Well I did it. I've uploaded 10 fiddle tunes.
I can't say I'm really proud of the product, but I'm not totally embarassed either. It is what it is. But I am proud that I went through the exercise. I needed to do this for a number of reasons - most of them personal.
Perspective. I know my profile says I've been playing since 1966. I didn't realize how misleading that might be until now. I started playing the guitar in 1964 - at the ripe age of 13. But I didn't start playing fiddle until Sept 2009 - so the novice part is right. I picked up the fiddle trying to inspire my wife - who wanted to learn mandolin. I figured we could learn new instruments together.
I really worked hard with the fiddle for the first year. I'm still totally infatuated with it, but I have also started spending a lot of time playing mandolin - and tinkering with the banjo some.
But my first love and my main instrument is still the guitar. I know her. And I still have to spend time with her - enough to keep me at my best for the contemporary bluegrass band I sing and play with. And I also do a number of solo stuff on guitar during the year as well.
Any way - after being challenged to post audio files - I figured it was time. I get home from work an hour earlier than my wife. So I thought I would use the time this afteroon to get a few tunes recorded and uploaded before I changed my mind. I just went down my A tune list and pick what I though would be acceptable and kept recording until she got home. I'll do some more later - but it will probably Friday before I get another chance.
This is the best way to do it - warts and all - put it down and go on. I've learned that if I keep re-recording over and over in an attempt to get it right, like I want it - with no mistakes - I'll never get anything uploaded.
So - here it is folks. This is where I am in my journey.
15 comments on “Uploading tunes for the first time.”
mudbug Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @2:08:26 AM
Tony, we could be brothers from different mothers. I started playing music about the same time as you (1965 at 11 y/o on drums) and also, after a lifetime of playing on various instruments, took up the fiddle in '09. Your first statement says it all for me, not quite proud, not totally embarrassed. Glad you posted.
groundhogpeggy Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @5:21:19 AM
Similar story here too...when I was growing up only old fuddy-dudds were fiddling and "with it" people played guitar, which I picked up at ten. Now crazy about fiddling and sorry I was so put off by the old quirky fuddy- dudds, which I suspect I'm more like than the guitar- picking set I emulated! Congrats on getting those tunes up...havent got to hear ' em all yet, but did get to Booth Shot Lincoln...sounds good! Keep up the good work!
TuneWeaver Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @5:22:11 AM
Tony, that's pretty good for having only played since 2009....Now, I guess I should post a few tunes also...You are my inspiration! Scary huh? LEE
hayesdt Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @6:47:32 AM
Nice job with all the tunes. We'll be looking forward to hearing some more.
tonyelder Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @11:11:08 AM
Plenty scary Lee.
I do thank you guys for the kind remarks and encouragement. I knew what to expect when I did it. You get to hear the tempo and timber of my nerves and self-consciousness. But the challenge of just doing it was important to me. The good thing? ...now I have a measuring stick and a looking-glass to help with the work.
TuneWeaver Says:
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @1:35:19 PM
Now, if I can figure how to work Garage Band and come up with some MP3s..I never did like to hear myself in a recording. Funny, but I can play for a contra dance of 200 people and not be intimidated, but if someone is stand there listening to me ,,I panic.. You did put your "money where your mouth is" and I'll do the same... as soon as I find a 9 year old to help me with my computer. Again you have inspired me..LEE
Ozarkian DL Says:
Friday, January 20, 2012 @11:59:29 AM
No, no Tony....be proud'a yer product while always seeking advancement. Like Bob sey'z..."I aint too good, but I'm better'n I was".
LOL Lee, I look in yer mirror and see myself. :-)
fiddleblissed Says:
Monday, January 23, 2012 @11:46:50 PM
Tony, these are GREAT! I love your version of Kitchen Girl and also Greasy Coat. I like them all. Nice work! Next time, videos!!!
tonyelder Says:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 @8:09:53 AM
Thanks. You're very kind.
Are you coming to the Anchorage Folk Fest this weekend? ...to see Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen?
fiddleblissed Says:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 @11:42:15 PM
Hey tonyelder, I didn't know the festival was this weekend. Darn! Frank and Dirty Kitchen played in Ester last Saturday. I didn't go, but I hear they did a great show.
Seriously--next time videos, okay? Your Kitchen Girl is fabulous. Maybe start with that one?
fiddlepogo Says:
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 @2:08:30 PM
Tony- congrats on biting the bullet- you have a good sense of rhythm, and a great feel for the music-
I've listened to a couple, and will probably listen to more soon. And for only fiddling since 2009- you're doing GREAT-
especially when "red light fever" is taken into account... you probably actually fiddle considerably better when you're not nervous.
More later... gotta go gig!
tonyelder Says:
Thursday, February 16, 2012 @7:57:33 AM
Thanks Michael. I appreciate your kind words.
fiddlepLuker Says:
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @11:43:03 PM
Tony,
Very, very nice commentary to your 10 tunes. This inspires me to think along the same lines ---just lay it down and let the chips fall where they fall.
p.s. I really like your A-list tunes to! I will download them for the ride into work if you don't mind.
Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.
tonyelder Says:
Thursday, May 17, 2012 @7:20:09 AM
Goodness. I'm flattered you would want to download them. Your welcome and thank you for the kind words.
I really had intentions of finishing the A list and then go thru the D and G tunes. And I still want to, but it's a lot easier to put things off. Maybe......
Mairi Campbell Says:
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 @12:06:32 AM
It's good to read about your journey in music and hear it too. Well done, sounding great!
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