Limberjack
The limberjack, known variously as a jig doll, slapjack, jiggerman, limberjim, limberjill, dancin' dan, paddle puppet and yankee-doodle dancer, is a wooden musical instrument which consists of a doll with loose joints on the end of a long stick, the legs of which the performer causes to tap rhythmically on a thin wooden board as if clogging. Featured in the Liverpool song "Seth Davy",[1] it is particularly popular in the U.S. region of Appalachia.
Bibliography
- Exner, Carol R. (2005). Practical Puppetry A-Z: A Guide for Librarians and Teachers. Jefferson, North Carolina, United States: McFarland.
Films
- Appalachian Journey (1990). Original material recorded and directed by Alan Lomax. A Dibbs Directions Production for Channel Four TV in association with Alan Lomax. Presented by North Carolina Public TV. 1991 videocassette release of an episode from the 1990 television series American Patchwork: Songs and Stories of America.
Discography
- 1965 - Beers Family. Introducing the Beers Family: An American Folk Tradition. LP recording. [New York City]: Columbia Masterworks MS 6705. Principally folk music; performed by the Beers Family, with psaltery, old-time fiddle, limberjacks, mountain dulcimer, and fiddlesticks. Descriptive and biographical notes by Robert Sherman on container; additional notes on folded sheet ([8] p., ill.) inserted.
- 1999 - Skip to My Lou: Songs of the Pioneers. Les Gustafson-Zook. CD. Performers: Les Gustafson-Zook, voice, autoharp, bass, guitar, bowed psaltry, ukelele, mandolin, banjo, mountain dulcimer, harmonica, limberjack, jaw harp, washboard, spoons; Edwin Layer, fiddle.
References
External links
- Cafe Fantastique featuring Elwood Donnelly playing several different limberjacks, including a horse-shaped one.
- Hoosier Hotcakes A video featuring Mitch Rice playing and singing "Shoo Fly Pie" while accompanied by his wife Eileen playing a limberjack in the shape of a dog!