Johnny Gimble's Texas Playboy Reunion 1990

You can't really talk great Texas fiddle music without including Bob Wills and Johnny Gimble. Here's a two part tape of Johnny's Playboy Reunion band in concert. This one was recorded live in 1990 at the Pinesong Music Festival in Spokane, Washington. See the photo below from the cassette for the full credits.

Download Link: Johnny Gimble's Texas Playboy Reunion Live 1990 Tape 1 (108 MB) 

Download Link: Johnny Gimble's Texas Playboy Reunion Live 1990 Tape 2 (111 MB)

Jimmie Don Bates with Joey and Jason 1987

Here's four tunes played by Jimmie Don Bates in the summer of 1987. Recorded on my little AIWA hand held cassette recorder in the kitchen of Matt Hartz' home in Boise, Idaho. Jason Crisp is on the guitar and Joey McKenzie is on tenor guitar. If you listen closely, at one point you can hear Jason Crisp jokingly offer Matt's mom $3 to fold his laundry...she did not.

Download Link: Jimmie Don with Joey and Jason 1987 (19MB)

Tony Ludiker and Rod Anderson 1994

Here's a fantastic recording of Tony Ludiker and Rod Anderson in the spring of 1994. Rod (thank you for sharing!) tells me they were preparing for Weiser, which Tony won that year for his fifth title. Tony absolutely loved Texas-style fiddling and began incorporating it into his fiddling in the early '80's, developing a unique sound which was heavily influenced by Texas, old-time, and even a bit of Canadian fiddling.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Download Link: Tony Ludiker and Rod Anderson 1994 (146 MB)

photo source: Weiser Signal American, June 27, 1994

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)

Terry Morris with Wes Westmoreland III

Terry Morris with Wes Westmoreland backing him up on what must be a small-bodied Gibson guitar, sometime in the early 1980s. The mix is a bit tinny, but the fiddling is fantastic. Anyways, this is one of Matt Hartz' favorites, so I'm posting it for his birthday, which happens this same time every year.

Download Link: Terry Morris with Wes Westmoreland III (139 MB)

Terry Morris at Jerry's

This is the best fiddle jam session recording I've ever heard. Ever.
Terry Morris on fiddle, Bobby Christman on guitar, Jerry Thomasson on tenor guitar, and Al Mouledous on electric bass. Circa 1984.

Download Link: Terry at Jerry's (194 MB)

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)