Dick Barrett at Weiser 1982

Here are a few tunes of Dick Barrett fiddling in the campground at Weiser in 1982. I believe this was recorded with a boombox by soon-to-be national fiddle champion Tony Ludiker. Mark O'Connor is on tenor guitar. The last tune features Lisa Barrett on twin fiddle and Joey McKenzie on guitar. You'll also be amused to hear Dick deny knowing any waltzes (he was the master at waltzes).

Download Link: Dick Barrett -- Weiser 1982 (28 MB) 

Jimmie Don Bates with Matt Hartz and Joey McKenzie

Jimmie Don Bates is the greatest Texas-style fiddle player around. This phenomenal jam was recorded around 1987 at Matt Hartz' home. Joey McKenzie is on guitar and Matt is on tenor guitar. You'll definitely catch yourself listening to the rhythm section a lot, too. A true clinic. A true classic. If you don't like this, we probably can't be friends.

Download Link: Jimmie Don Bates at Matt's (107 MB)

Major Franklin and Louis Franklin

Somebody at Weiser had never heard Louis Franklin. I have a few recordings of Louis, but they're spread out over a bunch of tapes with other fiddlers. I wish I had more (hint, hint) because he's one of my favorites. Here's a short tape with both Major and Louis fiddling (Major first, then Louis on the last few tunes). If you'd like to hear more Louis Franklin, you should head over to Larry Franklin's website (www.larry-franklin.com) and buy the "Keepsake Album". Truly a great record.

Download Link: Major Franklin and Louis Franklin (35 MB)

Orville Burns Weiser 1995

It's Orville. It's Weiser. It's unedited. If you haven't already hit the download button, I'll just assume you've never heard of Orville Burns. Orville was a true musical genius who penned many of today's Texas fiddle standards. Even at the age of 74, he was still fiddling with a creative fervor that will make your hair stand on end.

Accompanists: Bobby Christman, Anthony Mature, Al Moledous, Terry Ludiker, Darin Meeks

Download Link: Orville Burns at Weiser 1995 (208 MB)

Oklahoma Hotel Room Jam 1978

Another gem that's been passed forward for your listening pleasure. Grant Wheeler was kind enough to digitize and share this 1978 tape recording of Texas Shorty, Carol Ann Wheeler, and Major Franklin jamming in preparation for the "Superbowl of Fiddling". A few verses into Shorty's "Dinah", you hear a car horn start blaring, declaring Major's arrival. To quote Grant, it sounds like "royal trumpeters announcing the arrival of the king." Priceless.

Download Link: Oklahoma Hotel Room Jam 1978 (58 MB)

BONUS:
Here is a Polaroid picture taken during the actual jam. L-R: Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, Carol Ann Wheeler, Major Franklin.

 (source: Grant Wheeler)

Colorado OTFA Jam 2013

Many thanks to Stephen Schauer for offering up this next recording that he both recorded and mixed. It's obvious that Stephen knows exactly what he's doing, so I'll let him describe the tape:

"Daniel Carwile, Aarun Carter, and mostly Luke Price played with really great accompanists...
There was incredible jamming each night, but this one was from the night after the contest - the last night before everyone went back home. The tracks are listed with the names of the folks who play on them but here is a list, in no particular order.

Aarun Carter - fiddle
Jonathan Trawick - guitar
Luke Price - fiddle and guitar
Daniel Carwile - fiddle, guitar, and tenor
Scott Sumner - guitar
Stephen Schauer - tenor
Cuhck Onofrio - bass
Yaniv Saltzberg - bass

Location was in the lobby of the Quality Inn in Denver. January 13, 2013"

Back to Dan: 
You're in for a treat. The sound quality is outstanding--simply, a pleasure. Thank you, Stephen!

Download Link: COTFA 2013 (182 MB)

Joey and Terry Fiddle Contest 1987

These were great contests (and I use the term "contests" very loosely). The Joey and Terry Fiddle Contest was an annual fiddle party held in Spokane, WA during the mid-1980's, expertly MC'd and hosted by Joey McKenzie and Terry Ludiker. There is a lot of phenomenal fiddling here by: Jimmie Don Bates, Matt Hartz, Tony Ludiker, Jason Crisp, Tim Hodgson, and Leslie Overland. Lord, I hope this is the family-friendly version...

Download Link: Joey and Terry Fiddle Contest 1987 (186 MB)

Major with Omega II

Have I mentioned that I love Major Franklin's fiddlin'? If you love it, too, you can download this. Yet another old tape that had no other details other than "Major w/Omega". A short, but sweet, set.

Download Link: Major with Omega II (50 MB)