Benny Thomasson and Dick Barrett

Here is an out-of-print VHS tape produced in 1977 by the Seattle Folklore Society and released commercially in the 1990's. There is even an amusing Major Franklin story at the end.

Direct YouTube link (for a larger picture):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_DhQrQBcY

Credits:
Benny Thomasson - fiddle
Dick Barrett - fiddle
Aaron Lowe - guitar and fiddle
Markie Shubb - bass
Rich Levine - guitar

Source:
Texas Fiddle Legends: Benny Thomasson and Dick Barrett
Yazoo 517 (VHS), 1996

Gilmer, Texas 1965

Ever wondered what it would be like to be at a fiddle contest with the legends? This about as fun as it gets. Gilmer, Texas 1965, featuring Louis Franklin, Vernon Solomon, Benny Thomasson, Norman Solomon, and lots of Sleepy Johnson on the tenor banjo. I believe Benny took home the big trophy that day after a playoff with Norman Solomon. You've gotta love the appreciative audience, too.

This recording was generously shared by Dan Foster--thanks Dan!

Download Link: Gilmer Texas 1965 (105 MB)

Benny Thomasson - Hornpipes 1967 II

Merry Christmas to all! As promised, here is a second (shorter) tape from the Benny "Hornpipes 1967" session. The tape ends abruptly in the middle of Jack of Diamonds--a reminder of the perils of reel-to-reel technology. So, if you've been nice this year:

Download Link: Benny Thomasson - Hornpipes 1967 II (61 MB)

Benny Thomasson - Hornpipes 1967

In celebration of Benny Thomasson's induction into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, here's a tape of Benny from 1967 which was simply labeled, "Hornpipes 1967". I believe that Dale Thomasson is on guitar. I also found a second cassette from the same session, which I'll post soon. One thing is clear--Benny knew a lot of great songs.

Download Link: Benny Thomasson - Hornpipes 1967 (134 MB)

Benny Thomasson with Omega Burden

Push...push...push...Here is some incredible fiddling with Benny and Omega Burden. There are some labeling issues you'll want to fix. For instance, the swing tune isn't named. Tugboat is actually a medley of tunes in G. Oh, and the last track is a bunch of tunes strung together from a cassette. It includes a little bit of Benny with Jerry Thomasson on tenor and closes with Major Franklin playing fiddle for a few tunes. Anything with Major is worth sharing, too.

Download Link: Benny with Omega Burden (36 MB)