Eck Robertson - Famous Cowboy Fiddler

Most viewers here will already have the excellent compilation CD of Eck's recordings for Victor, available from County Sales. Here is a hard to find and out-of-print field recording, recorded in 1963 by Mike Seeger, John Cohen, and Tracy Schwarz (The New Lost City Ramblers) in Eck's living room and officially released by County Records as "Eck Robertson: Famous Cowboy Fiddler" on LP in 1991 as County 202. Eck was 76 years old at the time. It isn't modern-sounding Texas fiddle music as we know it today, but unaccompanied old-time roots music that helped form the current genre. Thanks to the Down Home Radio Show blog for sharing!

Download Link: Eck Robertson - Famous Cowboy Fiddler (34MB)

Terry Morris with Rex G

This one goes out in memory of guitar legend Rex Gillentine. Rex was a friend to anyone he met in the fiddle world. I always appreciated how he would take the time to encourage younger and less-experienced musicians, often giving them impromptu lessons. This short half-tape was simply labeled "Terry w/ Rex G." Recorded in the mid-1970's when they were young men who hadn't been playing long. It's inspiring to hear the early foundations of their amazing musical bond.

Download Link: Terry Morris with Rex G (61MB)

Terry Morris 1-28-86

This is one posted for my friend Shira, who was kind enough to share some new tapes with me last month. This fairly short tape sounds like it was made while preparing for a recording session. All the label says is "at Terry's 1-28-86." I really enjoy the extended cut of Bill Cheatum during which you can listen to Terry work out a part in real time. Expertly recorded by Al Mouledous.

Download Link: Terry Morris 1-28-86 (47 MB)

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)