In an effort to re-create and honor a tradition that was begun back in 1957, when Frank Hamilton would teach the same song to different levels of players, we proudly present The Songs of The Session.
Here's the plan: Each session two songs are chosen, one from the songbook and one from the general repertoire. All classes are encouraged to learn these tunes and apply the skills they are working on at their individual levels.
As we start the 2nd decade of the century, our songs of this session exhibit the diversity that is so much a part of the Old Town School experience. These songs are rich in tradition and there is simply no reason why they can't be approached by any of the instruments we teach here at The Old Town School.
For this session we are taking on "The Cuckoo Song" and "Too Much Monkey Business."
The Cuckoo Song
A.k.a., "Jack of Diamonds," in the Old Town School Song Book page 79.
A lovely 2-chord, 8-bar progression covered by everyone: Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Donovan, Peter Paul & Mary, Everly Bros, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Jean Ritchie, Ella Jenkins, Doc Watson, and many more.
A basic 12-bar by one of the founding fathers. Chuck turns 84 on October 18th. Let's celebrate this pioneer while he remains on the planet. Check out a rare interview in the current Rolling Stone.
This song, covered by the essential Brits (Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Yardbirds, Hollies) and briefly toyed with by the Million Dollar Quartet, is thought to be one of the seminal protest songs in the rock genre and possibly a precursor to rap!
In the Guitar program, we have been working with a song of the session for over 7 years. Here's a list of tunes we've studied at our individual levels. We invite you all to embrace each these tunes.
