Jesse James (slow)

This spritely tune is an amalgamation of old folk songs about Jesse James. To assemble this arrangement, we have combined a solo fiddle line, a soli string counterpoint against it, and a delightful undercurrent of bluegrass guitars, banjo, and mandolin.

There are two recorder parts for this piece – one for soprano and one for alto recorder. The soprano recorder part uses D, E, G, A, B, C, and D'. It should be easy enough for most younger players at this point in the year. (If they are, say, halfway through Recorder Karate, they are ready for this tune.) The alto part, which is optional, uses G, B, C, D, E, and G'. It will add a nice depth to the sound, and your players will love a chance to perform, too.

There are two tempos recorded for this song, a slow one and a fast one. The slow one (half note = 88) is actually the more usable version, but we have included a faster version (half note = 96) that will present special challenges for your better players.

Jesse James, the outlaw - Jesse James was a well-known, though controversial, figure who lived during the mid 1800s, including the era of the Civil War, but most notably afterwards. Legend has it that he was a hero to some and an enemy to others. Many first heard of him through the opening panel of artist Thomas Hart Benton's mural on American Folk Songs, though he has also been immortalized through dime novels, plays, prose, music, and films. This song will give you the opportunity to explore his history with your class if you so desire.

As usual, if you're interested in seeing what the instrumental accompaniment is up to, we have a piano/recorder score you can access at our web site. Free to subscribers, of course.