Americana Highways is hosting this video premiere of Cornmaiz String Band’s version of the traditional song “Jubilee” from their recently released self-titled debut album. The album was produced by Yani Vozos and Arlo Barnette
This traditional song was learned from Jean Ritchie with added additional lyrics by Carla Gove. Musicians on “Jubilee” are Carla Gover on banjo and vocals; Zoey Barrett on bass and vocals; Arlo Barnette on guitar; and Yani Vozos on mandolin.
The video features centuries-old moving pictures crankie artwork and construction, which was created courtesy of Jannell Canderday. The video was filmed by Carla Gover. Listen to the Cornmaiz String Band’s delicious harmonies, sung gently over flowing bluegrass arrangments, and share in this song’s lovely rebirth.
This is your great-grandmother’s music video!
Kentucky’s CornMaiz String Band plays tunes handed down since the 1800s, so it’s only fitting that they’d make a video with an old-timey sensibility. This song lends itself perfectly to interpretation in the style of a ‘crankie’, an art form originally popular in Europe during the late 1800s. For the artwork, this family band decided to keep it in the family by collaborating with artist/musician Jannell Canerday, a distant cousin. Her whimsical and humorous illustrations bring to life the scenes from the song, featuring plants, animals, and settings that are special to the band (cornfields, snakes, wildflowers, and hawks, to name a few), as well as LOTS of dancing! The video element adds another way to enjoy this playful song, and enhances the brilliance of a Kentucky gem!
This is a traditional tune Carla learned from Jean Ritchie, her dear friend and mentor, whom she wanted to honor by including this track. Carla grew up on Sand Lick Creek, about 30 miles from Jean’s homeplace in Viper, and enjoyed decades of friendship and inspiration with Jean until her death. Carla’s version changes the melody and adds some of her own lyrics, but the joyful spirit of the mountain dance tune remains intact. — Carla Gover
Discover more information, tour dates and links to their music here: https://cornmaizstringband.com