The discovery of Uncle June's Jug Band by The Burgoo Boys has given Big And Tall Records another group of artists that we love; the relatively unknown artist that deserves to be heard more widely. And the word 'discovered' only pertains to the group being recorded. Uncle June has played for weddings, dances, all kinds of local events and is widely known in his area of Kentucky.
Uncle June himself is the soloist in this song, 'Possum Livin' Skills, and he has a voice that isn't what you'd call pretty, but it is assuredly distinctive. With a little bit of a growl, a touch of hoarseness, and an ability to put a lot into the lyrics of a song. But we do advise that listeners follow along with the printed lyrics, as Uncle June's accent combined with his voice timbre can leave some words hard to understand. But it is worth the effort, as Uncle June is the author of them, and they contain Kentucky country wisdom as well as good humor.
We talked to the leader of The Burgoo Boys, John Henry Flort, and he told us their group was playing the same gig as Uncle June's and they liked their sound, started jamming with them after the gig, and they ended up playing until morning! John Henry said that the group gives them an added dimension besides bluegrass. He also told us that the entire group is the happiest bunch they've ever met. Not a sourpuss in the bunch! He gave us Uncle June's phone number, so we gave him a call.
His good will and humor came across the phone just talking to him, and he had some things to tell us about himself:
Yeah, we been playin' for quite a few years. Played all kinds of events, even had a bar mitzvah scheduled once, but they cancelled! Man, The Burgoo Boys like they been playin' with us fer years! Hit it right off, blended good. They like all the oddball instruments my guys can play. You name it, these guys done played it! We're lookin' forward to playin' with The Boys lots more. They told us we could prolly get a contract from ya'll on our own, but nah, we'll stick with The Boys. They's recorded before, got more experience. Truth be told, me and my boys don't want the bother of it all. We jest wanna play! 'Sides, lot of the guys got other jobs, good payin' one too, hard to come by this day and age in this here part of the country, so this is jest a sideline for 'em.
Uncle June As fer myself, hell I'm not only REtired, I'm STILL tired! Don't let my looks fool ya, I'm older than I look! As for the 'Possum Livin' Skills song, I been mullin' that over in my head fer quite a spell. Seen lots of 'possums 'round these parts, and got to thinkin' how they get along so well, some of them in town to boot. 'Possums just adapted to modern times I reckon. The music was a group effort fer sure. Our trombone player, 'Boner' Stewart came up with the trombone parts and brought some of his other 'bone buddies and a tuba blower also to help out. The guy's been playin' the 'bone for longer than I know, and he's real good! Course gotta have the washtub bass and washboard for the bottom of the song! Gotta tell ya, at the recording, I thunk up the last line of the song I'd rather be well fed and alive than purty and dead, on the spot. When I said it at the end, we also spoiled the recording because my guys started crackin' up! That and when I said the word 'omnivore' the first few takes, the band cracked up too. They didn't kn ow what it meant, jest thought it sounded funny and too hifalutin for a song we was recording! That's the only trouble we got with recording; we have so much fun playin' t'gether, we crack up and cain't keep goin'. Come to a dead stop gigllin' and carryin' on!
Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya'll can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by
'Possum plays dead, but not all the time
Sometimes he just saunters off
Other times he'll hiss like a snake
Sometimes stand his ground get pissed off!
So pick your battles carefully
Sometimes jest puff up say no!
Others raise up your hackles
Others ya just gotta let go
Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya'll can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by
When persimmon trees are in fruit
The 'possum gets his belly full
On a branch, feedin' hisself
Enjoyin' ever sweet mouthful!
Find out what your persimmons are
Oh yeah, seek it and ya'll will find
Find what gives ya satisfaction
Gives ya a sense of peace of mind
Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by
Live on the cheap you'll be surprised
How little can keep ya alive
Not always, but when ya have to
Keep an even keel to survive
We all need money to get by on
But don't be gettin' the notion
To work your ass off wreck your health
To try and make a big fortune
Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by
Don't neglect the dark of night
Ol' 'possum is a night critter
On a clear night go outside
Get a chair be a night sitter
Darker the night, the better
Light can be a distraction
Let your mind go, have a think
Take peace in your inaction
But thar's somethin' ya needs to know
Ol' 'possum is an omnivore
Nice way of sayin' he eats anything...
I wouldn't do that...OH NO!
Times is hard for a lot of us
Been that way through history
Maybe 'possum livin' skills
Can help keep ya happy and free!
'Possum livin' skills
Oh yeah!
'Possum livin' skills
Ugly ol' 'possum
Knows where it's at!
He be ugly, but he don't starve
I'd rather be well fed and alive than purty and dead.
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