Bob & Jean are staying with us for a couple of days...and it doesn't take more than a thought, a word, or a hint to inspire them to get out their instruments and break into song. I took this photo Monday morning at the breakfast table.
Bob and Jean entertained us for about an hour, playing and singing both traditional songs & ballads, and introducing us to some of Bob's original pieces. After sharing stories about colorful Ocracoke island characters, Bob played his song about a popular banjo player, Sud Bell (born 1882), last resident of Hog Island, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Ol’ Sud Bell, Ol’ Sud Bell
Sittin’ on the porch of the Wachapreague Hotel
Pickin’ on the banjo, he played it rather well
Gone but not forgotten, is Ol’ Sud Bell!
You can read the rest of the lyrics here: http://www.bobzentz.com/songbook/o.sudbell.htm.
Times like this, shared with talented friends, add spice and beauty to island life.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an article about the Ocracoke Crab Festival which was held each May from 1984 to 1989. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072114.htm.
Can almost here the tune in my head! Would love to be there...such fun.
ReplyDeleteNC Mainlander has a bucket list to learn various folk instruments including the mtn dulcimer, hammered dulcimer & bowed psaltery. Just bought a bowed psaltery from Jones in Bedford, Va this month.
Does Bob & Jean play a bowed psaltery? Would love to hear them play!
Saw both of them last year at Day at the Docks in HatterasVillage and they were both wonderful! Jean sang a song called "Hatteras Home" that was so beautiful. I wonder if they've recorded it yet.
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