The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #36973   Message #524942
Posted By: JohnInKansas
10-Aug-01 - 05:01 AM
Thread Name: Tune Origins: Whiskey Before Breakfast
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Angeline the baker & whiskey before
The only vocal version I've heard of Whiskey Before Breakfast is by Mike Cross, on several of his CDs. He agrees almost with Margo:

Lord preserve us, and protect us
We've been drinking whiskey 'fore breakfast.

Given Mike's popularity, his rendition has probably taken over most campground pickers and singers. While Mike is a trained professional, he does things with music that shouldn't be attempted at home by amateurs. But they keep trying....

His instrumental backup is close to the traditional Whisky 'Fore Breakfast, although the leadin phrase on the A part is "simplified" - probably for the speed. It's not nearly as "pretty" as more trad versions, but is the only version I've heard in campground pickin' for about the last 3 years. Pity.

The vocal does not fit with the tune, but is done as a "voice-over" almost in "talkin' blues" style. There is a "tune" there, but it's pretty much monotone.

Mike Cross, "Best of the Funny Stuff," Sugar Hill, SH-CD-1010 or "Live & Kickin'", SH-CD-1005 are a couple of Mike's CDs that have this tune.

John