts are played in the key of D; The third part, sometimes omited (sp?), is in G."

I don't know the third part myself.

DougD - Posted - 12/07/2009:  18:30:06

Thanks, leroyleroux, for that info. However, I (and I don't think anyone else either) have never been able to find a piano piece titled "Ragtime Annie" or "Raggedy Ann Rag" or anything similar, and I've looked for it. And although its certainly well known now, and a popular contest piece, I don't think there's any record of it (written or otherwise) predating the Eck Robertson recording on Victor. Its as though it just sprang up like a mushroom after a rain.
Many people don't play the G part, but I do: fiddlehangout.com/myhangout/me...icid=2030

Edited by - DougD on 12/07/2009 19:55:36

wormbower - Posted - 12/07/2009:  18:39:23

I'd record his entire repertoire on 21st century equipment, bring my recordings back to the present, and sell it to all you guys for big bucks.

Paul

leroyleroux - Posted - 12/07/2009:  18:39:41

Very nice. Now that I hear it again, I realize I have heard the G part, just don't do it., nor does our banjo picker. I should have it so I can throw it in when I feel like it.

Edit - I did find this, but is nothing like the current version. It is a few songs down.

folkways.si.edu/TrackDetails.a...emid=1658

Edited by - leroyleroux on 12/07/2009 18:46:12

DougD - Posted - 12/07/2009:  20:00:07

Thanks for that, leroyleroux - its the first piece I've seen with that name. From what I can hear its based on James P. Johnson's hit "Charleston" and I agree it doesn't sound anything like the Eck Robertson tune. It would be interesting to hear the whole thing.

Edited by - DougD on 12/07/2009 20:00:58