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I hate to bring the narrative back to The Kingston Trio, but I've been listening to a number of Dave Guard's recordings in the Trio. 'Round About the Mountain stands out for me for a number of reasons. It isn't a complex tune to play, though the arrangement and initiation of each man's playing makes it sound richer. I am hypothesizing here, but Iget Bob playing the initial string lead in. Nick picks up the rhythm with his tenor guitar, and Dave frails the banjo. The banjo is in the background until Dave sings and then he occupies an equal portion of the music. There is a wonderfully rich, but minor harmony change in the voices towards the end of the choruses "...the Lord love a sinner man!" I thought the change was David's, then switched to Nick's voice. I haven't figured it out after listening to it repeatedly and LOUD in the truck.

I've likewise been listening to African-American vocal of the same song, but much slower singing and with a tinge of sorrow. It's wonderful art.

I still love the Kingston Trio's rendition at speed, with three voices, and the folk instrumentals.

Comments?