Just a PS...

In saying I thought the Pine Barrens never had a distinct musical tradition, I see I stand corrected by RangerSteve above, who speaks of tunes native there and not heard elsewhere. I'd like to hear them!

Mostly what I was able to hear in the neighborhood was Irish and Yankee style tunes, nothing distinctly local in origin or sound. It would be fascinating to know what the native tunes are like -- are they Irish-influenced, English, German, or like nothing else on earth? And was there a native song tradition as well?

As a kid from just the other side of the Delaware (and only Jerseyites and Pennsylvanians can realize what rivalry and scorn that can sometimes imply), I've always hoped to find distinctly native Pine Barrens fiddle tunes and songs, and never quite succeeded. Met several fine singers and players along the way though.

In general New Jersey's traditions of all sorts deserve to be better known. For one thing, the two states share the Lenni-Lenape, one of America's most intriguing Native American groups, with their own music and tales. For another, NJ and PA were among the earliest states settled. Just as there is in places in Pennsylvania (though pretty well hidden), there should be at least a remnant of the Anglo- and European-American song traditions in the Barrens somewhere.

But as Pineys and their friends know, the place keeps its secrets well.

Bob