Description
John Rector was an influential old-time fiddle and banjo player from Galax, Virginia. These recordings were made between January and June of 1974 by Tom Carter and Blanton Owen, during a period when they documented and preserved the work of many wonderful old-time musicians. He was also recorded by John Lomax in 1937. On this disk, you’ll hear Mr.Rector play many of his favorite tunes and discuss his influences. Mr.Rector had a unique sound and style and was a frequent winner at the Galax Fiddlers’ Convention. Special thanks to John’s granddaughter, Nancy Atakan, for her permission and help with releasing this project. – Kilby Spencer
released January 15, 2021
John Rector – fiddle and banjo
Blanton Owen – banjo on tracks where present with John on fiddle
Track List
John Rector – Galax Fiddle & Banjo – FRC737
- Ebenezer (1:31)
- Discussion on last tune, learning to play (1:15)
- Talk of Zach Payne (1:33)
- Old Dad (1:29)
- Talk about John’s fiddle (0:42)
- Dance All Night (0:59)
- Fisher’s Hornpipe (0:44)
- Talk about his family & band (1:37)
- Forked Deer (1:14)
- Sally Ann (1:22)
- Mississippi Sawyer (1:07)
- Flop Eared Mule (1:07)
- Richmond (0:25)
- Susannah Gal (1:39)
- Richmond (1:28)
- Jack of Diamonds (1:21)
- Pretty Little Girl (0:58)
- Talk (0:10)
- Pretty Little Girl (0:30)
- Breaking Up Christmas (1:01)
- Talk (0:18)
- Cripple Creek (0:43)
- Stepback Cindy (0:29)
- Stepback Cindy (1:16)
- Talk of John’s favorite tune (0:09)
- Fanny Hill (0:46)
- Chapel Hill Serenade (0:44)
- Cleveland Marching to the White House (0:13)
- Old Dad (1:04)
- Talk (0:13)
- Ebenezer (1:45)
- Talk of Isom and Fielden Rector (0:46)
- Fisher’s Hornpipe (0:49)
- Fisher’s Hornpipe (0:30)
- Forked Deer (1:09)
- Mississippi Sawyer (1:06)
- Talk about living in Mount Airy (1:00)
- Jack of Diamonds (1:15)
- Jack of Diamonds (1:00)
- Sally Ann on banjo (0:22)
- Talk (0:15)
- Arkansas Traveler on banjo (0:25)
- Sally Ann on banjo (0:54)
- Talk (0:23)
- Sally Ann (1:32)
- Stepback Cindy (1:24)
