"Tunes in the key of.. " is a wonderful concept of sharing homeplaying sessions . The delightful feeling of actualy being there.... well done and thanks.
It’s been years, and ever since I found this video I just keep coming back to it. What incredible talent. I started watching these when I picked up the fiddle a few years ago, and while I’m nowhere close to this level, this is what I strive for. Thank y’all for making this. Greetings from Arkansas!
@dh5cents, the fact that any videos on the Joy of Fiddling channel mean something to you, means a great deal to us. As you continue on your journey as a musician, remember, that every single person you see in any of these videos started from the same place you did. And no matter where we are on the skill/talent/whatever scale, we ALL continue to strive for better. Welcome to the fiddle family!
It's a pretty great group of folks in the Pacific Northwest fiddle family, isn't it, David? And yes, it was a good contest this year with more fiddlers and pickers and audience than expected all coming to Oregon from Nevada, California, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Great compliment to the contest organizers when you have so many people coming from so far away for a one day competition.
Much obliged. It is true that all the musicians in these videos have spent many years honing their craft. But you can't underestimate the value in simply getting together as much as possible to play music with your friends.
I play in the Ayrshire Fiddle orchestra in Scotland - this is so cool! I love American fiddling because it's so carefree and stylish! Our Irish and Scottish stuff is fun, but this is first class!
Welcome Naomi! Always glad to hear from fiddle family members from across the pond. Your compliment on American fiddling is very kind but keep in mind, there are a lot of American fiddlers playing many different styles, not to mention there are countless devotees of Scottish and Irish styles here as well. A great many of the tunes we play have origins in your part of the world and while we may not all perform them in the strictest traditional sense, I think our love for the music comes through.
Greetings Alec from Ireland! Honored to hear from you. Not only do we not mind you playing your bass, Alec, we love it. Please feel free to sit in (or stand in) anytime.
I'm playing this from TH-cam where sometimes have to ask there by voice,any way I wonder if u might like a group called el tri,they play rock and roll with the orchestra.
Glad you found us, @Playalong Partner. Nothing beats being at a jam in person, but here's hoping it brings you good memories. And remember, you can watch any of these videos and play along anytime.
That us the most wonderful minutes I have ever spent, in absolute harmony with all that great music. I could listen to Metis Music all day every day and night time too !!! What a great gift of these players give to all people !!! Metis Music is the best music in the world. I grew up with kitchen parties, when all the neighbors came to our place in the 50 and 60's, bring all their instruments and have a great old fashion time???
Glad you found us, Sharon! I firmly believe some of the best musical experiences do not take place on a stage but in a home....in the kitchen, living room, front porch, or back yard. Stop by anytime whenever you need a few minutes of music.
Much appreciated, @soulNURSE. Love to hear that folks enjoy these videos. We've got a lot of plans for more jam vids but Covid has put our large group gatherings on hold for now. But we'll be back.
Very kind of you to say so, Jean-Louis. Glad you found us. If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest, you would be welcome to drop by one of our jam sessions, no charge.
@@joyoffiddling Yeah, I lived in the PNW for many years. There were so many dedicated, non professional pickers in small towns, living in wooded areas, larger cities, jamming in bars and living rooms almost everywhere. Around here where I live there is the town Senior Centers
What a gift all these folks have in that there so many talented members that want to meet together to jam. I am trying to play mandolin and am unable to travel very far. It is near impossible to get two more "pickers" together to play, pick, or jam on a few new (old time) tunes. Even the fiddle jams are boring, because it's the same 6 or 8 tunes year after year.
Very kind words, Louise. While only Jeff and Eileen are actually related by marriage...the rest of us do count ourselves members of the greater fiddle family.
Ha! Vous êtes toujours la bienvenue, Louise. The Joy of Fiddling channel is open 24-7...all you can eat fiddle music buffet. It is said that variety is the spice of life and I believe that's especially true for musical tastes. I can't imagine subsisting on a diet of one genre of music. Keeping an open mind and open ear is integral to the growth of one's mind and soul. By the way, I think the hurdy gurdy is an underappreciated instrument. : )
Brings back a lot of memories. I worked with Jim Mature at Maxwell House in Houston back in the 80’s and he introduced me to this style back then. We went to and played contests around Victoria and Halletsville. You guys are nailing that sound. Good job.
@John Ritchhart, If you were Halletsville back in the 80's (or any decade for that matter) then your words are high praise to our humbled ears. Many of our fiddling and picking heroes were (and still are) regular participants in that legendary Texas contest. We're honored we remind you of that sound.
I have often wondered why so many old time tunes are in the key of A. I have a fiddle now, and well lets say it yells the loudest. I like the key of D much better as I am a newbie fiddler, and enjoying it very much.
Good question @David Marks. And one that probably has more than one answer. (If you like the key of "D", be sure to check out our "Tunes in the Key of "D" jam video.) For some reason I feel an affinity for A minor and B flat...even though the latter is a bit hard on the fingering hand for some.
The ascending riff that Tabitha plays at 2:03 was off the hook! Reminded me of Paginini's 5th Caprice for a second there. That was so fluid and perfect!
We feel blessed, @ben wrong. And while a multi-generational group of musicians who play together on a regular basis does not happen overnight, it is not as hard to have as some might think. You just have to seek out like minded people with a passion for this music.
@@joyoffiddling Yes, exactly, to be playing music is a blessing! As soon as lockdown is over, I'm jamming at the folk club. I lost my way with the bright lights and techno but watching your videos and playing along on guitar reminds me of the magic of music, thanks!!
@@joyoffiddling ps I had a period of my life similar to your jam, lasted four years or so, no fiddles sadly, but multi generational guitar jams. The congregation around the joy of playing was a great thing to be part of. After playing since my early teens and making a living from playing, my ring and pinky fingers went numb about 5 years ago and had to give up guitar, which sadly also made me hate music and avoid it.... recently I have learnt to flat pick and can play as fast as ever, with a whole new love and appreciation...
@@benwrong6855 playing along with the videos with guitar or any instrument of choice is an excellent exercise and one I've long recommend to everyone when jamming in person is not an option.
@@benwrong6855 I am very sorry to hear about your finger issues but I can honestly tell you that I do feel your pain. Quite literally. As do countless musicians out there playing a variety of musical styles and types of instruments. My entire left arm, hand, fingers went numb one day and I knew immediately that I had done something seriously wrong. It was the beginning of worst 2 1/2 years of my life. And it took me longer than that to realize I needed to change my outlook, expectations, and my habits pertaining to practice or playing. In my large circle of musician friends, I know very few of them who are not afflicted with some form of discomfort directly related to their playing an instrument. People don't think about it much unless it affects them directly, but musicians are no different than football players or ballerinas. There is a physical toll taken for doing the thing that we love. We suffer for our art. This subject is too vast to address in a simple TH-cam comment, so I will only offer a meager piece of advice. Living with chronic pain is not the fate of every single musician and there are certainly ways to minimize doing damage to ourselves. A good rule of thumb that I share is…. dietitians tell us to stop eating before we are full and i'll suggest to musicians to stop playing or practicing before they feel pain. If discomfort kicks in, it's too late, the damage is done. But one can recover if they have the discipline to put the instrument away for a rest. I will never get back to playing at 100%. And I know that I will never be completely pain-free. I will forever have to remind myself to take breaks and maintain a healthy practice regimen, which does require me to put my fiddle down when really I want to keep playing. But I know now that at least for myself, an all or nothing attitude is going to lead me straight back to the latter. And of course a little bit is better than nada.
You are amazing and gifted i just discovered you thank you for sharing your videos. I am a guitar player and a mandolin player.I want the fiddle style of playing. 🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻♩♩🎶🎶🎵🎼
@@joyoffiddling i have a turn of the century violin from 1900s that's needs a serious restoration do you anyone that does good restoration and a Jackson guldan violin Stradivarius violin that's needs some minor work.I think about getting a new violin to play. Are you the one with the hat😊🎻🎻🎻🎼🎼🎼♩🎶🎶🎵♩♩🎵
A quick Google search for luthiers in your area should get you started on finding options for restoring your instruments. And, sorry but no, Fernando, I am not in the videos, but behind the camera.
@@joyoffiddling i went to my local violin shop they charging 1216 dollars for the turn of the century violin😲😞i will keep looking for a reasonable price. 🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻♩♩🎶🎵🎼🎼🎼
Do keep in mind Fernando, that all of us who own Instruments made of wood, regularly experience sticker shock and gut ache whenever our fiddles, guitars, mandolins, etc. need some professional TLC. But it just comes with the territory. Some of our instruments are hundreds of years old. Some are very valuable. They can be very finicky and fragile with infinitely complex engineering. Their sound can change when the weather changes a couple degrees. Few more degree in either direction might damage them. Having work done on an instrument could potentially increase its' value by hundreds or thousands of dollars. Having the wrong kind of work done could destroy an instruments' value or alter the volume or quality of sound it makes. They are our babies and you don't want just anyone to put their hands on your baby. It goes without saying, that you should do your research and shop around and best of all, get some personal references from musician friends that you trust. I would ask you to ask yourself what your definition of "reasonable price" really means. Remember that anyone who falls in love with playing music will by default fall in love with the instruments that they play. And an instrument can be a high maintenance mistress...but she's worth it.😉
It's funny, @Bert Shutler, I'm never really aware of any "thumbs down" on any particular video posted on the Joy of Fiddling channel, until a viewer brings it to my attention. While this channel, like all channels, does sometimes get critical comments, I can't enlighten you on why this video would inspire those folks to thumbs down what they are seeing or hearing. I can offer the following: there are an untold number of fiddling styles throughout the word...and unfortunately, there are a few people that believe their style is the "correct" or "best" style or that other styles are "wrong" or "inferior". Some people believe that one style is somehow a threat to the style that they play or favor which is a sentiment that I have been exposed to my entire life since I started fiddling at a very young age. I have never understood it. Just like I've never understood religious conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Shia and the Sunnis. The Hindus and the Buddhists. Etc. Are we not all worshiping the same God? (OK so that analogy doesn't exactly suit Buddhism or Hinduism but you see my point.) Do we in the fiddle world not all play the same instrument? We all have our favorite styles of course, but my eyes and ears are open to all of them. How boring it would be if we all sounded the same. For many the predominant style of the fiddlers featured on this channel may be too progressive for their taste. That is a critique that shows up more than any other on this channel. I can only guesstimate that some of those who gave this video in particular a thumbs down may be of that mind. There is very little I can do for those individuals except hope that they will find what they are looking for on the Internet. But I am always glad to hear from folks like you who get a good feeling from what they are seeing and hearing and take the time to say so. And for that I thank you.
I would like to see more of these on u tube. Just tell me what key you are playing in, guitar, fiddle, banjo and I will play my harmonicas right along! Learned that form my dad.
Hey @Jane Mckissack. We do have plans for more jam vids in specific keys. In the mean time, grab your harpoon whenever you get the notion and play along with us anytime!
Me too, @SPEAKout! But we're still in a Covid lockdown. Everybody take care of each other, be safe, hang in there, and with little luck we'll all be playing music together again soon.
Hey Steve, we'll take that as a compliment. But I'm afraid this particular group of musicians resides in the Pacific Northwest, so, I don't think it'll be convenient for you to simply "drop by". However, I can't imagine that there aren't a goodly amount of fine fiddlers and pickers in South Carolina. May I recommend that you reach out to the South Carolina State Fiddle Association? Quick google search will get you started.
Im right on the border of Cali and Oregon....if that's the PNW part you are talking about. I used to run as a trucker from Los Angeles to Lynden, Wa. all the time, so it is just a hop-skip and a jump for me.. and it looks worth it. I am only on my 3rd week of playing violin and I just posted a (non-tagged) video on my page. I have a long way to go.... but hopefully it gets better and better each day.
Hey Tommy. We're a bit further North in the Portland area. And yes, if you put the time in the shed with your instrument, it will reveal wonderful things to you in time.
@@joyoffiddling ~ I was driving truck for Joel Olsen right there out of Vancouver. I think it would be fun just to take in what you guys are doing. I just learned "Ragtime Annie".. I wasn't extremely attracted to the song per se, but it taught me a lot about how to use double-stops and to be comfortable with them. Once I got to playing it faster, I could much easier "slur' into the notes and put a bit of a twist on it. Right now, even though I have a great ear, I find myself stumbling around in the key of E Pentatonic and A major. If I start out with G major, I am fine because E is the relative minor, but just the slightest increment will bring me up into another key and I have to stop and regroup. It really is a challenge, but now I like just listening to you guys when you choose a particular key. I don't watch as much as I just listen. It really helps with the sharps and flats in certain keys to do that. I appreciate you guys so much more now than in the beginning. I had this thought-processing that was looking for Eddie Van Halen on the guitar instead of a good ol' Fiddle player. Right now I am infatuated with the "Old-Timey" players who hold the fiddle down low and just follow their own rules. I don't want to play that way because bowing and shifting become so restricted. I guess the point that I am making right now is that you guys are fitting the criteria that I really need right now. I do still hold my violin down a bit, but I do keep my wrist straight. I went to a teacher who said that my vibrato is already "spot on" and that I really just need to rely on my ear right now. The problem is (is) that you don't find many fiddle players down in the valley of California. You really need to get up into the High Sierras where they hang out. If I learn a tune on the Violin/Fiddle, I also make sure that the FiRST thing I learn is the rhythm behind the melody and how to play it on the guitar, which is an almost instantaneous process for me. The problem is, reaching over and plucking the right string in an odd place compared to the Fiddle, so now I am looking at Mandolins. Obviously you would know why. I just need something that doesn't sound so "tinny"... I really like a deep sound, even in my Acoustic Guitars. I like the "Martin" (not a knockoff) sound, that is deep but also projects depending on how hard you pick the strings. Sorry for the book. I am excited to be in this stage of learning again. I've been kind of stale with music over the last few years. Thanks again for making music like this so attractive! ) that u
Tommy, you need to hook yourself up with the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association....here's a link: www.csotfa.org. Look at their District map and find out which one you are in, then reach out to them and expand your horizons from there. Wonderful folks down your way. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how many fiddlers, pickers, and pluckers, are a lot closer to you than you realize. Also, be patient with yourself and your progress. Your experience playing guitar will no doubt help as a fiddler and vice versa. But the fiddle/violin is a very challenging instrument to learn and takes a LOT of time, discipline, and devotion. You will find her a high maintenance mistress...but she's worth it.
Well, Neil, that's a great question that might have many different answers, but I'd say that your ears are not far off the mark, if not right on the money. Throughout history, tunes, just like people, tend to travel around a lot and as a result they will also evolve along their journey and over time. Very easy to find examples of tunes being played in Ireland, Canada, and America that are no doubt the very same tunes, but are played very differently stylistically speaking. I learned the tune "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" from Texas style fiddlers. But when I researched the tune on line I found the versions being played in the pubs of England were VERY different. (of course, I should not have been surprised) No question they were the same tune, but rhythmically they were different worlds. Even in different regions of America the same tune can sound very different. The "Fort Smith" played in Missouri does not sound exactly like the "Fort Smith" played in Texas, but they are the same tune. I love hearing the varying styles of these tunes and I believe they should be celebrated as they illustrate what an incredible art form that fiddling is and how it can be the epitome of personal self expression.
@@joyoffiddling Thanks for your reply! They reminded me of the stuff I've heard from Natalie MacMaster, so that's why I suggested Canada and Cape Breton. Wherever these tunes come from, they are great fun! Thanks for sharing these jam sessions.
Hey StellingGDL, I can tell you that everyone in the room, both fiddlers and pickers, will take that as a big compliment. Every one of them is a huge fan of or has been greatly influenced by Texas style fiddling. We all grew up on and to this day continue to listen to and discuss the great Texas style fiddlers like Benny Thomasson, Terry Morris, Orville Burns, Texas Shorty, Dick Barrett, Louis Franklin, Norman Solomon, and others. And in my humble opinion, I don't think you could have Texas style fiddling without Texas style back up and great pickers like the Franklin Brothers, Royce and Ray, Omega Burden, Jerry Thomasson, Bobby Christman, Rex Gillentine, and others. All of the musicians in this video are from many different places, but currently all reside in the Portland, Oregon area. For the record, none of them ever go around claiming to be "Texas style" fiddlers or pickers. And Andy likes to say that he plays something he calls... "Oregon style".
Whoops. Just realized I left Major Franklin off the Texas fiddle legends roll call. (Apologies, Major.) StellingGDL, I passed along your regards to the gang and they said to tell you "Hey". Glad you found us.
I have that album. County 707 Texas Fiddle Favorites with Major Franklin, Lewis Franklin and Norman Solomon. Was that a different Lewis (Louis) Franklin or a misprint. Everywhere else I've seen it spelled Louis Franklin. I also have the Texas Fiddle Album by Larry Franklin but only digitally. All great music.
A classic album! An important audio document. And a must own for anyone interested in this style of fiddling. I've always spelled "Louis" as opposed to "Lewis" and my educated guess is his name was a misspelled on that County record cover, but definitely the same Louis for sure. And the Larry/Louis "Keepsake Album" is another one worth tracking down especially for those who appreciate twin fiddling.
And I'm trying to get my youngest grandson interested in learning to play mandolin. I figure I may have 6 to 8 years to teach him before I leave this life, so who knows. All he wants is my old mando, because "grandpa made it". Whether he plays it is up to him, huh?
Afraid so, @Robert Shorthill. There's a big difference between "encouragement" and "pressure" and from my own personal experience and observation, pressure, sooner or later, leads to a dead end. Picking up a musical instrument is a HUGE commitment in multiple respects and no one should ever be forced into it. My advice would be to focus on being "available" to your grandson should he ever get bit by the bug. Everyone comes to music in their own time and way. Or not. A multiple national champion fiddler friend of mine who had two children, both of whom went on to have phenomenal success in fiddling, said to me once: "Do you know what we did to encourage our kids to play fiddle? Absolutely nothing."
Actually, Patricia, if you take another look at this video, you will notice that Doug, Andy, and Gary are also picking up their guitars when they aren't playing their fiddles. Although, it is true, that Jeff is the one picker who picked from start to finish. But he loves it.
Kind of you to say,@@Jefmon01. In light of the current lock down situation we all find ourselves in, may I offer you (and anyone else) a "stay-at-home appropriate" invitation to do what we do when (like now) we can't be together? Feel free to grab your instrument, pick a tune/video, turn up the volume, and jam along.
@@joyoffiddling thanks for the encouragement. I miss my regular hand and band practices and now Maine Fiddle Camp is canceled so it's jam to the net! I do have a co-worker who plays fiddle tho I'm more older tyme and he's more Irish we did play one in the parking lot with safe distancing etc.
Love your parking lot jam story,@@Jefmon01 It's a tough time for everyone right now during this period of social distancing. But I think there's an added element of unease for musicians that non-musicians may not be able to fully comprehend. The feelings we get from playing music with our friends, cannot be duplicated in any other medium. There are chemicals in our brains and bodies that can only flow when released by music. When that valve gets shut off, many of us will go through feelings of withdrawal. There is a nagging pang that will only dissipate when we can gather again in a circle with our instruments and have that musical conversation and communion. Having said, I will say that my fiddle has been a reliable companion during these days of isolation and I feel enormous gratitude for an instrument that is serving me in a way that I would never have anticipated were it not for our current circumstances. As for these jam videos, they will never, of course, be a replacement for jamming in person. But, they're better than a kick in the shins right now. My hope is that they give folks a little joy to watch and perhaps serve as a reminder of what we will all being doing again when this virus exits the building.
@@joyoffiddling I am just a layman, I wish I were worthy of such an invitation (sits here looking at his instruments and wondering why he never mastered them)
Don't be so hard on yourself,@@shanedog007 ! Just picking up any instrument to learn demands commitment and sacrifice...let alone actually "mastering" one. None of the folks in these videos would ever consider themselves "masters" or "experts" or anything along those lines. We're just lovers of the instrument and the music and we'll consider ourselves students for the rest of our lives.
"Tunes in the key of.. " is a wonderful concept of sharing homeplaying sessions . The delightful feeling of actualy being there.... well done and thanks.
Love to here that, Gerard. Always hope folks get that very feeling when watching these jam sessions.
I came here for A !!
It’s been years, and ever since I found this video I just keep coming back to it. What incredible talent. I started watching these when I picked up the fiddle a few years ago, and while I’m nowhere close to this level, this is what I strive for. Thank y’all for making this. Greetings from Arkansas!
@dh5cents, the fact that any videos on the Joy of Fiddling channel mean something to you, means a great deal to us. As you continue on your journey as a musician, remember, that every single person you see in any of these videos started from the same place you did. And no matter where we are on the skill/talent/whatever scale, we ALL continue to strive for better. Welcome to the fiddle family!
I love being a part of the 'Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers' Association and getting to see these fine players in person. This years competition was awesome!!
It's a pretty great group of folks in the Pacific Northwest fiddle family, isn't it, David? And yes, it was a good contest this year with more fiddlers and pickers and audience than expected all coming to Oregon from Nevada, California, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Great compliment to the contest organizers when you have so many people coming from so far away for a one day competition.
I heard Oregon was one beatiful place I hope I can see it one day
Love that you all can sit together and just jam like this..... a dream of mine
It was a dream of ours too, @Jeffrey Gamble. So, we made it happen. You can too.
Wow! Thank you everyone. Can't play myself but love to watch/listen to all of you. Brilliant
Our pleasure, Tony. Stop by the Joy of Fiddling channel anytime.
absolutely joyous first class music!!!!
Thanks, Dave. Glad you found us.
Really nice stuff, guys.. Great style, timing, and very tastefully done. Rhythm guitar is spot on! Not just fiddlers.. Musicians!
Much obliged. It is true that all the musicians in these videos have spent many years honing their craft. But you can't underestimate the value in simply getting together as much as possible to play music with your friends.
I love how the instruments are passed around seamlessly. Also, the table in the back just loaded with fiddles.
When you have life long friends, who happen to be fiddlers and pickers, and you jam a lot together, an unspoken language tends to develop.
Well that brought a huge smile to my face. Thankyou thankyou.
Glad to hear that, Linda. Come back anytime when you need another smile.
WOW i really appreciate all of You
🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍
Amazingly Beautiful Jam!!! Thank you for posting it!!!😀
Thanks for checking it out, Jeffrey. More to come from these guys in the future.
Thank you for posting this. It made my day.
You are more than welcome, Greg. Music can do just that.
I play in the Ayrshire Fiddle orchestra in Scotland - this is so cool! I love American fiddling because it's so carefree and stylish! Our Irish and Scottish stuff is fun, but this is first class!
Welcome Naomi! Always glad to hear from fiddle family members from across the pond. Your compliment on American fiddling is very kind but keep in mind, there are a lot of American fiddlers playing many different styles, not to mention there are countless devotees of Scottish and Irish styles here as well. A great many of the tunes we play have origins in your part of the world and while we may not all perform them in the strictest traditional sense, I think our love for the music comes through.
I'm sitting at home (Northern Ireland) playing my bass along with it, hope you guys didn't mind lol ! Great Music, thank you.
Greetings Alec from Ireland! Honored to hear from you. Not only do we not mind you playing your bass, Alec, we love it. Please feel free to sit in (or stand in) anytime.
I would love to go Ireland one day this great fiddlin great fiddlin
I'm playing this from TH-cam where sometimes have to ask there by voice,any way I wonder if u might like a group called el tri,they play rock and roll with the orchestra.
The gal with the ball cap has got great tone and clarity in notes real smooth if I was a judge she would score high great fiddlin from all
Excellent playing folks. Well done.
Fantastic - enjoyed every single minute - great musicians!!
This is amazing, thank you so much the jammers of Jeff & Eileen's place. (Just reading comments and agree with Linda Hart, smile indeed :-) )
Glad to hear, Alison. Smiles are what it's all about.
This is grand, I love your jam sessions!
We do too, Sherrie. Stop in any time for a listen.
All of you are just so good.
Bravo.
These fiddlers are great! Really enjoyed!
Still listening Christmas 2021~ love your jams!!!
Wow the fiddle is awesome as well as the players. Glad I stopped by and thanks again.
Glad that you stopped by as well, Frank. You are welcome back anytime.
Love watching this jam. Makes me miss jamming with my family! Thanks for sharing:)
Glad you found us, @Playalong Partner. Nothing beats being at a jam in person, but here's hoping it brings you good memories. And remember, you can watch any of these videos and play along anytime.
That us the most wonderful minutes I have ever spent, in absolute harmony with all that great music. I could listen to Metis Music all day every day and night time too !!! What a great gift of these players give to all people !!! Metis Music is the best music in the world. I grew up with kitchen parties, when all the neighbors came to our place in the 50 and 60's, bring all their instruments and have a great old fashion time???
Glad you found us, Sharon! I firmly believe some of the best musical experiences do not take place on a stage but in a home....in the kitchen, living room, front porch, or back yard. Stop by anytime whenever you need a few minutes of music.
I'm a huge fan.... can't get enough! - Thanks for Sharing such Talent!
Much appreciated, @soulNURSE. Love to hear that folks enjoy these videos. We've got a lot of plans for more jam vids but Covid has put our large group gatherings on hold for now. But we'll be back.
Very fantastic spontanious natural musicians! Bravo! I wish I cold attend one of your shows around here, I would agree to pay the price...
Very kind of you to say so, Jean-Louis. Glad you found us. If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest, you would be welcome to drop by one of our jam sessions, no charge.
@@joyoffiddling Yeah, I lived in the PNW for many years. There were so many dedicated, non professional pickers in small towns, living in wooded areas, larger cities, jamming in bars and living rooms almost everywhere. Around here where I live there is the town Senior Centers
What a gift all these folks have in that there so many talented members that want to meet together to jam. I am trying to play mandolin and am unable to travel very far. It is near impossible to get two more "pickers" together to play, pick, or jam on a few new (old time) tunes. Even the fiddle jams are boring, because it's the same 6 or 8 tunes year after year.
That’s a lot of talent in one room. Nice.
Joy of listening too :)
lovely playing and a great atmosphere & friendly people ...awesome ....
Wow!!! Awesome fiddling!
Great job folks.
OMG !! what a family ! you're great !
Very kind words, Louise. While only Jeff and Eileen are actually related by marriage...the rest of us do count ourselves members of the greater fiddle family.
LOVE it!
Amazing family jam , that's a real pleasure .... thanks !!
Thanks for stopping by, Louise. Come back for a visit anytime.
Sure ! i'll be back! (like today)
I'm a french hurdy gurdy player ... but i'm do love many different musics
Ha! Vous êtes toujours la bienvenue, Louise. The Joy of Fiddling channel is open 24-7...all you can eat fiddle music buffet. It is said that variety is the spice of life and I believe that's especially true for musical tastes. I can't imagine subsisting on a diet of one genre of music. Keeping an open mind and open ear is integral to the growth of one's mind and soul.
By the way, I think the hurdy gurdy is an underappreciated instrument. : )
@@brookslouise2877
Good
This channel is fucking great, and all the players should take a bow. Been glued to your vids for an hour now.
Well, Aritro Abedin, your comment and enthusiasm is appreciated. You...are one of the reasons these videos are made.
Brings back a lot of memories. I worked with Jim Mature at Maxwell House in Houston back in the 80’s and he introduced me to this style back then. We went to and played contests around Victoria and Halletsville. You guys are nailing that sound. Good job.
@John Ritchhart, If you were Halletsville back in the 80's (or any decade for that matter) then your words are high praise to our humbled ears. Many of our fiddling and picking heroes were (and still are) regular participants in that legendary Texas contest. We're honored we remind you of that sound.
Tres bon
Wonderful playing!
Nicely done...
I have often wondered why so many old time tunes are in the key of A. I have a fiddle now, and well lets say it yells the loudest. I like the key of D much better as I am a newbie fiddler, and enjoying it very much.
Good question @David Marks. And one that probably has more than one answer. (If you like the key of "D", be sure to check out our "Tunes in the Key of "D" jam video.) For some reason I feel an affinity for A minor and B flat...even though the latter is a bit hard on the fingering hand for some.
Music from Heart! Thanks Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa.
The ascending riff that Tabitha plays at 2:03 was off the hook! Reminded me of Paginini's 5th Caprice for a second there. That was so fluid and perfect!
Paginini is welcome at our jams anytime.😬
@@joyoffiddling ~ Yeah, I don't see you saying "sorry, do you have a reservation?"🎵🎵🎻 🎻 🎻
some amazing talent!
Très bon joueur de violon on croirait que s,est le même qui joue et qu'elle beau morceau bravo
Awesome 👍
I wish I was there!! this is living!
We feel blessed, @ben wrong. And while a multi-generational group of musicians who play together on a regular basis does not happen overnight, it is not as hard to have as some might think. You just have to seek out like minded people with a passion for this music.
@@joyoffiddling Yes, exactly, to be playing music is a blessing! As soon as lockdown is over, I'm jamming at the folk club. I lost my way with the bright lights and techno but watching your videos and playing along on guitar reminds me of the magic of music, thanks!!
@@joyoffiddling ps I had a period of my life similar to your jam, lasted four years or so, no fiddles sadly, but multi generational guitar jams. The congregation around the joy of playing was a great thing to be part of. After playing since my early teens and making a living from playing, my ring and pinky fingers went numb about 5 years ago and had to give up guitar, which sadly also made me hate music and avoid it.... recently I have learnt to flat pick and can play as fast as ever, with a whole new love and appreciation...
@@benwrong6855 playing along with the videos with guitar or any instrument of choice is an excellent exercise and one I've long recommend to everyone when jamming in person is not an option.
@@benwrong6855 I am very sorry to hear about your finger issues but I can honestly tell you that I do feel your pain. Quite literally. As do countless musicians out there playing a variety of musical styles and types of instruments. My entire left arm, hand, fingers went numb one day and I knew immediately that I had done something seriously wrong. It was the beginning of worst 2 1/2 years of my life. And it took me longer than that to realize I needed to change my outlook, expectations, and my habits pertaining to practice or playing. In my large circle of musician friends, I know very few of them who are not afflicted with some form of discomfort directly related to their playing an instrument. People don't think about it much unless it affects them directly, but musicians are no different than football players or ballerinas. There is a physical toll taken for doing the thing that we love. We suffer for our art. This subject is too vast to address in a simple TH-cam comment, so I will only offer a meager piece of advice. Living with chronic pain is not the fate of every single musician and there are certainly ways to minimize doing damage to ourselves. A good rule of thumb that I share is…. dietitians tell us to stop eating before we are full and i'll suggest to musicians to stop playing or practicing before they feel pain. If discomfort kicks in, it's too late, the damage is done. But one can recover if they have the discipline to put the instrument away for a rest. I will never get back to playing at 100%. And I know that I will never be completely pain-free. I will forever have to remind myself to take breaks and maintain a healthy practice regimen, which does require me to put my fiddle down when really I want to keep playing. But I know now that at least for myself, an all or nothing attitude is going to lead me straight back to the latter. And of course a little bit is better than nada.
just awsoome my friends realy love it we more fifllers like youguys cooll ya hoooooo lol
You are amazing and gifted i just discovered you thank you for sharing your videos. I am a guitar player and a mandolin player.I want the fiddle style of playing. 🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻♩♩🎶🎶🎵🎼
You make us blush, Fernando. Love your enthusiasm and very glad you found us. Drop by for a listen anytime.
@@joyoffiddling i have a turn of the century violin from 1900s that's needs a serious restoration do you anyone that does good restoration and a Jackson guldan violin Stradivarius violin that's needs some minor work.I think about getting a new violin to play. Are you the one with the hat😊🎻🎻🎻🎼🎼🎼♩🎶🎶🎵♩♩🎵
A quick Google search for luthiers in your area should get you started on finding options for restoring your instruments. And, sorry but no, Fernando, I am not in the videos, but behind the camera.
@@joyoffiddling i went to my local violin shop they charging 1216 dollars for the turn of the century violin😲😞i will keep looking for a reasonable price. 🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻♩♩🎶🎵🎼🎼🎼
Do keep in mind Fernando, that all of us who own Instruments made of wood, regularly experience sticker shock and gut ache whenever our fiddles, guitars, mandolins, etc. need some professional TLC. But it just comes with the territory. Some of our instruments are hundreds of years old. Some are very valuable. They can be very finicky and fragile with infinitely complex engineering. Their sound can change when the weather changes a couple degrees. Few more degree in either direction might damage them. Having work done on an instrument could potentially increase its' value by hundreds or thousands of dollars. Having the wrong kind of work done could destroy an instruments' value or alter the volume or quality of sound it makes. They are our babies and you don't want just anyone to put their hands on your baby. It goes without saying, that you should do your research and shop around and best of all, get some personal references from musician friends that you trust. I would ask you to ask yourself what your definition of "reasonable price" really means. Remember that anyone who falls in love with playing music will by default fall in love with the instruments that they play. And an instrument can be a high maintenance mistress...but she's worth it.😉
Thanks 👍
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for checking it out.
wow still don't get it 22 thumbs down??? what's not to like. great stuff and a great time
It's funny, @Bert Shutler, I'm never really aware of any "thumbs down" on any particular video posted on the Joy of Fiddling channel, until a viewer brings it to my attention. While this channel, like all channels, does sometimes get critical comments, I can't enlighten you on why this video would inspire those folks to thumbs down what they are seeing or hearing. I can offer the following: there are an untold number of fiddling styles throughout the word...and unfortunately, there are a few people that believe their style is the "correct" or "best" style or that other styles are "wrong" or "inferior". Some people believe that one style is somehow a threat to the style that they play or favor which is a sentiment that I have been exposed to my entire life since I started fiddling at a very young age. I have never understood it. Just like I've never understood religious conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Shia and the Sunnis. The Hindus and the Buddhists. Etc. Are we not all worshiping the same God? (OK so that analogy doesn't exactly suit Buddhism or Hinduism but you see my point.) Do we in the fiddle world not all play the same instrument? We all have our favorite styles of course, but my eyes and ears are open to all of them. How boring it would be if we all sounded the same. For many the predominant style of the fiddlers featured on this channel may be too progressive for their taste. That is a critique that shows up more than any other on this channel. I can only guesstimate that some of those who gave this video in particular a thumbs down may be of that mind. There is very little I can do for those individuals except hope that they will find what they are looking for on the Internet. But I am always glad to hear from folks like you who get a good feeling from what they are seeing and hearing and take the time to say so. And for that I thank you.
I got some really good super glue and a bunch of clamps and then sone nuts and botls!
Relatable!!
Believe it or not, @Kim Harris, your comment came in while we jamming at Jeff and Eileen's. I read it aloud and we all got a kick out of it.
Bravo. Que du bonheur.
I would like to see more of these on u tube. Just tell me what key you are playing in, guitar, fiddle, banjo and I will play my harmonicas right along! Learned that form my dad.
Hey @Jane Mckissack. We do have plans for more jam vids in specific keys. In the mean time, grab your harpoon whenever you get the notion and play along with us anytime!
Makin' music...much better than playin' it.
good stuff
Good stuff! Recommendation - don’t superglue a pick guard to your acoustic guitar. Thanks! 🌞✌️😎🎻
i want to go over to Jeff and Eileen's !!!!
Me too, @SPEAKout! But we're still in a Covid lockdown. Everybody take care of each other, be safe, hang in there, and with little luck we'll all be playing music together again soon.
WHOOOOO!!!!
Where you guys live? I want to come jam with y'all! Can't find any fiddlers here in SC
Hey Steve, we'll take that as a compliment. But I'm afraid this particular group of musicians resides in the Pacific Northwest, so, I don't think it'll be convenient for you to simply "drop by". However, I can't imagine that there aren't a goodly amount of fine fiddlers and pickers in South Carolina. May I recommend that you reach out to the South Carolina State Fiddle Association? Quick google search will get you started.
Im right on the border of Cali and Oregon....if that's the PNW part you are talking about. I used to run as a trucker from Los Angeles to Lynden, Wa. all the time, so it is just a hop-skip and a jump for me.. and it looks worth it. I am only on my 3rd week of playing violin and I just posted a (non-tagged) video on my page. I have a long way to go.... but hopefully it gets better and better each day.
Hey Tommy. We're a bit further North in the Portland area. And yes, if you put the time in the shed with your instrument, it will reveal wonderful things to you in time.
@@joyoffiddling ~ I was driving truck for Joel Olsen right there out of Vancouver. I think it would be fun just to take in what you guys are doing. I just learned "Ragtime Annie".. I wasn't extremely attracted to the song per se, but it taught me a lot about how to use double-stops and to be comfortable with them. Once I got to playing it faster, I could much easier "slur' into the notes and put a bit of a twist on it. Right now, even though I have a great ear, I find myself stumbling around in the key of E Pentatonic and A major. If I start out with G major, I am fine because E is the relative minor, but just the slightest increment will bring me up into another key and I have to stop and regroup. It really is a challenge, but now I like just listening to you guys when you choose a particular key. I don't watch as much as I just listen. It really helps with the sharps and flats in certain keys to do that. I appreciate you guys so much more now than in the beginning. I had this thought-processing that was looking for Eddie Van Halen on the guitar instead of a good ol' Fiddle player. Right now I am infatuated with the "Old-Timey" players who hold the fiddle down low and just follow their own rules. I don't want to play that way because bowing and shifting become so restricted. I guess the point that I am making right now is that you guys are fitting the criteria that I really need right now. I do still hold my violin down a bit, but I do keep my wrist straight. I went to a teacher who said that my vibrato is already "spot on" and that I really just need to rely on my ear right now. The problem is (is) that you don't find many fiddle players down in the valley of California. You really need to get up into the High Sierras where they hang out. If I learn a tune on the Violin/Fiddle, I also make sure that the FiRST thing I learn is the rhythm behind the melody and how to play it on the guitar, which is an almost instantaneous process for me. The problem is, reaching over and plucking the right string in an odd place compared to the Fiddle, so now I am looking at Mandolins. Obviously you would know why. I just need something that doesn't sound so "tinny"... I really like a deep sound, even in my Acoustic Guitars. I like the "Martin" (not a knockoff) sound, that is deep but also projects depending on how hard you pick the strings. Sorry for the book. I am excited to be in this stage of learning again. I've been kind of stale with music over the last few years. Thanks again for making music like this so attractive!
) that u
Tommy, you need to hook yourself up with the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association....here's a link: www.csotfa.org. Look at their District map and find out which one you are in, then reach out to them and expand your horizons from there. Wonderful folks down your way. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how many fiddlers, pickers, and pluckers, are a lot closer to you than you realize. Also, be patient with yourself and your progress. Your experience playing guitar will no doubt help as a fiddler and vice versa. But the fiddle/violin is a very challenging instrument to learn and takes a LOT of time, discipline, and devotion. You will find her a high maintenance mistress...but she's worth it.
Where do these tunes come from? To me they sound Scottish or Canadian, possibly from Cape Breton Nova Scotia.
Well, Neil, that's a great question that might have many different answers, but I'd say that your ears are not far off the mark, if not right on the money. Throughout history, tunes, just like people, tend to travel around a lot and as a result they will also evolve along their journey and over time. Very easy to find examples of tunes being played in Ireland, Canada, and America that are no doubt the very same tunes, but are played very differently stylistically speaking. I learned the tune "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" from Texas style fiddlers. But when I researched the tune on line I found the versions being played in the pubs of England were VERY different. (of course, I should not have been surprised) No question they were the same tune, but rhythmically they were different worlds. Even in different regions of America the same tune can sound very different. The "Fort Smith" played in Missouri does not sound exactly like the "Fort Smith" played in Texas, but they are the same tune. I love hearing the varying styles of these tunes and I believe they should be celebrated as they illustrate what an incredible art form that fiddling is and how it can be the epitome of personal self expression.
@@joyoffiddling Thanks for your reply! They reminded me of the stuff I've heard from Natalie MacMaster, so that's why I suggested Canada and Cape Breton. Wherever these tunes come from, they are great fun! Thanks for sharing these jam sessions.
Younger guy killed it
Yup. Doug knows his way around a fiddle.
Great Job. Loved it. Sounds like some Texas Fiddlin' with that Back up guitar work. Not sure where you're from but that's my guess.
Hey StellingGDL, I can tell you that everyone in the room, both fiddlers and pickers, will take that as a big compliment. Every one of them is a huge fan of or has been greatly influenced by Texas style fiddling. We all grew up on and to this day continue to listen to and discuss the great Texas style fiddlers like Benny Thomasson, Terry Morris, Orville Burns, Texas Shorty, Dick Barrett, Louis Franklin, Norman Solomon, and others. And in my humble opinion, I don't think you could have Texas style fiddling without Texas style back up and great pickers like the Franklin Brothers, Royce and Ray, Omega Burden, Jerry Thomasson, Bobby Christman, Rex Gillentine, and others. All of the musicians in this video are from many different places, but currently all reside in the Portland, Oregon area. For the record, none of them ever go around claiming to be "Texas style" fiddlers or pickers. And Andy likes to say that he plays something he calls... "Oregon style".
Yes, you can hear the influence. That's some mighty fine fiddlers to emulate. Tell them all great job, and thank you for sharing!
Whoops. Just realized I left Major Franklin off the Texas fiddle legends roll call. (Apologies, Major.) StellingGDL, I passed along your regards to the gang and they said to tell you "Hey". Glad you found us.
I have that album. County 707 Texas Fiddle Favorites with Major Franklin, Lewis Franklin and Norman Solomon. Was that a different Lewis (Louis) Franklin or a misprint. Everywhere else I've seen it spelled Louis Franklin. I also have the Texas Fiddle Album by Larry Franklin but only digitally. All great music.
A classic album! An important audio document. And a must own for anyone interested in this style of fiddling. I've always spelled "Louis" as opposed to "Lewis" and my educated guess is his name was a misspelled on that County record cover, but definitely the same Louis for sure. And the Larry/Louis "Keepsake Album" is another one worth tracking down especially for those who appreciate twin fiddling.
A little Tin Town in Winter.
Hi Andy!
Andy says "Hey", Mark.
And I'm trying to get my youngest grandson interested in learning to play mandolin. I figure I may have 6 to 8 years to teach him before I leave this life, so who knows. All he wants is my old mando, because "grandpa made it". Whether he plays it is up to him, huh?
Afraid so, @Robert Shorthill. There's a big difference between "encouragement" and "pressure" and from my own personal experience and observation, pressure, sooner or later, leads to a dead end. Picking up a musical instrument is a HUGE commitment in multiple respects and no one should ever be forced into it. My advice would be to focus on being "available" to your grandson should he ever get bit by the bug. Everyone comes to music in their own time and way. Or not. A multiple national champion fiddler friend of mine who had two children, both of whom went on to have phenomenal success in fiddling, said to me once: "Do you know what we did to encourage our kids to play fiddle? Absolutely nothing."
Now what about .......Tutti!
Who is she she the girl in ballcap is really good I would like to take somebody and win every fiddle contest in the us
That's a wealth of fiddlers right there!
We all feel very fortunate to live in the same general area which allows us to get together to play as often as we do.
Need a relief guitar player. Lots of fiddles, only one guitar. He got tired. Ha. Great job.
Actually, Patricia, if you take another look at this video, you will notice that Doug, Andy, and Gary are also picking up their guitars when they aren't playing their fiddles. Although, it is true, that Jeff is the one picker who picked from start to finish. But he loves it.
@@joyoffiddling It would have been a joy to back up that entire set!
Kind of you to say,@@Jefmon01. In light of the current lock down situation we all find ourselves in, may I offer you (and anyone else) a "stay-at-home appropriate" invitation to do what we do when (like now) we can't be together? Feel free to grab your instrument, pick a tune/video, turn up the volume, and jam along.
@@joyoffiddling thanks for the encouragement. I miss my regular hand and band practices and now Maine Fiddle Camp is canceled so it's jam to the net! I do have a co-worker who plays fiddle tho I'm more older tyme and he's more Irish we did play one in the parking lot with safe distancing etc.
Love your parking lot jam story,@@Jefmon01 It's a tough time for everyone right now during this period of social distancing. But I think there's an added element of unease for musicians that non-musicians may not be able to fully comprehend. The feelings we get from playing music with our friends, cannot be duplicated in any other medium. There are chemicals in our brains and bodies that can only flow when released by music. When that valve gets shut off, many of us will go through feelings of withdrawal. There is a nagging pang that will only dissipate when we can gather again in a circle with our instruments and have that musical conversation and communion. Having said, I will say that my fiddle has been a reliable companion during these days of isolation and I feel enormous gratitude for an instrument that is serving me in a way that I would never have anticipated were it not for our current circumstances. As for these jam videos, they will never, of course, be a replacement for jamming in person. But, they're better than a kick in the shins right now. My hope is that they give folks a little joy to watch and perhaps serve as a reminder of what we will all being doing again when this virus exits the building.
N
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I felt like I was invited into a musicians home and had a personal jam with them . . .
Love to hear that reaction, @shanedog007. You are always welcome and we'll leave the light on for ya'.
@@joyoffiddling I am just a layman, I wish I were worthy of such an invitation (sits here looking at his instruments and wondering why he never mastered them)
Don't be so hard on yourself,@@shanedog007 ! Just picking up any instrument to learn demands commitment and sacrifice...let alone actually "mastering" one. None of the folks in these videos would ever consider themselves "masters" or "experts" or anything along those lines. We're just lovers of the instrument and the music and we'll consider ourselves students for the rest of our lives.
@@joyoffiddling I'm DOING it this lent!
bagpipes sorry, not the fiddle