Tune Req: Clogging Tunes

Subject: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 08:50 PM

There is a good chance that we will be playing for some cloggers. We play "Old Timey" and "what we call Celtic" tunes (Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc.). The problem is that I need to know the type tunes and if possible the names of some good tunes that cloggers enjoy.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 09:00 PM

What style of clogging? English? Appalachian? Irish?

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 09:44 PM

Primarily Appalacihian with some Irish.   

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 12:50 AM

So this thread is about 'Tunes to Clog By'? I thought it meant 'Tunes That Clog Your Ears'...

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: M.Ted
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 12:53 AM

My experience working in the stage band for a performing Appalachian clogging ensemble is that bluegrass is what they like--The quick tempo, and the Scruggs-style banjo seem to be necessary to get the movements right--

We generally did a ten minute medley that started with "Old Joe Clark" and ended "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with a couple other melodies thrown in--the tunes didn't matter so much as working what we had to match their choreography--also important is that, while the band follows the lead instrument, the dancers listen to the bass player(in fact, one of the what the jingle-taps and all, the bass is often the only instrument that they can really hear)--

More important than anything--you have to keep the speed right on the money--they are basically in the air most of the time, and need to keep up a certain speed to stay off the ground--on the otherhand, too fast, and they can't execute the steps properly--If the band is off, "Breakdown" takes on a tragic new meaning--

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: GUEST,nutty
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:36 AM

There's a real selection of Appalachian tunes on this site.

The Henry Reed Collection

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: masato sakurai
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 09:11 AM

See Stevens Clogging Music ("This is the list of top tunes selected by cloggers for dancing together in group dances at workshops.")

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: M.Ted
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 10:38 AM

Thanks for posting the Henry Reed Collection, Nutty--it is hard to overemphasize it's value, not just as a reference on old fiddle styles, but also as a learning resource for musicians--The amazing thing is that for years, only a few people had access to it, and now it is available to anyone, anywhere--

And Masato, thanks for posting that link--a pointed reminder that dancers can't used just any old music, and they often have to record special versions that suit their needs--

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 12:43 PM

The Talking Clogging Blues

If you want to stop clogging I'll tell ya how to do it,
To get rid of all that hardened suet,
Stand back and toss it down the hole,
Just like cleaning the toilet bowl,
DRAINO,
You got it licked.

But talk about the dancers prancing in herds,
Lookin' not to step in them steamin' turds,
Like catchin' them birds putting salt on their tails,
Shake out the Draino on the dancers feet,
No, it don't rhyme,
But that's cool,
This is a short song,
Points made,
Job done !

Art Thieme---July 15, 2004

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: MAG
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:39 PM

Art, back in another lifetime I took Cherie Shephard's clogging class -- first at OTS and then (after she told a certain ex-director to take the proverbial long walk off the proverbial short pier) she held it elsewhere. and always to live old-timey music, not the pop stuff a lot of cloggers seem to use nowadays (I like the music; I just think it is wildly inappropriate for clogging).

Am I remembering right that your bright and shining face was there occasionally??

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 07:03 PM

MAG,
You are the best straight person I've ever met.

You asked: "Did I ever see your shing face IN A CLOGGING CLASS?"

ANSWER: NO, I get my exercise being a pall bearer for my friends who clog !!!

Art

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: MAG
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 10:43 PM

Me and Margaret Dumont ...

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Clogging Tunes
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 16 Jul 04 - 07:23 PM

Thanks for the advice, wonderful websites etc. (even Art's Talking Clogging Blues). I suppose before this all comes about I'd better take a class or two in aerobic fiddling.

Cap't Bob