JIM BOWLES, SNAPSHOTS OF OLD-TIME MUSIC IN LOS ANGELES AND 2 FIDDLE LESSONS

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Posted by davidbragger on Sunday, August 28, 2011

JIM BOWLES,
SNAPSHOTS OF OLD-TIME MUSIC IN LOS ANGELES
AND 2 FIDDLE LESSONS

By David Bragger

The legend of Jim Bowles… He’s a household name in many musicians’ homes but I’m still amazed at how many old-time players haven’t heard him. One reason may be the lack of available recordings. Old-time guru Jim Nelson recently informed me that he plans to re-issue the old Marimac recordings of this Kentucky legend in the not too distant future! This is definitely something to look forward to.

Jim Bowles was born in 1903 in South-Central Kentucky. Monroe County was a highly musical area and Jim had many influences, from local African American fiddler Gilbert Maxey to recording star Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith. He played clawhammer banjo, finger-style banjo, and sang but his fiddle playing is what caught my ear. It is infectiously rhythmic with a very deliberate use of blue notes that gives me goose pimples. His repertoire is also very interesting with crooked passages and bizarre melodies. I find many parallels between his playing and the playing of one of my favorite modern fiddlers Dan Gellert. In fact, you should check out Dan playing a Jim Bowles tune. There’s nothing like it!

For entire article and Jim Bowles fiddle lessons, go to http://folkworks.org/columns/old-time-oracle-david-bragger/40219-you-will-be-bowled-over

3 comments on “JIM BOWLES, SNAPSHOTS OF OLD-TIME MUSIC IN LOS ANGELES AND 2 FIDDLE LESSONS”

bsed55 Says:
Monday, August 29, 2011 @6:48:35 PM

I like that Christmas Eve tune. I'll have to add that to my repertoire. Thanks for posting it. One question I'm just curious about: I noticed you bent a few notes to give it a bluesy feel. Did JB play it that way too?

davidbragger Says:
Monday, August 29, 2011 @7:20:12 PM

Yes!! That's what I love about his playing. He would tweak a few notes and transform the tune in the process!

fishinmusician Says:
Thursday, September 1, 2011 @11:25:58 AM

Thanks for posting this. I've been interested in hearing more about Jim Bowles since I heard Kenny Jackson do Chrstmas Eve in person last year. Your take on it is equally great. By the way, your lesson on Folkworks opens up just fine, but doesn't appear to be downloadable. It is my computer, or is this just the way it is?

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