Several months ago when my friend and fiddling companion Justin Manglitz and I set out to create our track list for upcoming album “Round Peak, Georgia”, the hardest part of the whole thing was deciding what tunes to include. Or, rather, what tunes to leave out!
I love virtually every tune that’s associated with the Round Peak tradition, and have come to know many of them like old friends. Picking which ones to put on the album was like choosing your favorite child.
But John Brown’s Dream, that was a no brainer.
It’s one of the most iconic tunes from that region, plus it’s one that really shines when the fiddle and banjo are marching in lockstep.
And playing in lockstep with a fiddler is in my opinion one of the great thrills of playing the banjo.
Yet, I know that not everyone has easy access to an ace fiddler like Justin to play along with, which is in part why I created the “Banjo Players Edition” package as a supplement to the album. Something for all the banjo players out there.
With the tab arrangements for my banjo part in all the tunes, plus solo fiddle tracks at performance and slowed speeds, it provides you the chance to take my spot in the banjo-fiddle duet (it’s also included as part of the Breakthrough Banjo course).
I’ve personally spent many hours playing along with recordings and backing tracks like this, and consider it to be instrumental (pun partially intended) to my own musical development.
The New “Georgia Jays” Shirt
Lastly, a few folks spied the new “Georgia Jays” shirt I was wearing in the video last week, and asked where they can grab one. They’re currently available through Amazon – you can click here or on the image below to get one.
Below you’ll find not just the tab for this tune, but also the solo fiddle tracks at performance and slowed speed if you want to play alongside Justin (be sure to turn up the volume so you can hear it easily over your banjo). And if you end up enjoying yourself, then you might check out the “Round Peak, Georgia” Players Edition.
John Brown’s Dream – Solo Fiddle – Performance Speed:
John Brown’s Dream – Solo Fiddle – Slowed Speed:
John Brown’s Dream
aEAC#E tuning, Brainjo level 3-4
Interested In Simpler Arrangements for the Tune of the Week?
Many of you have asked for some slightly simplified arrangements for the tunes in the Tune of the Week series. I’m pleased to report that Level 2 versions of the Tune of the Week tunes are now available as part of the Breakthrough Banjo course (along with many others!). And, of course, all of the main Tune of the Week arrangements are there as well. Click here to learn more–>
View the Brainjo Course Catalog
