I'm wondering if anybody could tell me the name of the first song Elizabeth Cotten plays in this clip on YouTube. The clip is titled "Mama, your papa loves you," which is the name of the second number she does. I'd like to know what the first one is called. Also, if anyone could recommend a book of her music, I'd be grateful.

Thanks in advance.

there's a dvd that you can get from a variety of sources. notice that not only does she play left handed but everything else is upside down. her guitar is presently on display in the lobby of the Smithsonian. 50's 00-18.

Thanks, ferd, for your reply. I had given up on answers and so hadn't checked back here in a while...

I've since learned that the tune whose title I was looking for is an instrumental version of "Walking down the road feeling bad." And I know about that DVD, I believe it's John Miller who's teaching the songs. A couple of excerpts have been posted to "YouTube."

I truly enjoy her music, especially the instrumentals. They have a poetic quality that you don't often hear IMO. Interesting also to consider the debt that John Fahey and others owe her.

I have three versions of her freight train song. Two I work on. One a standard and beautiful version, the other - Derek Coombs arranged. It's taking me a long time to learn it as it's a very tough version, but I'm slowly learning it and I do find it rewarding (if a litle frustrating). Derek is a very strong player, however, and I'm sure he just rattles it off.

There is something wonderful about playing her music. The bends and note combinations are great.

Stuart

quote:

Originally posted by Stuart:
I have three versions of her freight train song. Two I work on. One a standard and beautiful version, the other - Derek Coombs arranged. It's taking me a long time to learn it as it's a very tough version, but I'm slowly learning it and I do find it rewarding (if a litle frustrating). Derek is a very strong player, however, and I'm sure he just rattles it off.

There is something wonderful about playing her music. The bends and note combinations are great.

Stuart

Stuart, I wondered how it was going on my arrangement. Glad to hear you are motivated to keep at it.