
I found a transcription of this old classic in a songbook of American popular songs, and moved it from Bb to A to make it easier to finger. I then went back and listened to various brass band versions in order to try and get that dirge feel as much as possible. I have heard this tune played gut-wrenchingly by a brass band in the streets of New Orleans in 3/4 time, which can sound really powerful too. In any case, the bass notes represent the tuba; the high notes the other horns. I think it is important to try and play this tune slowly and soulfully. There is a bit of bass movement and counterpoint, some lefthand ornamentation, and some righthand percussiveness to get your head around, but otherwise it should be relatively straight forward.