HOOT Thursday’ Video Premiere: Tracy Bonham, “In the Pines”

For this Thurdsay’s HOOT offering, I give you Tracy Bonham performing the trad tune, “In the Pines.”

While so many of us are familiar with this song, I guarantee you haven’t heard it in quite this way. Bonham used looping fiddle lines that build and eventually give the effect of a backing ensemble that she then solos over. It’s haunting and stunning. While we were setting up to shoot and before any of the crowd had gathered in the room, she laid down the very first fiddle line that you’ll hear open the song.

“In the Pines,” also known as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” and “Black Girl,” is a traditional American folk song which dates back to at least the 1870s, and is believed to be Southern Appalachian in origin. Famous versions of the tune include those by Lead Belly, Bill Monroe and Nirvana. If you are a traditional folk music enthusiast like myself, I encourage you to do some research on your own about this song’s origins. It’s fascinating and timely. Bonham is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter of whom I was a huge fan, “back in the day,” and I’m happy to say – five albums and many years later – that hasn’t changed for me.

Her most recent record, ‘Waxing Gold’ is a gem. Check it out at TracyBonham.com.

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Beehive Productions will be back filming the Pewter Sessions at the 2017 Winter Hoot! — February 3-5th at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, New York.

This is a “pay-what-you-can” festival and proceeds from the event fund Ashokan Center program scholarships for thousands of regional children.

More information and line-up details are at HomeOfTheHoot.com