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Don Borchelt - Posted - 03/04/2011: 11:55:22
A picker actually sent me an email requesting this; he was working with the tab and wanted to hear it. This is the more common version of Bonaparte's Retreat that is generally played by bluegrass and country fiddlers. It has the third "Little Egypt" part that is pretty well shunned as hokum by most old-time fiddlers, but I like it anyway. The banjo is tuned in open D (aDF#AD).
The tab is available at my website, for anyone who might be interested:
banjr.com/tablatures.htm#B
The banjo is a 1902 Fairbanks Whyte Laydie with a conversion neck. The neck does have the original inlays. This is a 10 11/16th rim, about 1/2" thickness. The resonator is a Vega pie-plate resonator that fits the rim, but was a later acquisition, not original with the banjo. Pictures below:
vrteach - Posted - 03/04/2011: 12:11:03
Very nice. I'm one of those the prefers to leave out the "do you wear pink pants, do the hoochie coochie dance" part. But a little part of me still likes it.
One more thing, can I have your banjo?
Scott Wilson - Posted - 03/04/2011: 12:11:33
great job... thanks for posting.
Frailblazer - Posted - 03/04/2011: 14:11:16
Hey Don,
Terrific as always! Thanks for posting. Just the right tune for a Friday afternoon.
The heel on your banjo is very similar to my Rettberg and Lange Manhattan model.
- Ric
g3zdm - Posted - 03/04/2011: 14:46:59
Really lovely.
And here in UK the Litle Egypt part is usually played.
jimh269b - Posted - 03/06/2011: 08:09:18
a very fine job don
jim109b - Posted - 03/06/2011: 17:07:53
Excellent Don, really liked it. Lovely arrangement and of course played par excellence :)
I've been 'cruising' around tonight looking for 'next tune inspiration'... looking at the tab is doesn't look too bad (or I can adapt around it). Got a lovely feel and a nice tempo to it so think I shall have a stab at it. Nice well documented tab too.
...and I'm always impressed with your cam angle...I just think you're trying to show off that you've still got a good head of hair ;)
chickenpickin - Posted - 03/06/2011: 18:02:09
Great version, Don! That Fairbanks sounds so nice. Very crisp and clean. Excellent picking.
Tim
Don Borchelt - Posted - 03/07/2011: 08:00:46
jim109b wrote: "I'm always impressed with your cam angle...I just think you're trying to show off that you've still got a good head of hair"
Actually, it's because it hides my big gut. Also, it shows both hands pretty well, but that's secondary! 
ZEPP - Posted - 03/07/2011: 09:37:11
Very nice version Don and exquisitely done, as always. One of my favorite tunes, too!
Cheers,
ZEPP
Paul Roberts - Posted - 03/08/2011: 09:54:59
Lovely tone and playing as always. I like the Little Egypt riff - gives a bit of a sense to what 'ole bone may have been retreating to : )
PauL banjocrazy.com/
Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 03/08/2011: 17:40:07
Hokum my foot! I like all 3 parts.
Y'know, this is such a well-known tune, but I've never actually listened to it before. (I may have heard it...but I wasn't listening.)
Will I be boring you to repeat what others have already said about what a fine job you did? Well, be bored then: it was great!
The first place I was ever performed on a stage was in restaurant/basket house in the French Quarter of New Orleans called "Bonaparte's Retreat". That was 4 decades ago...I don't think it's still there (well, I think the building is...but it holds a different restaurant now).
drybones - Posted - 03/09/2011: 10:26:56
Wow! Really nice.
db
Mark Johnson - Posted - 03/09/2011: 10:50:55
huh, almost missed this somehow.
super-great, Don. no surprise there.
and I'm all for "taking back" the third part. It's a lie anyways, there's no such place in France.
