Some notes on the music and performances
by
THE JACKSON PIKE SKIFFLERS
Some have called it "antique music",
and true enough, the Skifflers' repertoire comes from a long line
of , American tradition dating way back. Most of the tunes and songs
come from about 1780 to 1950. A few are older, a few are newer, but
most come from a time when people made music for themselves. However
old the music may be, the tunes that told a story or livened up an
evening long ago are given new life by this unique group of musicians.
Antique? Yes, but never dull.
For over forty years, The Jackson Pike Skifflers have
delighted hundreds of audiences with their special blend of old-time
music. Their broad repertoire, built on many aspects of American culture
and its varied roots, adds a special touch to many types of events,
educational and entertaining, for people of all ages. Here's a sampling
of some of the types of programs they do:
A performance might take the form of a concert, indoors
or out, or it might be part of a fair, festival, church supper, luncheon
or dinner meeting, historical event, rally, organization function,
country dance, square dance, barbecue, wedding, party, or any event
for which unique, nostalgic music will help set a mood.
Skiffler performances might feature many types
of the old-time music they do, or, because of the richness of American
vernacular music and the extent of the Skifflers' repertoire, programs
can be "tailored" in many ways. For example:
AGE GROUPS
- Obviously, senior citizens love the old-time music, whether it's
for an 80th birthday party or a senior center luncheon, but children
are often among the Skifflers' most attentive audiences. Events, places
and earlier lifestyles come alive through songs and dances that have
charmed children for generations. Puppets and dancing limberjacks
add to the fun. Many comment on the Skifflers' appeal to the whole
family.
REGIONAL
THEMES - Old-time cowboy songs and western dances
liven up many "Texas barbecues". New England and seafarers'
tunes add a unique touch to a clambake or oyster festival, and haunting
Appalachian songs , and dances set the mood for many a country-style
gatherin'. City life around the turn of the century and beyond is
reflected in many minstrel show, vaudeville, ragtime and tin-pan alley
tunes the Skifflers play.
HISTORICAL
- Many historic events are "documented" in vernacular music.
Skiffler programs often blend these story songs with lore and spirited
music from earlier times. Sometimes, music from specific periods can
be selected for special commemorative events. Not only is the historical
music a window into other eras, it is still very entertaining to people
of all ages.
FROM THE
HEARTLAND - The Skifflers' performances of traditional
country Gospel hymns and songs recall the days of old-time "camp
meetings" for church-sponsored events, and can liven up many
get-togethers with their high-spirited messages of life, love and
family. Railroad lore is another all-American theme, documented for
all time in hundreds of songs and tunes from the days of John Henry
to the "disappearin' railroad blues", and a vital part of
the Skifflers collection. Music of the dust bowl and the depression,
especially Woody Guthrie's songs, are another essential part of the
Skifflers' repertoire.
FOR DANCING
- The Skifflers draw from an extensive repertoire of exciting,
authentic music for traditional square dances and New England contra
dancing, working with leading callers in the area. For weddings and
other parties, many enjoy doing the Charleston, one-step or waltz
to the Skifflers' vintage tunes.
FROM THE "MELTING
POT" - Around St. Patrick's Day, and for other Irish-flavored
celebrations, Irish roots within the group and a healthy repertoire
of celtic jigs, reels, hornpipes, ballads and pub songs provide the
right touch at parties and pubs. For other events the Skifflers can
also offer a delightful array of music from Israel, Scandinavia and
eastern Europe.
To do all of the above, and then some, requires several good
singers (there are as many as five), and a lot of versatility with
appropriate traditional instruments, such as: fiddles, banjo, guitar,
bass, autoharp, accordion, melodeon, Dobro, harmonica, kazoo, gut-bucket,
mandolin, piano, banjo-lute, bones, spoons, penny whistle, flute,
bodhran, washboard, dulcimer. . . . . . and probably more.
THE JACKSON PIKE SKIFFLERS
welcome your inquiries if you feel that their
type of music fits a particular program or event.
Write or call
Will Tressler;
146 Bibbins Road Easton CT;
06612; (203) 268-7674
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The old
recordings of the Jackson Pike Skifflers were mainly for promotional
use, however, they include many wonderful sounds and musicains
and still resemble the band as it is today.
Click below to hear a promotional sound sample.
|
|
The old
recordings of the Jackson Pike Skifflers were mainly for promotional
use, however, they include many wonderful sounds and musicains
and still resemble the band as it is today.
Click below to hear a promotional sound sample.
|
We'll keep you posted about the Upcoming CD!