Whiskey Before Breakfast - Interesting Approaches?

**Scott R** · Dec-15-2020, 1:56pm

For my studying this week, I've decided to dig into Whiskey Before Breakfast to see what folks have done with it that is interesting.

Do you have a favorite version? Is there a wild version out there I should look at?

Would love it if you could share your favorite version so I can see a variety of what is out there. As I do my digging, I'll post the gems I find as well.

**Rob Ross** · Dec-15-2020, 2:32pm

I would look at some of the original Canadian and Métis takes on this song, with crooked versions being very common. I'm sorry, but I'll have to go digging to find where I saw them last, it was a Canadian website on Métis traditions.

**ajh** · Dec-15-2020, 3:54pm

Into the Cafe's MP3 library. Uncategorized (for good reason). Daniel Nestlerodes "Windrush" is based on it. It is a great take.....as well as a hoot!

https://www.mandolincafe.com/mp3/mp3...e-windrush.mp3

**22_frets** · Dec-15-2020, 4:18pm

This might be the opposite of a "wild version."

It is my favorite version....

https://www.mandolincafe.com/mp3/mp3/walsh.mp3

**bigskygirl** · Dec-15-2020, 4:38pm

A fun tune for sure! I don't have anything particularly flashy but I find I play it different every time.

**Jim Garber** · Dec-15-2020, 5:28pm

Originally Posted by Rob Ross

I would look at some of the original Canadian and Métis takes on this song, with crooked versions being very common. I'm sorry, but I'll have to go digging to find where I saw them last, it was a Canadian website on Métis traditions.

One site is: Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture

Here is John Arcand playing WBB

Emile Lavallee plays a medley including WBB at about 9:10:

**Matt** · Dec-15-2020, 5:29pm

That’s a great version of the tune. Is the player Joe Walsh?
Thank you
Matt

**Jim Garber** · Dec-15-2020, 5:32pm

Ah, here's a very different take by Aaron Weinstein:

And I like this duet with Tim Connell and Eric Skye:

**Ranald** · Dec-15-2020, 5:51pm

It depends whether you want Whisky Before Breakfast or Pablum Before Breakfast. Here's the first recording by Andy Dejarlis, a Manitoba Metis fiddler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RZ2...nnel=BPMONKMAN

And here's another Metis or First Nations fiddler playing a lively version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zao...endanChartrand

Here's another Manitoba fiddler, Patti Kustorak playing it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Qm...=PattiKusturok

If you want versions to go to sleep by, there are plenty of those on YouTube as well.

**Mark Gunter** · Dec-15-2020, 5:58pm

Love that Tim & Eric version with Eric walking all the way to that low D in the bass. They rock.

**22_frets** · Dec-15-2020, 6:02pm

Originally Posted by Matt

That’s a great version of the tune. Is the player Joe Walsh?
Thank you
Matt

Joe Walsh and Lincoln Meyers.

**withfoam** · Dec-15-2020, 7:15pm

I really like the Butch Baldassari version.

**Aaron Bohnen** · Dec-16-2020, 12:42am

Originally Posted by Ranald

And here's another Metis or First Nations fiddler playing a lively version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zao...endanChartrand

That clip is really something - the electric guitar player (who looks like Paul Hogan's twin, right down to the hat) pretty much manages to *light his amp on fire* during the tune and doesn't seem to mind. That guy has being cool on stage down to a science.

Yikes!

**Scott R** · Dec-16-2020, 12:44am

Originally Posted by 22_frets

Joe Walsh and Lincoln Meyers.

Holy smokes. Thanks a million for sharing this. It is perfection.

**Geno** · Dec-16-2020, 12:50am

There's also a mighty fine rendition on the old Bobby Hicks CD "Fiddle Patch" with Ronnie McCoury on mandolin.

**Victor Daniel** · Dec-16-2020, 9:27am

I like this version from one of my favorite instrumental albums.

**Bertram Henze** · Dec-17-2020, 1:32am

Not forgetting the historic Whiskey before Breakfast challenge here on the Cafe, a concept that eventually led to the Song-a-Week social group.

**JL277z** · Dec-17-2020, 7:47am

Originally Posted by Victor Daniel

I like this version from one of my favorite instrumental albums.

Can't see any video there. The only thing that shows up is this error message:

Click image for larger version.

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**Frankdolin** · Dec-17-2020, 9:09am

These are two of my favorites. One with Brad Davis,Robert Bowlin,and Wil Maringa with a beautiful, tight rendition. One by Olga having fun and letting loose.

**JeffD** · Dec-17-2020, 5:52pm

I favor a slower pace that allows singing along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNLHnmj4GDU

**lflngpicker** · Dec-25-2020, 5:39pm

I learned my version years ago from Baron Colllins-Hill, the online mandolin teacher. I would like to pick up my speed on that one. Baron is always faster than me, so JeffD reminds me that it is okay for me to play things well, and not always fast. Baron is a great instructor and inspires me to grow.

**John Flynn** · Dec-25-2020, 8:53pm

Start actually drinking whiskey before breakfast. You will come up with your own unique version. Or you won't care. Works either way.

**journeybear** · Dec-25-2020, 9:18pm

Originally Posted by Bertram Henze

Not forgetting the historic Whiskey before Breakfast challenge here on the Cafe ...

My thoughts exactly! The OP might learn right quickly the difference between "interesting" and "useful."

Speaking just for myself, natch.

This is the most viewed video on my youtube channel, by far. The electric version is second, which I find much more ... interesting.

**Bill McCall** · Dec-25-2020, 9:24pm

Robin Laing has a very nice variation, slightly different than the traditional lyrics as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb_vh2hRB14

**Nick Royal** · Dec-26-2020, 3:21pm

Joe Walsh has an album out (an early one?) called "Saturday night Waltz," and I love the way he does the tune. Can't figure out who the guitarist is, but
together they do a great version of Whiskey Before Breakfast. Beautiful approach to the tune.