Welcome to Spring Fed Records
SFR-DU-33024
GOING BACK TO TENNESSEE:
Featuring: The Perry County Music Makers-
Nonnie Presson – Zither, Vocals
Bulow Smith – Guitar, Vocals
Virginia Clayborne – Vocals
1 DEW DROPS … (N.Presson) … 1:28
2 DANCE AT WINDY’S PLACE … (N.Presson) … 2:04
3 SOME WAY … (N.Presson) … 2:59
4 ALL NIGHT LONG … (Traditional) … 1:45
5 SLEEPY TIGER … (N.Presson) … 1:14
6 HOLLOW POPLAR …(Traditional) … 1:31
7 NEW MOON SONG …(N.Presson) … 2:46
8 CHRISTMAS BELLS … (N.Presson) … 2:45
9 SUSIE MAY … (N.Presson) … 2:49
10 8th OF JANUARY … (Traditional) … 1:23
11 GOT A BUDDY I MUST SEE … (N.Presson) … 2:59
12 SOLDIER’S GOODBYE … (N.Presson) … 3:01
13 HAPPY HULA GIRL … (Traditional) … 1:33
14 RIPPLING WATER … (N.Presson) … 1:49
15 BLACKBERRY WALTZ … (N.Presson) … 1:15
16 FISHING BIRD’S RETURN … (N.Presson) … 1:41
Since the release of their first Davis Unlimited album (Sunset Memories
– DU 33009) much has been written about the Perry County Music Makers.
Feature-length articles have appeared in publications such as Old Time
Music and The Devil’s Box. Hence, many of the historical aspects of this
unique group of traditional musicians has already been made available
to collectors and scholars. However, little of this information has shown
the real love of music that can be found only from talking with Nonnie
Presson, her brother, Bulow Smith, and their niece, Virginia Clayborne.
Fortunately, I have been among those privileged to acquire some of this
information first – hand. In preparing the material for their second album
it seemed highly appropriate that the leader and guiding force of the
Perry County Music Makers, Nonnie Presson, share some of her feelings
about her involvement and attachment to her music. I hope that the following
piece by Nonnie will make the music a little more “personal” when you
listen to it.
Steve Davis
Davis Unlimited Records
February 1976
MY MUSIC
In answer to the many questions, I will write a sketch of my life as a
musician and song writer. So many people ask how I learned music. I had
my first and only music lesson when I was a very small child. I don’t
remember how old I was but I stood between my Father’s legs, with my elbows
resting on his knees, as he explained the notes to me. He was teaching
a music school so I wanted him to teach me too. I have never forgotten
the notes or that lesson.
I started playing the French harp when I was about three years old. I
had heard my mother and father playing a duet on the harps. After Dad
went to work, I slipped outside with one of the harps and started playing
it. Mother said she heard a beautiful rendition of “Darling Nellie Gray”
so she went out to see where that music was coming from. There I was,
a tiny tyke, sitting on an ash pile playing the harp. Mother said it actually
frightened her.
I started playing the zither when I was about 8 years old. My very first
composition was “Fishing Bird’s Return.” A little later, I wrote the words
and music to “Trail Of The Lonesome Pine.” I have forgotten most of the
lyrics, but still play the melody.
You might say music is, and has always been, a big part of my life. I
have known music as long as I have known anything. Words cannot express
just how I feel about it. To me it is a link between Heaven and Earth.
In fact, it has been said that music ties the “Two World” together, and
I find this is very true. Of course, Bulow has always played a big part
in my music and my life. We have been singing together since he was a
teenager. His singing (and guitar playing) is a natural talent and his
voice is just right for my songs.
Virginia has always been interested in music too. She started playing
the guitar and mandolin when she was about 11 years old. She was my alto
singer when I had a quartet a few years ago. So when we “revived” The
Perry County Music Makers, is seemed only natural that she sing with us.
That is the way it all began. I have been writing music for over 70 years
and have no intention of stopping now.
Nonnie Presson
Pine View, Tennessee
February, 1976
PRODUCED BY: Steve Davis, Charles K. Wolfe, & The Perry County Music
Makers
Special thanks are due Bill and Ellyn Trigg for their continued patience
and care involved in the production of all Davis Unlimited releases.