Notes on the Tunes

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2. Indian Nation

Bruce Greene collected this from the John Salyer recordings, but it was not included on the Appalachian Center, Berea College collection. It is unlike the versions by Ed Haley or Burl Hammons, though all share the same tuning. What this tuning has to do with Native Peoples is unclear, except that it might evoke the feeling of a haunting woodland empire at the edge of the frontier. Salyer also called it “Betty Baker,” a tune common to eastern Kentucky. His sons called it by that name and sang, “Went over the hill to see Betty Baker, She was asleep and I couldn’t wake her.” (Greene)

Chris’ fiddle GDAD : Whitt’s banjo dGDF#A : Laura’s feet