Here’s the next in the series of tunes that resulted from a year-long collaboration with fiddler, Esther Morgan-Ellis. We’ve performed them in a series of concerts beginning in Spring 2024. We plan to release a recording of them soon. Here’s a performance of my tune “Red Coreopsis” from our concert at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega.
And here’s the banjo tablature:
Notes About This Tune
- “Red Coreopsis” is in A, played in open A tuning (aEAC#E – open G, capo 2) using the clawhammer style.
- OK, I lied. It’s not really in straightforward A major. It’s actually in a mixed mode that goes by various names: mixolydian over lydian, lydian dominant, mixolydian #11, etc. The mode includes a raised fourth scale degree and a lowered seventh. It’s popular among bebop jazz musicians.
- The B part of this tune is so crooked that it’s bent almost completely out of shape. It starts with a lovely hemiola and then leans into the raised fourth scale degree. It’s a bit of a wild ride–lots of fun when played fast!
- The title comes from the Dwarf Red Coreopsis plant, a member of the tickseed family. I love growing these native perennials and reliably have a few varieties that reseed themselves in my garden every year.
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