Spoon Playing CDs Available
Many folks have asked me through the years if there was a source for recorded music which featured musical spoon playing. In response to those requests, I am listing the source for a few such recordings. Interested parties can secure more information from the parties at the listed e-mail addresses.
Best Wishes,
A. Claude Ferguson
The Spoons Teacher is a documentary portrait in words and music of 79-year-old A. Claude Ferguson--forester, musician, whistleblower, teacher. Ferguson grew up in the Missouri Ozarks in the 1930s. Produced by Adam Schwartz. Running time 20 minutes. "Engaging and beautifully produced."--Transom.org. Available from the producer at the following address: abschwar@indiana.edu
How About This - Old Time Fiddling is a CD containing 16 fiddle tunes by Strings and Things, a most unique musical group. Musicians are Martha Ritter on the key board, guitar and accordion, 16 year old Aaron Ritter on the fiddle, 18 year old Brandon Owen on the stand-up base and 14 year old Andrew Ritter on the cello. A. Claude Ferguson plays spoons with the group on three tunes, Mississippi Sawyer, Soldier's Joy with the spoon solo break, and their barn-burner arrangement of The Orange Blossom Special. Available from Martha Ritter at the following address: camaritt@rtccom.net
Fiddle Fire - Come Play With Us is a CD containing 17 tunes by the Panning Family Band. The band consists of Roween on the hammered dulcimer & guitar, David on the bones, Luke age 12 on the fiddle & stand-up bass, Eve age 9 on the fiddle & spoons, Josiah age 7 on the stand-up bass & spoons. They are joined on several numbers by guitarist Allan Manship. Sue Manship joins in the vocals as Luke takes the lead in singing Whoa, Mule, Whoa. One tune, Soldier's Joy, features Eve doing the solo part on the wooden spoons. Available from Roween Panning at the following address: ropan@macatawa.org
Hoosier Hotcakes is a CD containing 14 old time country tunes played by the versitile Mitch Rice on the banjo, guitar and harmonica accompanied by his wife Eileen on limbergacks and vocals. Tom Townsend helps out with his fiddle playing on several tunes. You can join Eileen with your spoons as she provides superb rhythmic background with her limberjack. Available from Mitch Rice at the following address: www.bloomington.in.us/~mitch
