Old Timey Tuesdays!* Pretty Saro

It is once again Old Timey Tuesday!  This week we are featuring our fiddler, Ted Kitterman!  We are thrilled to have him with us.  He has already added an extra dimension to our show and he's a hoot to boot! 

This week, we're traveling deep into the Appalachians with "Pretty Saro."  Like many old ballads, "Pretty Saro" originated in England, Ireland or Scotland.  It was brought over in the 1700's and picked up American lyrics.  The tune has been remarkably preserved due to the isolated culture of the Appalachians in the 1700's, 1800's and 1900's. 

It is a sad song. It's a song about separation.  And loneliness.  There are dozens of verse variations.  I chose a variation that focuses on relationship, but it should be noted other verses speak about indentured servitude, "she wants a freeholder, and I have no land."

Musically, this song is often performed a cappella either as a solor or a duet.  OR it is performed as a single voice and a single fiddle.  The fiddle is a very human instrument and the combination of one voice and one stringed instrument creates a haunting sound that highlights the emotion of the song. 

We hope you enjoy "Pretty Saro." 

Meanwhile, we are just a little over a week away from our shows at Steppenwolf and we are plum sold out!  But, we are encouraging people to get on the stand by list.  Just show up to the theatre the night you want to see the show and there is a good chance you'll get in!  I've done it myself.  And you can have a drink and some really wonderful food in the Front Bar.  1700 North Halsted.  To those of you who have purchased tickets, we are so grateful and we can't wait to share the night with you!

*On Old Timey Tuesdays we feature old North American folk, bluegrass, country, blues, ballads, and work songs we love. Some we grew up singin'. Some we've discovered along the way. These songs don't appear in our live shows. But we love them too much not to play them. We hope you love them too.

Do you have an old-timey tune you love?  Let us know and we might give it the She's Folks spin!

Can't make it to our August 25 & 26 shows? Come see She's Folks along with many other wonderful performers at Uptown Underground in Fixed Abode: A Variety Show for Refugees hosted by She's Folks member and dear friend Tyler Thompson. All proceeds benefit Loom.