Lost Indian- Seth Mize

Lost Indian- Seth Mize

Lost Indian/Cherokee Shuffle

Old‑Time, Texas Style; Breakdown. USA, Oklahoma, Texas, eastern Kentucky.
 
ARTIST: Seth Mize from Ozarks Fiddle Music

DATE: 1800s; Recorded under the title "Lost Child" by the Stripling Brothers 1928


RECORDING INFO:
Lost Indian

Hall, Josiah;, Sr. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 81/#147

Lost Indian #1; Rm - Step to the Music, Johnny
Holdren, Zeke. Christeson, R. P. (ed.) / Old Time Fiddlers Repertory, Vol 1, Univ. of Missouri, Bk (1973), # 63 [1950s]

Lost Indian #2; Rt - Black Mountain Rag
Berline, Byron. Fiddle Jam Sessions, Voyager VLRP 301, LP (1967), trk# 7 [1966]
Brody, David. Brody, David (ed.) / Fiddler's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1983), p178
Cahan, Andy;, Laura Fishleder and Lisa Ornstein. Ship in the Clouds, Folkways FTS 31062, LP (1978), trk# 19
Coffman, Mose. Old Time Music. The Essential Collection, Rounder 1166, CD (2002), trk# 20 [1972]
Collins, Max. Thede, Marion (ed.) / The Fiddle Book, Oak, Bk (1967), p 31 [1930s]
Creed, Kyle. Liberty, Heritage (Galax) 028 (XXVIII), LP (1977), trk# A.02
Feldmann, Peter. Good Fellow, Hen Cackle HC 502, CD (1998), trk# 6
Frisbee, Dave. National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Folk Music Festival. 1964, NOTFC 64, CD (1964), trk# 9 (Lonesome Indian)
Galbraith, Art. Simple Pleasures; Old-Time Fiddling from the Ozarks, Rounder 0157, LP (198?), trk# 9
Haley, Ed. Parksburg Landing, Rounder 1010, LP (1976), trk# 12 [1946]
Haley, Ed. Forked Deer, Rounder 1131/1132, CD( (1997), trk# 2.04
Hammons Family. Shaking Down the Acorns, Rounder 0018, LP (1973), trk# 13 [1970-72]
Mozaik. Live from the Powerhouse, Compass 7 4378 2, CD (2004), trk# 8c
Propps, Louis H.. That's My Rabbit, My Dog Caught It; Southern Trad. Instrument..., New World NW 226, LP (1978), trk# 19 [1936/01]
Robertson, Eck. Eck Robertson, County 202, LP (1989), trk# 3 [1963/06-09]
Round Peak Band. Round Peak Band, Marimac 9044, Cas (1992), trk# B.01
Spiva, Ora. More Fiddle Jam Sessions, Voyager VRLP 304, LP (1971), trk# 20
Thomasson, Benny. Country Fiddling from the Big State, County 724, LP (1970), trk# 12
Thomasson, Benny. Benny Thomasson - Legendary Texas Fiddler, 1966-69, County CD 2737, CD (2005/1970), trk# 17 [1966-69]
Wilson, Nile. Tie Hacker Hoe-down, MSOTFA 202-CS, Cas (1995), trk# 1.10
Lost Indian (Jig)

Ford, Ira W. / Traditional Music in America, Folklore Associates, Bk (1965/1940), p124b
Ford, Ira W. / Traditional Music in America, Folklore Associates, Bk (1965/1940), p128a
 

RECORDING INFO Black Mountain Rag/"Black Mountain Blues" Blue Sky boys 1941
Black Mountain Rag [Me IV-A 8] - Keith, Leslie

Rt - Lost Indian #2 ; Hangman's Reel ; Green Mountain Hop
Rm - Lost Child
Brody, David (ed.) / Guitar Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1984), p 32
Banjo Newsletter, BNL, Ser (1973-), 1976/03,p17
Baker, Billy. Dobro and Fiddle, Zap ML 103, LP (197?), trk# A.01
Baker, Kenny. Bakers Dozen. Country Fiddle Tunes, County 730, LP (1970), trk# B.03
Ball, George. Ball, George / Baxter's Flat-picking Manual, Amsco, Sof (1967), p36
Barbee, Eldia. Eldie Barbie Tapes, Pine Breeze PBK 903, LP (1976), trk# A.04
Blake, Norman and Nancy. Blind Dog, Rounder 0254-C, Cas (1988), trk# 12
Blizard, Ralph; & the New Southern Ramblers. Ralph Blizard Fiddles, Blizard 0989C, Cas (199?), trk# 4
Boone, Woodrow; and Roger Howell. Music in the Air, BearWallow 210, Cas (1993), trk# A.03
Bryson, Wally; and the Blaylock Brothers. Bluegrass, Davis Unlimited DU 33011, LP (197?), trk# A.06
Campbell, Scott. Campbell Family. Champion Fiddlers, Fretless 101, LP (1977), trk# B.01
Carter, Maybelle (Mother Maybelle). Living Legend, Columbia CS 9275, LP (1966), trk# A.06
Cherny, Al. Best of the Country Fiddlers, RCA Camden CL-50027, LP (196?), trk# 1
Clark, Roy; and Buck Trent. Banjo Bandits, ABC AY 1084, LP (1978), trk# 7
Cline, Curly Ray. Curly Ray Cline and His Lonesome Pine Fiddle, Melody MLP-17, LP (1970?), trk# A.02 (Black Mountain Blues)
Cockerham, Fred. Cockerham, Fred / Under the Double Eagle, Snowflake 103, LP (1978), trk# B.01 (Black Mountain Blues)
Conroy, Mike. Montana Mountain Fiddle, Alpha 08361, LP (198?), trk# A.06
Cunningham, Bill. Cunningham, Bill / Hoedown Fiddle in America (How to Play It), Ryckman-Beck, fol (1977), p56
Cutler, Marty. Brody, David (ed.) / Banjo Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Fol (1985), p 32
Dillards with Byron Berline. Pickin' and Fiddlin', Elektra EKS 7285, LP (1965), trk# 13
Dillards with Byron Berline. Brody, David (ed.) / Fiddler's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1983), p 48
Dr. Corn's Bluegrass Remedy. It'll Tickle Your Innards, Grassroots GR 004, LP (1977), trk# A.02
Fiddlin' Red and Patti O'Farrell. Gift to the Mountain, Fidllin' --, CD (2008), trk# 2
Fiedler, Clarence. 1941 Old Fiddlers Convention, Galax, Virginia, Voyage Beyond, CD (200?), trk# 17 [1941]
Folkswingers. 12 String Guitar!, World Pacific WP 1812, LP (1963), trk# A.02
Fox, Curly. 30 Fiddlers Greatest Hits, Gusto GT-104, LP (1978), trk# 11
Grossman, Stefan. Memphis Jellyroll, Kicking Mule KM 118, LP (1974), trk# A.02
Grossman, Stefan. Grossman, Stefan / Complete Fingerstyle Guitar Book, Mel Bay, Sof (1995), p110
Harman, Bob; and the Blue Ridge Descendants. Music of the Blue Ridge, Galaxie, LP (198?), trk# A.02
Holt, Bob. Got a Little Home to Go To, Rounder 0432, CD (1999), trk# 25
Keith, Leslie. Black Mountain Blues, Briar BR-4210, LP (1974), trk# 2 (Black Mountain Blues)
Kentucky Colonels. Kentucky Colonels. 1965-66., Rounder 0070, LP (1976), trk# B.03 [1965-66]
Kilby, Steve. Steve Kilby, 11/26/54, Heritage (Galax) 074, Cas (198?), trk# B.04a
Kilby, Steve. Steve Kilby, 11/26/54, Heritage (Galax) 074, Cas (198?), trk# B.04c
Knopf, Bill. Bill Knopf on Banjo, American Heritage AH-401-524, LP (197?), trk# A.04
Knopf, Bill. Knopf, Bill / Hot Licks and Fiddle Tunes, Chappell, Sof (1976), p65
Knopf, Bill. Banjo Newsletter, BNL, Ser (1973-), 1984/05,p24
Lieberson, Richard. Lieberson, Richard / Old Time Fiddle Tunes for Guitar, Amsco, Sof (1974), p 84
Mallett, Carol. Old & New From the Mountains, Folkroots CDFE 95, CD (1995), trk# 7
McGee Brothers and Arthur Smith. Close to Home, Smithsonian/Folkways SF 40097, CD (1997), trk# 25 [1957/11]
Mid-Columbia Old-Time Music Club. Way It Was, Kuiper, CD (2002/1978), trk# 16
Neaves, Glen; and the Grayson County Boys. Early Days of Bluegrass, Vol. 5 - The Rich-R-Tone Story, Rounder 1017, LP (1974), trk# 2 [1955ca]
New Lost City Ramblers. New Lost City Ramblers, Vol. 3, Folkways FA 2398, LP (1961), trk# 1
Park, Ray. Fiddletown, Sierra SR 4214, LP (1982), trk# 11
Peerce, Lonnie. Fiddle Jam Sessions, Voyager VLRP 301, LP (1967), trk# 15 [1966]
Reams, James; and the Barnstormers. Barnstormin', Copper Creek CCCD 0195, CD (2001), trk# 8 (Black Mountain Blues)
Rocky River Ramblers. Devil's Riding Horse. 44th Annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention, Union Grove SS-2, LP (1978), trk# B.04
Ryan, Buck. Fiddler on the Rocks, Rebel REB 1529, LP (1974), trk# 2
Schnaufer, David. Delcimore, Collecting Dust CD 0699001, CD (1999), trk# 6
Scruggs, Gary and Randy. All the Way Home, Vanguard VSD 6538, LP (1970), trk# A.06
Smith, Arthur. Battling Banjos, Monument Z 32259, LP (1973), trk# 8
Smith, Dallas; and the Boys from Shiloh. Still Pickin', Narnian NR 0003-2, CD (2000), trk# 10
Smith, Tim. 38th Annual Galax Old Fiddlers Convention, 1973, Gazette 38, LP (1973), trk# 16
Spark Gap Wonder Boys. Cluck Old Hen, Rounder 0002, LP (1970), trk# A.05
Sprung, Roger; & his Progressive Bluegrassers. Grassy Licks, Verve/Folkways FV 9037, LP (196?), trk# 15
Stoneking, Lee R.. Rainbow of Fiddle Tunes, Stoneking, LP (197?), trk# A.03
Tate, Tater (Clarence). Tater Tate, Rimrock SLP 3000, LP (196?), trk# A.03
Thomasson, Benny. Texas Hoedown, County 703, CD/ (1965), trk# B.03 [1965/04ca]
Thomasson, Benny. Texas Hoedown Revisted, County CD 2742, CD (2006), trk# 8 [1965]
Thomason, Ron. Mandolin and Other Stuff, Kanawha RT-3, LP (198?), trk# B.07
Trischka, Tony. Trischka, Tony (ed.) / Banjo Song Book, Oak, Sof (1978), p 97
Twyman, Goebel. Old Time Fiddler, Atwell Lps 1677, LP (197?), trk# A.01
Ward, Wade. Uncle Wade. A Memorial to Wade Ward, Old Time Virginia Banjo ..., Folkways FA 2380, LP (1973), trk# 4
Watson, Dave; & Robin Conant. Folk Festival of the Smokies. Vol. 1, Traditional FFS-528, LP (1972), trk# 15
Watson, Doc. Doc Watson, Vanguard VSD-79152, LP (1964), trk# A.07
Watson, Doc. Essential Doc Watson, Vanguard VCD 45/46, CD (1986), trk# 13 [1963ca] Watson, Doc. Country Music and Bluegrass at Newport, Vanguard VSD-79146, LP (1968/1963), trk# B.05 [1963]
Watson, Doc. Watson, Doc / Songs of Doc Watson, Oak, Sof (1971), p 26
Whisnant, Johnnie. Johnnie Whisnant, Rounder 0038, LP (1974), trk# B.06
Whitewater. Springtime in the White Clouds, American Heritage AHM 401-41D, LP (198?), trk# A.02
White Brothers. White Brothers - Live in Sweeden, 1973, Rounder 0073, LP (1976), trk# B.04b
Wright, Sheila; and Aaron Lowe. Fiddle Tunes Grandpa Played for Grandma, Americana, LP (197?), trk# B.01 

 
RELATED TO: “Cherokee Shuffle" "Black Mountain Rag" "Cherokee Rag"

OTHER NAMES: “Cherokee Shuffle," "Lost Child" "Black Mountain Blues" (Leslie Keith);

SOURCES: Max Collins (Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma) [Thede]; Ed Haley (Kentucky) and Ship in the Clouds (Indiana) [Brody]. In the repertoire of fiddler Louis Propps (Texas, 1936). Brody (Fiddler’s Fakebook), 1983; pg. 178. Thede (The Fiddle Book), 1967; pg. 31. County 202, "Eck Robertson: Famous Cowboy Fiddler." County 724, Benny Thomasson (Texas) ‑ "Country Fiddling." Folkways 31062, Ship in the Clouds‑ "Old Time Instrumental Music" (1978. Learned from Ed Hayley). Front Hall FHR‑037, Mark Graham ‑ "Natural Selections" (1987). Green Linnet SIF122, Kevin Burke - "Open House" (1992). Marimac 9008, The Lazy Aces ‑ "Still Lazy After All These Years" (1986). Rounder 0018, Mose Coffman‑ "Shaking Down the Acorns." Rounder 0157, Art Galbraith (Springfield, Mo.) - "Simple Pleasures." Rounder 1010, Ed Haley (Ky.) ‑ "Parkersburg Landing" (1976). Voyager 301, Byron Berline‑ "Fiddle Jam Session."

NOTES: Key G; Form: ABABCDBACCDBACABACDDBABBACD; This field recording was made at the Ozark Folk Center Dec. 1966 from the playing and singing of Seth Mize.

The first recording of this song was the "Lost Child" by the Stripling Brothers in 1928. The closely related "Cherokee Rag" was recorded in 1929 by Big Chief Henry's Indian String Band. Lost indian is closely related to popular Black Mountain Rag.

[Kuntz] A Major. AEac#. AABB (Thede), AABBC (Brody). As Guthrie Meade and Mark Wilson (1976) point out, among older tradtional fiddlers "Lost Indian" is a generic title for a number of tunes related not so much by melodic content as by the fact that they are characteristically played in the AEac# tuning. Charles Wolfe, reiterating Wilson and Meade's thoughts, confirms the opinion that this is a family of fiddle tunes popular from Virginia to Texas, "more associated with tuning AEac# than with melodic contours" (1982, pg. 3‑12).

"Black Mountain Rag" is also in this family (Charles Wolfe, The Devil's Box, Dec.?) Version [1] was reportedly an ancestor to "Black Mountain Rag." Perhaps inspired by the title, sometimes fiddlers would whoop to represent an Indian lost in the wilderness, and sometimes, as in Ed Hayley's version, melodic and rhythmic features of the tune are similarly said to represent "an Indian squalling in the wilderness." A tune under this title was mentioned in a 1931 account of a LaFollette, northeast Tennessee fiddlers' contest as having been commonly played; the title is a notorious "floater," though, and exactly which of the many different tunes with this name referenced is unknown. A tune with this title also appears in a list of traditional Ozark Mountain fiddle tunes compiled by musicologist/folklorist Vance Randolph, published in 1954.

Mize who claimed he knew the song for 50 years had some of his verses collected by Lomax from a different singer in Folk Songs of North Amerca:

Dreary Black Hills

3. One morning so early, one morning in May,
I met Kit Carson a-goin' away,
He was goin' away with Buffalo Bill,
He was goin' a-minin' in the Dreary Black hills.

Lost Indian- Seth Mize from Ozarks Fiddle Music; Sung to the B part

1. An old indian was lost on that winding trail while he was traveling through them dark dreary hills.

2. You can hear his lost yells on that winding trail while he was traveling on through them dark black hills.

3. The old indian was alone in the dreary black hills but the kept on hollerin' his lost indian yell.

4. I met Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill and showed them the way out of those dreary black hills.

5. I met Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill as they was going away mining in those dreary black hills.

6. One morning way early, a morning in May, he met Kit Carson a-goin' away.

7. He was goin' away with Buffalo Bill as they was going away mining in those dreary black hills.