Stewie - I agree with you about the notes; most of the songs on the
disc are absolutely wonderful, but without notes - a shame indeed.
I would further agree that the recording sounds like an Af/Am group.

Q - thanks for your input and the links.

The thought had come to my mind earlier that this song is structured as a "call and answer" type work song - or even a sea chanty.
Although I don't think that it's origins are adrift at sea, let me
ask this question: did slaves in the cotton fields sing work songs
that were a "call and answer" type? I'm a Texan now, but I was born and raised a yankee and Detroit, Michigan is a l-o-n-g way from Louisiana. Thanks to all for your contributions. Cheers.