Hello friends,

Travis Inman, the many-time Missouri state champion fiddler and devoted fiddle teacher, has finally brought out a fiddle CD, and it's a corker.  Working with Phil and Vivian Williams at Voyager Records in Seattle, the project is called TRAVIS INMAN: MISSOURI FIDDLER, and it features a cross-section of fiddle tunes played in his masterful style. As many of you know, Travis's fiddling is deeply grounded in his Missouri roots, and he represents a transition between the dance-dominated fiddle traditions of earlier years and more contest- and performance-oriented traditions of today. He has has embraced elements of these influences to create a sound that's traditional, surprisingly contemporary, and uniquely his own.  Travis is accompanied by the stellar musicians Charlie Walden on guitar (himself a Missouri champion fiddler) and Patt Plunkett on keyboard. The recording was made by David Cavins in Columbia, Missouri, in September 2011.  The tunes: Angus Campbell, Rosebuds of Avamore, Swearngin's Hornpipe, St. Anne's Reel, I'll Be All Smiles Tonight, Sweet Georgia Brown, Lead Out, Eva Anne's Waltz, Red Apple Rag, Over the Waves, Jumping the Strings, Hooker's Hornpipe, Peacock Rag, Back in Old Arkansas, Rachel, Sugar Tree Stomp, White Rose, Grey Eagle, Paddy on the Turnpike, Cowboy Waltz, Charmaine, Turkey in the Straw, Wednesday Night Waltz, Woodchopper's Reel, and What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  Travis's CD is available from Voyager at www.VoyagerRecords.com and copies may also be obtained from locations such as the Wyatt Violin Shop in Independence, Missouri, and Seitz Violins in St. Louis. More information on the album is on the Voyager website.

Cheers, Howard

 

I love Travis's playing, and am really happy that he's finally made a CD.  I don't get near enough chances to hear him play, and will no doubt "go to school" on this CD.

From the brief clips I listened to, it seems really well done. Recommended for anyone who likes melodic fiddling with lots of drive.

Lots of other good CDs on the Voyager site, as well..............

Edited by - KCFiddles on 07/02/2012 10:08:40

Thanks for the heads up I just ordered one.

I particularly like this sample http://www.voyagerrecords.com/MP3/37618B.mp3

Ordered mine as well.

Here are a couple of YouTube videos.  First rate Missouri fiddling:

Fiddlers Dream with Travis Inman and Charlie Walden:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7lM-QthVNQ

Angus Campbell with Travis Inman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtvLmtSr9l8&feature=related

Notice how the bowing is driven by the melody and rhythm, not a predetermined pattern, and also notice the variations on melody and bowing each time through. That's what I want to play like when I grow up (getting close, but no cigar yet...).

Edited by - KCFiddles on 07/02/2012 12:51:36

Got the CD last night, listened to it this morning instead of practicing.  On the first listening, it's as good a CD of Missouri fiddling as I've heard, and I have quite a lot of material.

Inman's playing is clean, lively, inventive. He plays lots of Missouri standards, both hoedowns and waltzes.  If you ever needed just one example of what's considered good fiddling in central Missouri, this would be a really good one. A fiddler's fiddler, for sure.

If you thought  "Over the Waves" was a dull beginner's waltz, listening to Inman's setting will change your mind. Got some good swing tunes as well - Charmaine and Georgia Brown - that show a little more of Inman's capabilities beyond straight Old-time fiddling. Good tunes, every one.  Not a clunker among them. 

Charlie Walden and Patt Plunkett's accompaniment is right on, and the recording and mixing are fine.  Sounds like they are sitting in your living room.

HIGHLY recommended!

Edited by - KCFiddles on 07/07/2012 06:59:51

quote:

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Originally posted by woodwiz

Ordered mine as well.

Here are a couple of YouTube videos.  First rate Missouri fiddling:

Fiddlers Dream with Travis Inman and Charlie Walden:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7lM-QthVNQ

Angus Campbell with Travis Inman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtvLmtSr9l8&feature=related

Notice how the bowing is driven by the melody and rhythm, not a predetermined pattern, and also notice the variations on melody and bowing each time through. That's what I want to play like when I grow up (getting close, but no cigar yet...).

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THIS I liked!!!  Not a fan of OT music at all but I sure appreciate this man's musicianship.