Scotland - by the Free Range ‘Possums

Yes, I have been in two, count ‘em, two bands with ‘Possum in the name so far. (It’s ok if you’re impressed.)

This video was taken in February 2009 at the Appalachian Awareness Day celebration at Radford University. We were asked to kick off the event and particularly to play songs about mountaintop removal, which was that year’s theme. We played Black Waters, Paradise, and the Old Homeplace to fit that request, plus some other favorites of ours like Alabama Jubilee, Old Joe Clark, and Devil’s Dream. The sound quality of the video isn’t quite what we wanted, but it gives you an idea anyway.

The video clip begins with us ending the song, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, but the tune I’m featuring this week is called Scotland. It’s a great, traditional fiddle tune and was the last one of our set that day. I hope you enjoy it!

This fine group of folks (sans me) still plays some great bluegrass and old-time tunes here in the New River Valley and now also have an alter ego Dixieland / Jazz band known as the Amore ‘Dillos. (You can when they’re being the ‘Dillos because they all put on bowties. They’re real classy like that.) You can find out more about them by visiting their Facebook page. There are some more recent videos and photos of the group, plus the usual fun silliness that comes from these great folks. Check ‘em out!

Song Credits:
Bud Bennett: banjo
Tom Steele: guitar
Bailey Steele: fiddle
Harper Steele: bass
Fritz Schindler: mandolin
(Julie Steele has since joined the group and does some mighty fine singing!)