I don’t remember who I first heard play Shuckin’ the Bush, but I remember thinking it was a super cool tune, and starting to work it out immediately.
My coolest memory around this tune was at the Royal Gorge Fiddle Contest, when Herman Johnson judged it and some amazing fiddlers showed up (including Matthew Hartz, Danita (Rast) Gardner, Roberta Rast, and Levi Dennis.) Herman played it when we were doing a little jamming after the contest. I’m a huge fan of Herman and his fiddling. I totally wore out “Simply Perfect”.
I made an offer a while back that if you send in a rhythm track that I will play along with it for Fiddle Tune a Day (provided I haven’t already played it.) JT Trawick sent in this rhythm track to Shuckin’ the Bush, so I, of course, recorded myself playing along with the rhythm.
Shuckin’ the Bush according to Fiddler’s Companion
SHUCKING THE BRUSH. AKA – “Shuck in the Bush.” AKA and see “Chuck in the Bush [1].” Old-Time, Breakdown. D Major. Not to be confused with “Bush in the Shucks,” a different tune.
CHUCK IN THE BUSH [1]. AKA – “Shuckin’ the Bush.” Old-Time, Breakdown. D Major. Standard tuning. ABBCCDD (Silberberg): AABBCCD (Phillips). Composition of the tune has been attributed to the father of Bryan Houston, with the original name being “Bush in the Shucks.” Benny Thommasson’s “Bush in the Shucks/Chuck in the Bush” is considered by many a different tune, however. Source Hartz can be heard playing the tune on the 1995 Weiser contest recording. Silberberg and Phillips have the parts in different order. Sources for notated versions: James Chancellor and Matthew Hartz (Meridian, Idaho) [Phillips]; Carthy Sisco [Silberberg]. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), vol. 1, 1994; pg. 52. Silberberg (Tunes I Learned at Tractor Tavern), 2002; pg. 23. Chancellor Records (PO Box 6058, Richardson, TX 75080), Jim Chancelor {AKA Texas Shorty}–“Best of Texas Shorty” (originally recorded in the late 50’s, early 60’s on a 45 RPM). Gillian Music (Rt. 3, Box 39, Chandler, OK, 74834)–“Benny Thomasson , volumes 1 and 2.”
I sure remember who I first heard playing it….Earl White at the Old Songs Festival in upstate New York…great tune, and we pull it out at our sessions from time to time
Nice story. It's one of my favorite Breakdowns. It just has a great rhythmic bump to it.
Really, really great stuff… Am debating a FTAD challenge for Jan 1 2014 myself… makes me a little nervous… what do you do when you are away on vacation?
Thanks, Steve! I brought my fiddle with me everywhere I went for the whole year. And, when I traveled, I tried to find a musician to record a tune with me. It made for some great opportunities to meet and play with some amazing people. And, it should make you nervous. It's a big commitment. If you set out to do it, make sure you follow through. It was a big challenge, and there were lots of nights when I just wanted to go to bed rather than recording my tune, but it was well worth the difficulties. Best of luck!
Thanks Vi… I started a '2014 Fiddle Tune of the Day' group on facebook… Gonna post a tune a day… we'll see how it all works out.
Steve Cody That's great! Invite me to the group. Best of luck with it!
Steve Cody That's great! Invite me to the group. Best of luck with it!
Hi vi… throw in a request here… i'll add you 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/335881826554929/
Very nice Vi.