Black Cat in a Briarpatch

This West Virginia fiddle tune comes from the playing of Melvin Wine. Wine learned this melody from his father. The crooked tune gained wider recognition through Wine’s 1976 recording on “Cold Frosty Morning.” What makes this piece challenging for fiddlers is its asymmetrical structure—the tune doesn’t follow standard patterns, creating unexpected rhythmic moments that can trip up even experienced players. It’s built in two contrasting sections: the first in G major and the second shifting to C major. Some versions swap the A & B section.

Wine’s approach to this tune showcased his bowing technique and his ear for pitch variations that gave the melody its character. The tune requires careful attention to timing, as it doesn’t resolve where most fiddle tunes would, creating a sense of forward momentum that keeps dancers and listeners engaged.

While uncommon in traditional circles, the tune has found new life among contemporary old-time musicians who appreciate its structure and the window it provides into the musical traditions of central West Virginia’s mountain communities.