I remember somebody on here saying there were recordings of Benny Thomasson playing in the 1950s where he sounds more like an old-time fiddler. Where can I find these? I found a recording of him playing Grey Eagle that I heard was from the 1940s, but I may have been misinformed about the date, because it doesn't sound much different than his later stuff to me, other than that he repeats each variation. Are we talking about the same recordings, or is it something different. I think it was Kirk Hunter who mentioned these 1950s recordings, but I can't remember. I'm not sure if my attempt at tagging will work, but ... Fiddler
you might ask texas shorty, he might be able to help
Here's a link to some fantastic fiddling by Benny and a few other TX fiddlers from around 1959-1960. There is a recording of Benny playing tunes at home beginning around the 31 minute mark. I don't know if these will sound like old-time to you. It is definitely Texas-style fiddling, but most of it doesn't sound like the contest fare of today.
digi.countrymusichalloffame.or.../id/6773/
I've heard there are some earlier recordings, but I don't think they go back as far as the 1940s.
Edited by - bacfire on 10/11/2026 19:30:41
I think this may be the source for the Grey Eagle that I transcribed although the recording I got from a friend that said 1940s didn't contain as much of the performance as this does: https://texasfiddle.blogspot.com/2012/06/benny-thomasson-with-omega-burden.html
Transcription: https://www.hangoutstorage.com/fiddlehangout.com/storage/tabs/g/tab-grey-eagle-benn-3373-234519292022.pdf
quote:
Originally posted by bacfireHere's a link to some fantastic fiddling by Benny and a few other TX fiddlers from around 1959-1960. There is a recording of Benny playing tunes at home beginning around the 31 minute mark. I don't know if these will sound like old-time to you. It is definitely Texas-style fiddling, but most of it doesn't sound like the contest fare of today.
digi.countrymusichalloffame.or.../id/6773/I've heard there are some earlier recordings, but I don't think they go back as far as the 1940s.
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