Today I introduce to you a song you probably already know, but it's at the top of the list on my favorite old time songs. It's also one of the first songs that I really learned. There are a handful of tunes out there that speak about old Bonaparte doing something, i.e retreating, crossing the rockies, marching, etc. This would be my favorite out of the bunch though without question!
There are some really good discussions, and history related to this song out on the web already. Instead of copying and pasting here (and clogging things up), I figured I would direct you to a couple of links:
Here is a good discussion on the BHO from 2009 that is worth reading
Here is a long discussion on the Session that is enlightening as well.
I have a question about this song that I hope you guys can answer. Everywhere you look (including fiddler's companion, etc), it says that this tune also goes by the name of Bonaparte's Retreat. To me, these are completely different songs that are unrelated. Do you guys agree? Are there times when the melody we know as BCTR is also called Bonaparte's Retreat? If you've got any insight to the history and background of this tune, please share!
Here are my 3 favorite mp3's and videos out there on the hangout and youtube.
BHO MP3's
Zepp - if this ain't the definitive version of BCTR, then I don't know what is!
Mark Johnson - easily one of my favorite pickers on the hangout
Blockader - if you haven't clicked "like" on this one yet, you should. Sounds so perfect and effortless
Videos
Dan Levenson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJSKh5znWPQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Donald Zepp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evg1XP2MOvg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Don Borchelt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDhGI9OlqpQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I've attached my version as well at the bottom. I had hoped to get a fresh recording done for the TOTW, but with a 7 week old baby at home, I haven't been playing any banjo other than recording a video of Boatman so I can hopefully (doubtfully) double my number of banjos to 2. :)
Feel free to post your own version! I'd love to see some more videos and mp3's on the hangout of this wonderful song.
Finally, if you haven't voted on the clawhammer challenge yet, go check out some videos and give some ratings. http://www.banjohangout.org/events/contest-videos.asp?ID=2. There are some amazing versions out there and it's going to be hard for anyone to pick a winner.
