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) 

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)