The tune is based on a 250 year old English murder ballad “The Gotsport Tragedy” later known as “Pretty Polly.” There are literally scores of verses and variants on the theme. We performed this with our bluegrass band back in the day in the typical uptempo style. But for this version, perhaps to the unhappiness of some :), we produced a reggae version. So does reggae + hillbilly = reggaebilly?
Our objective was to make the song sound as haunting and melancholic as are the many folk versions. Variations of the tune have been recorded in "mountain modal" tuning with the banjo being the prominent instrument. To try and approximate this we ended up doing the song in Bbm. We rested the temptation to add chords as it has been performed for hundreds of years with just the two. Also we hoped to pay homage to its roots with Peter’s acoustic guitar and brief fiddle bits.
Janice: lead vocal, background vocals, cajon and arrangement
Peter: guitar
Bud: arrangement, RealTracks, RealDrums, mix, mastering and photo
Our objective was to make the song sound as haunting and melancholic as are the many folk versions. Variations of the tune have been recorded in "mountain modal" tuning with the banjo being the prominent instrument. To try and approximate this we ended up doing the song in Bbm. We rested the temptation to add chords as it has been performed for hundreds of years with just the two. Also we hoped to pay homage to its roots with Peter’s acoustic guitar and brief fiddle bits.
Janice: lead vocal, background vocals, cajon and arrangement
Peter: guitar
Bud: arrangement, RealTracks, RealDrums, mix, mastering and photo
