Annotation:Valse-Clog Guilmette (1)

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VALSE-CLOG GUILMETTE. French-Canadian, Waltz-Clog (3/4 time). B Minor. Standard tuning (fiddle). AA’BB’. The waltz clog, a tap dance in ¾ time, is thought to be derived from German and British immigrants after the Civil War; as a fad it was popular in the early 1900’s, and perfected by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and others. In French Canada the waltz-clog is the only British inheritance in the traditional step dancing of the region. It was mostly danced in Montreal and owes its influence mainly to Montreal fiddler Jean Carignan. Hart & Sandell (2001) note the tune is often paired with “Valse-clog Lacroix.” Source for notated version:

Source for notated version: accordion player Joseph Guilmette (1886-1950), Rimouski, Québec, via accordion player Normand Miron (Saint-Béatrix, Québec) [Hart & Sandell].

Printed sources: Hart & Sandell (Dance ce Soir), 2001; No. 53, p. 88.

Recorded sources: Philo 2003, “Philippe Bruneau” (1973). Smithsonian Folkways, Joseph Guilmette – “Masters of French Canadian Music, vol. 4” (1982, reissue of original 78 RPM).

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