This crooked, two-part tune is typical of the raggy, bluesy fiddle melodies collectively known as “C tunes.” Named for the Louisville & Nashville railroad line, the “L&N Rag” was first recorded by Alex Hood and his Railroad Boys for a 1930 Vocalion disc. Clawhammer banjo player Ken Perlman suggests that the tune became popular among revivalists following the release of the County anthology LP Old Time String Band Classics, 1927–1933 in 1975. Check out this sprightly fiddle-and-banjo version by Bruce Molsky and Bob Carlin. John teaches the mandolin-friendly melody and demonstrates some interesting chords for accompanying the tune.
