Tribute to the Carter Family

Finally,  I have an urge to update.  Although Jenny and my musical activity has been lower than usual this summer, we are looking forward to being a part of the Floyd Country Store's  'special' event on Sept 20th.  An evening of Carter Family music will feature grandson of AP and Sara, Dale Jett and his wife Teresa along with others.  The 'others' include Jenny and me along with Gary and Jackie Ferguson with Rhoda Kemp and her sister Iva Stillwell.  To top the evening off will be the duo of Jeremy Stevens and Darren Moore who will replicate the 'sound' of the Original Cater Family. They will demonstrate exactly how Sara and Maybelle played their instruments and sang on a whole set of numbers. I may even get to sing AP's part on a couple of numbers in their set.  Yay!

 So using my ipod I have been pumping into my head the music of the Carter Family that I got in a huge 12 CD collection from Floyd's own  County Sales at the bottom of Talley's Alley.  Its very interesting to  hear the details of their style which was so strong and captivating to the rural audience of the 20's and 30's.  Women should be proud to have been represented in such a high profile  and effective way especially in those days.  I am a huge fan of Maybelle's guitar innovations and her links to the black community from where she was influenced.  As a person who drawn to the rhythmic aspect of old-time music as opposed to the melodic I find their approach to backing up a song full of life and power.  If you are not already a fan of the Original Carter  Family I urge you to open your mind and listen to all aspects of their music from the 

words, the melody, the harmony, the autoharp rhythm and the various ways Maybelle chose to play her Gibson L-7 archtop with its top quality tone.  By the way she had it tuned 3 frets below standard to get those deep notes on certain songs.  

The story of their music is one thing but the story of how their popularity in the world of 

commercial music business affected their everyday lives is fascinating.   I recently read their biography entitled "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone".  I recommend it to you as it will help anyone to understand  the way life was for them in such a rapidly changing time in America's history.  Visit your local library ASAP.

Summer News

Summers on the fly and days are getting shorter so what can I say.  We've been gone some on family trips not music trips as it has been a different season of life for us and our family.  We are intentionally not going far away for a while.  Its hard to make plans for anything following the loss of family members and old friends in the past few weeks.  I even lost a great employee to a more serious employer, but, with a slower than usual season in my cabinet shop,  its been a good thing for now. 

 So having fixed up a neat old Gibson L-00 guitar for country music lady extraordinaire Sue Edmonds I am ready to get on to some banjo-making.  I just made a terrific haul of some birdseye maple from Ontario (where Jenny's parents live) and hope to do some trading to my banjo making buddies Mike Ramsey and Greg Galbreath.  I have curly maple and dark chocolate walnut as well.  Yum Yum!

 I have been asked to exhibit  my  banjo making for two dates later this summer.  First, on Saturday August 30th at the Blue Ridge Music Center, there will be myself along with several other luthiers who are known as players of their handmade instruments. Visit their website for more info.  There will be a playing demonstrations as well as the opportunities to see the construction methods for various string instruments.  A similar day will be held at the old Whitetop school the next Saturday September 6.  This day is dedicated to the memory of the prolific fiddle maker and player Albert Hash who was an inspiration for so many of us.  There will be arts, crafts, food, and several bands including Jenny and me performing in the afternoon.  See myspace.com/alberthashmemorialfestival.

Check our calendar for more performances coming up like 'Floydfest' and 'Stepping Out'

Our new CD has been getting airplay and great reviews.  Be sure to check our myspace page for a quick and easy way to listen to some sound clips.   Myspace.com/macandjennytraynham      

To obtain a copy direct from us  please come back to this blog and get the info from the very bottom of this page.   Thanks for any and all support for old-time country music. 

  Check back often as I hope to post more. Let us know who you are as we welcome contact from anyone.