6. Dallas Rag

This widely played tune was first recorded in 1927 by the Dallas String Band. I learned the basic strains from a recording by a contemporary string band called the Todalo Shakers, among whose members is a buddy of mine from Seattle named Bruce Reid. I then composed a few variations to create a performance-worthy setting. My original arrangement was in the key of C, which happens to be a great key for playing rags on banjo. When I later realized that the tune is customarily played in F, it motivated me to also compose a variation in that key. (Keys: C & F)