Jim and Jesse at the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music

Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music opened in December of 1957. The school offered guitar and banjo lessons on a weekly basis, and offered concerts by various folk artists from throughout the country. The McIntyre Collection contains recordings of shows at the Chicago Old Town School of Music made throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music still operates today in Illinois.

This recording of Jim and Jesse was made on December 9, 1978. Members of the band include Jim McReynolds on guitar, Jesse McReynolds on mandolin, Tim Ellis on banjo, Joe Meadow on fiddle and Keith McReynolds on bass.  Songs selected include "Theme," "Fireball Run," "Cajun Fiddle," "The Family Who Prays," and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."

This recording highlights the unique sounds of the individual musicians and includes songs that are commonly sung in the subgenre of bluegrass gospel. 

"Theme" by Jim and Jesse

"Fireball Express" by Jim and Jesse

"Cajun Fiddle" by Jim and Jesse

"The Family Who Prays" by Jim and Jesse

"Swing Low Sweet Chariot" by Jim and Jesse

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Jim and Jesse at the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music