Something that bugs me is people comparing/contrasting styles but not using the same tune to do so. I have tried my best here with the tune I know as "Katy Hill", although it has gone by other names in different styles. Do y'all know of any other tunes that can be compared like this? Including links to each style example would be preferable.
Irish
youtube.com/watch?v=JLUxhelZIPY
Old-Time
youtube.com/watch?v=F3pnIdizhNo
Traditional Bluegrass
youtube.com/watch?v=nMMexhrk2P4
Texas Contest Style
youtube.com/watch?v=oyFUQnyb54Y
Welcome back; it's been a minute.
I think this is THE way to compare fiddlers/fiddling as the stylistic differences will stand out once you've put the differences of tune melodies aside.
A non fiddler asked me just yesterday (it was my step dad) if everyone in a fiddle contest had to play the same tune. I know that used to be a feature of contests based on old newspaper articles, like everyone had to play "Soldier's Joy" in addition to their tune of choice. I think this rule should make a comeback.
Isn't that how we got 43 variations of Sally Goodin?
A local legend DJ in my area used to do this sort of thing on his program regularly, just not with fiddle music. He was one of those people who knew everyone in the golden age and knew the history of every song. His programs were fantastic and I miss them sorely.
Looking forward to seeing more of this kind of thing here.
Hmmm...... i tend to think that if a tune is played at the same tempo but in a different "Style" the two would fit together perfectly. So my idea of "Style" maybe different than other folks ?
Say, play "Red Haired Boy" in an Irish style or a Bluegrass style at the same tempo and the two would fit together perfectly, and maybe even sound better than the sum of their parts?
Billy you introduced these pairings to me, all credit to you:
1) Boys of Blue Hill and Twin Sisters
m.youtube.com/watch?v=kXm9gkvCNuI&t=106s
https://youtu.be/7ZuJiTDN2zs?si=ulxWIlDLq7_p6UsZ
2) Sheep Shell Corn by the Rattling of His Horn and The Union Reel
youtu.be/Ibvby04NJ4c
https://youtu.be/eYlpdyNyAeY?si=AMOvb9X-auy0yoKO&t=171s
I sometimes have trouble even recognizing a tune I know well when it's played in a slightly different speed/amount of swing/instrument, so these more distant relatives only pop out to me when someone points them out. It's all one big family of tunes, isn't it?
(edited to correct links)
Edited by - JonD on 08/22/2025 14:07:58
One of my favorite pastimes is to compare various performances of classical music. Who delivers the most emotional goods? Who understands the music the best? Heck, I even did this with Pachelbel's Canon, one evening, when I worked at a classical record store. Both patrons and fellow employees were torn between utter disgust and helpless laughter.
Another: Mason’s Apron/Wake Up, Susan/Jack of Diamonds
Irish
youtube.com/watch?v=JJZyZVeAR-8
Old-Time
youtube.com/watch?v=sUxTaX_mxm4
Bluegrass
youtube.com/watch?v=3Tu6rSREtnI
Contest Style
youtube.com/watch?v=lcRQNKXWA9A
I agree. Check out this danceoff where they all had to dance to the same tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqbdFkCbelU
quote:
Originally posted by ChickenManWelcome back; it's been a minute.
I think this is THE way to compare fiddlers/fiddling as the stylistic differences will stand out once you've put the differences of tune melodies aside.
A non fiddler asked me just yesterday (it was my step dad) if everyone in a fiddle contest had to play the same tune. I know that used to be a feature of contests based on old newspaper articles, like everyone had to play "Soldier's Joy" in addition to their tune of choice. I think this rule should make a comeback.
Recently, I put together a chord progression slowly with a guitar.
1-4-5-4-1
1-4-1-5-1
Growing tired of the Blues progression.
Now, as I improvise on top of this, I think, 'blimey, there are some that would transcribe this rubbish and consider it a tune.' It's a problem that is inherent with an instrument that can only make one or two notes at once. Much like a horn. To the bystander it's a melody. To another fiddle player it's just noodles.
What makes Bile the Cabbage, Bile the Cabbage? Is it, if you can sing it? Could the Irish trad set treat it to the point where one couldn't sing it?
In some circles, deviating from the ascribed version is close to blasphemy. Good Lord Above how dare you not play that measure the 'right' way? Me, I rarely play a fiddle tune the same way twice , even within the tune itself. That of course presupposes that there is only 1 fiddle playing at a time. Much like an orchestra, with multiple fiddles going, in that setting, yeah you want everyone to be playing the same version. If you have say 7 fiddlers, each with their own version of a tune, like a St Anne's Reel, and each tries to play their version with the others, well thats a trainwreck in progress. Don't laugh, I've seen/ heard it happen. Not pretty.
AFA contests, thats much like an art contest. While one artist may have a more sophisticated pallet or technical skill, that is not to say that anothers efforts are less valid, less meaningful, thoughtful or enjoyable. Who's a better artist - Pollock or Rembrandt? Monet or Van Gogh?
"I rarely play the same thing once" attributed to Kenny Baker. Something I have not aspired to but managed to capture all the same. aheem ... R/
Fun fact, you can play "Whiskey Before Breakfast" and "Green Willis" on top of each other and it works. A couple of banjo players showed me, Trishka and Fleck if I recall correctly.
Edited by - ChickenMan on 08/23/2025 12:08:05
quote:
Originally posted by ChickenManFun fact, you can play "Whiskey Before Breakfast" and "Green Willis" on top of each other and it works. A couple of banjo players showed me, Trishka and Fleck if I recall correctly.
i' just played "Masons Apron" (in D), over "Green Willis" along with Walt Koken
That works also LOL
It's interesting to discover that the melody for Green Willis/Raw Recruit/New Rigged Ship has history of being played in three different time signatures, as a waltz, as a jig, and as a reel. Emmet Lundy played it as a jig, but Tommy Jarrell played it as a waltz and Taylor Kimble played it as a reel.
quote:
Originally posted by ChickenManFun fact, you can play "Whiskey Before Breakfast" and "Green Willis" on top of each other and it works. A couple of banjo players showed me, Trishka and Fleck if I recall correctly.
Edited by - soppinthegravy on 08/24/2025 16:02:25
I play Mr Lundy's version, he calls it by a different name... Chapel Hill something or another
quote:
Originally posted by pete_fiddlequote:
Originally posted by ChickenManFun fact, you can play "Whiskey Before Breakfast" and "Green Willis" on top of each other and it works. A couple of banjo players showed me, Trishka and Fleck if I recall correctly.
i' just played "Masons Apron" (in D), over "Green Willis" along with Walt Koken
That works also LOL
seconding - with a counter melody. 
*** ...and something you couldn't do with the same tune played with variations by 2 different fiddlers. Plenty of examples.
Edited by - tonyelder on 08/26/2025 14:29:05
quote:
Originally posted by tonyelderquote:
Originally posted by pete_fiddlequote:
Originally posted by ChickenManFun fact, you can play "Whiskey Before Breakfast" and "Green Willis" on top of each other and it works. A couple of banjo players showed me, Trishka and Fleck if I recall correctly.
i' just played "Masons Apron" (in D), over "Green Willis" along with Walt Koken
That works also LOL
seconding - with a counter melody.
*** ...and something you couldn't do with the same tune played with variations by 2 different fiddlers. Plenty of examples.
Yep
i have done similar in sessions without even knowing i am doing it. Niether did the other fiddler(s). All turned out fine.
Edited by - pete_fiddle on 08/26/2025 14:56:50
