Jersalem ridge -- nice version

**Bernie Daniel** · Dec-22-2007, 6:54am

Hey here is a band that calls themselves the "Jerks of Bluegrass". #I don't know why because I think that they are really good.

Listen to this mandolin player tear into Jerusalem Ridge - its fresh and interpretative and I think Monroe might have liked it. #He takes two bites at the song listen to both

It is one of my favorite songs to play on the mando.

JR by the Jerks of Bluegrass

**Ken** · Dec-22-2007, 5:35pm

Very nice, thanks for posting the link. I love seeing these youngsters play, but it does make me want to keep my own playing to the back porch. Just started to work on this song myself a couple of days ago. Great song.

**re simmers** · Dec-23-2007, 5:14pm

Great right hand, great syncopation, great timing to a great tune.

**luckylarue** · Dec-27-2007, 11:01am

Ahh...the Jerks of Grass...loud, smokey Thursday nights at Roma's in Portland, ME.

**earthsave** · Dec-27-2007, 11:36am

These guys also did a nice version of JR.

Jerusalem Ridge

**Mark Walker** · Dec-27-2007, 12:05pm

Both of those links are great versions of that tune. #I've always preferred Kenny Baker's version to all others.

On that vein (NOT my intention to start a war or hijack the thread or anything), but is it true that Kenny Baker actually wrote that song, and Mr. Monroe took credit for it? #

I've heard a number of people indicate the 'policy' was if you were a member of Bill Monroe's band and wrote a tune, it was 'his' tune. #
(Sort of like a large company considering an idea from one of their mechanical engineers - but which the company actually patents - as being the company's Intellectual Property.)

Again - no disresepect intended; I'm just curious. #

#

If that was indeed his policy and you agreed to it, then so be it. #I've heard it discussed at a number of bluegrass festival jams, and wondered what the truth really might be.

It's still one of the greatest bluegrass instrumentals ever - regardless of who came up with the tune!

**Bernie Daniel** · Dec-27-2007, 3:29pm

Originally Posted by

earthsave:These guys also did a nice version of JR

Yes Baker and Monroe had a way with that tune.

Ok well here is another nice version. Played at a lively pace and some nice mandolin work also.

"Dueling fiddles" - Stacey Lynn Read and Roxanne Young
Nate Leath - mandolin
Dave Hollender - banjo
Antonio - guitar
Ashley Caudill - bass

Amazing that there are no comments on YouTube for this nice preformance.

Jerusalem Ridge -- dueling fiddles

ClosetMandolinPlayer: #I have heard that comment expressed in a video by Jimmy Martin --i.e., about tune ownership when co-written with Bill Monroe. #But I have no idea who actually wrote J.R. -- the way Baker plays it makes me think he sure had contribution at least. #

Also, I wonder why Monroe never played the fourth part on the mandolin -- he always handed that off to the banjo or fiddle.

**earthsave** · Dec-28-2007, 6:08am

Originally Posted by (earthsave @ Dec. 27 2007, 12:36)

These guys also did a nice version of JR.

Jerusalem Ridge

Kenny Baker gives Mr. Monroe credit in this clip.

**Bruce Evans** · Dec-28-2007, 7:36am

Originally Posted by (ClosetMandolinPlayer @ Dec. 27 2007, 12:05)

On that vein (NOT my intention to start a war or hijack the thread or anything)...
#
(Sort of like a large company considering an idea from one of their mechanical engineers - but which the company actually patents - as being the company's Intellectual Property.)

I don't want to hijack the thread either.

When an engineer hires on they usually have him/her sign an agreement that all patents developed while in their employ are property of the company and the engineer is compensated in advance for those patents.

One dollar. In my career I've made about four dollars this way. But then, I've never had a patent issued in my name, so I'm ahead!

**Mark Walker** · Dec-28-2007, 7:54am

Originally Posted by (earthsave @ Dec. 28 2007, 07:08)

Originally Posted by (earthsave @ Dec. 27 2007, 12:36)

Jerusalem Ridge

Kenny Baker gives Mr. Monroe credit in this clip.

Yeah, I noticed that too. #But then, if the 'policy' was that he (Monroe) got credit for any of the band member's tunes, it would make sense (especially in a public and recorded forum) they 'give' him the credit.

I just talked with a guy who has been the Indiana State fiddle champion several times, and he maintains that tune was entirely composed by Kenny Baker. #Others have indicated that as well.

I agree with Mandolin1944 - the way Baker plays it, one would think he certainly had a hand in its composition!

**Stephanie Reiser** · Dec-31-2007, 7:04pm

Another way to think about this "authorship" issue:
Notice that in that clip with Baker and MOnroe, Bill does not take any of the leads or breaks. Baker plays the lead all the way through, while Mr. Monroe strums away.

**Bernie Daniel** · Jan-01-2008, 6:32am

Originally Posted by

Amanda Lyn: Notice that in that clip with Baker and MOnroe, Bill does not take any of the leads or breaks. Baker plays the lead all the way through, while Mr. Monroe strums away.

Yes I noticed that too -- but upon reflection I think it is because Aly Bain was asking about a bluegrass fiddle piece so that is the main reason Bill did not take a bite at melody line.

There are a couple of other nice versions of JR on YouTube -- I like this one also -- esp. the melodic banjo -- fiddling is good too - but they need a mandolin player!

The Mayflies doing JR

**K3NTUCKI8oy** · Jan-01-2008, 8:30am

I don't agree with the mandolin player but I've never really
tried to play the tune myself

**mandolooter** · Jan-01-2008, 11:14am

of course Jim has a kick butt version up...
Can u say Banned Joe

**Ken Sager** · Jan-01-2008, 12:15pm

My favorite version at the moment (no mando content...):

Casey Driessen

**mandolooter** · Jan-01-2008, 1:00pm

thanks Ken, I like that one!

**Jim Broyles** · Jan-01-2008, 10:04pm

Originally Posted by (Mandolin1944 @ Dec. 27 2007, 16:29)

...Also, I wonder why Monroe never played the fourth part on the mandolin -- he always handed that off to the banjo or fiddle.

Evan Reilly posted a version at a party or something informal where Bill played the 4th part. Poor sound quality but it was pretty cool to hear. There have been a couple of threads about that tune recently, I'm sure a search would yield the clip I'm taking about.

Edit: Here it is -MP3 of Jerusalem Ridge.

**Bernie Daniel** · Jan-02-2008, 6:06am

Originally Posted by

Peter Hackman: PS: Incidentally, I listened to some of these wonderful versions of JR for a few seconds before turning them off. The sound, in almost all cases, is horrible!
Why do people post these things?

Picky picky picky!

What?!! #

You don't like dim lights, thick smoke and loud, loud music! #

**luckylarue** · Jan-02-2008, 11:26am

Also check out Tony Rice's version w/ Jimmy Gaudreau on Unit of Measure.

**AlanN** · Jan-02-2008, 11:52am

And Raymond Legere picks it (Ray on all instruments) on his Common Denominator recording. Simple melody statement, then off to the stratosphere, repleat with a nice section of extended triplet flourish.

**mandolirius** · Jan-02-2008, 12:01pm

<The facts are what they are and it appears nobody here really knows them.>

From what appears to be going on here, I'd say the facts would only get in the way.

**Mike Bunting** · Jan-02-2008, 2:18pm

Mark Twain said it best, and I paraphrase, "Never the the facts get in the way of a good story".

**Bernie Daniel** · Jan-02-2008, 5:53pm

Originally Posted by

mandolirius: From what appears to be going on here, I'd say the facts would only get in the way.

Perhaps you can "see" more than most people -- but I do not see anything "going on here" other then some members exchanging information on some recorded videos of a song and some speculation as to the exact details of the song's creation.

If you have something to actually contribute to the discussion -- please do so -- I'm all "ears". #I sure the rest of us would like to know about the facts that you apparently have on the subject at hand.

Thanks in advance.

**mandolooter** · Jan-02-2008, 8:33pm

Ok....my 4 facts, Fact 1: I love this song! Fact 2: I don't really care if Bill or Kenny wrote it. Fact 3: If it was THAT important we'd all already know who wrote it for sure. Fact 4: your facts may vary, haha!

Ok Im a smart-aleck by nature but I see some valid points...I think?

**Bernie Daniel** · Jan-02-2008, 11:51pm

Originally Posted by

mandolooter: Ok....my 4 facts, Fact 1: #I love this song! #Fact 2: I don't really care if Bill or Kenny wrote it. Fact 3: If it was THAT important we'd all already know who wrote it for sure. #Fact 4: your facts may vary, haha! #

My facts very much the same as yours but they vary also!#