jigs

Subject: jigs + southern bands
From:
Date: 18 Apr 00 - 01:37 PM

Can anyone tell me any history about why southern string bands don't play jigs? >With the Scottish and Irish settlers to the region, one would think that >form would be included.

Subject: RE: jigs
From: Homeless
Date: 18 Apr 00 - 04:59 PM

Can you be more specific than "southern"? I've danced to bands from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, all of which played some jigs (and reels, and waltzes, and a couple even played the occasional polka or schottiche.) Are we talking southern in a global sense or a specific area or what? Or is it just in one particular genre of music?

Subject: RE: jigs
From: kendall
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 02:18 PM

Is it because many pickers find it hard to play in 6/8 time?

Subject: RE: jigs
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 02:40 PM

I don't really know the answer, but in my travels I have discovered that there are "hornpipey" fiddlers and "jiggy" fiddlers. I guess I am one of the former, because I catch myself putting the long/short rythym in everything, including waltzes! I can play jigs, but often realized that I am hornpiping the jig rythym too!

Subject: RE: jigs
From: Jim Krause
Date: 25 Apr 00 - 05:07 PM

I think what our guest dhowell is referring to are the stringbands that favor the Galax/Round Peak style of playing. And I share the observation that they have an allergy to anything that is not in 2/4 time. If Tommy and Kyle didn't play jigs, then God must have intended for us all to play in 2/4.

As far as style, or bowing goes, I'm lost on the "jiggy" vs. "hornpipey" terms. I play 'em all, hornpipes, reels, and jigs, since I play mostly for local dances. I find that the dancers don't care for the subtle nuances of fiddling technique, as long as you accomplish a few simple things: 1. play loud enough to be heard, 2. Keep the rhythm steady, and 3. don't quit until the caller gives you the cut-off signal.