Tim Eriksen: Old New England Fiddle Tune "Soldier's Return"

[SaraTobias]

Any pointers for beginners?

[nickahruo]

what kind of style are u useing

[daveyfiddler]

Thanks Slidingray,yes,when i think of it I can find a lot crossed from Brit. Isles,the rhythm changes to more upbeat.Just reading about the Scandinavian invasions of these Isles and europe inc. Ireland.A lot of the tunes must be inherited from them way back.must check some out.Some north east English tunes are the same in Norway.ie "Dance to your daddy"Davey fiddler

[daveyfiddler]

Thanks slidingray,Anyother English/American crossover ones to look at ?Daveyfiddler

[slidingray]

@daveyfiddler . There are loads. Soldiers Joy is probably the most famous. It crops up everywhere. Probably of Scottish origin - but really who knows. Its used a lot in Morris and an accepted part of the American tradition.

[NatureLover987]

i'm working on learning this tune by ear... can you help me by telling me what tuning this is?? thanks Tim :)

[batfancy]

@NatureLover987 It's in GDgd. Good luck...

[NatureLover987]

@batfancy thanks :)

[NatureLover987]

i'm working on learning this tune by ear... can you help me by telling me what the tuning is?? thanks tim :)

[rubyramone]

oh my god! my 13year old son(fiddler/banjo,mandolin player and singer) found you while looking for civil war tunes(he reenacts too) and I have a new favorite music-maker! thank you..this is wonderful!

[psychkoala]

Love it.

Great sounding fiddle, too.

[lichtbroeder]

My mom was born in Barton, VT in 1920. As a young girl, she and a few friends would gather at a house (with adults present) and a fiddle player. They'd dance for a bit, then everyone would go down the road to the next farm house and do the same, on and on, until everyone ended up at the last house. Imagine having a party come TO your house!:)

[wmratz]

As a Vermonter, I have to say this is one of my favorite videos you have on Youtube. The Sap Buckets are so nostalgic! Thank You! Come on up here sometime! :)

[ccmaymd]

First class as always. I'm amazed at how well you can play so many instruments.

I want to see you do something with the Quebe Sisters Band. That would be like heaven on earth for people who love old music.

[JoePelech]

Thank you Tim.

[daveyfiddler]

In the UK this is a popular Morris dance tune,sorry dont know the name off hand but will check it out,great to hear versions that travelled across the water.Anyone know of anymore?Am trying to play the local versions here in the Uk along with the transatlantic versions.Thanks.

[slidingray]

@daveyfiddler

For morris its known as "The Blue Eyed Stranger". It can be found on one of the "Morris On" albums. The tune seems to originate from a Scottish air "The Mill, Mill O" which became "The Soldier's Return" when Burns put words to it. Its a bagpipe favourite often played by the Scots Dragoons etc. There are lots of versions of all these tunes on youtube. I prefer this version. Isn't it great the way these tunes get recycled and re-made.

[lablover959]

Nice!

[arejaye]

batfancy...thanx SOOO much for the music and vids! Tim is an amazing artist, that untill today, I'd never heard of. It's like findin' gold for the first time! Again, thanks!

[WheelofTime]

Reminds me of my Dad, and for that, THANK YOU!

[Anokpoet]

quality stuff as always! The only thing that would make this better was maybe some syrup from those trees on some hot pancakes!

[batfancy]

Yeah- and now it's sugar season again already. I'm looking forward to Outlook Farm and the North Hadley Sugar Shack...

[inatangle]

Thanks for the notes on the tune (appreciated, as always)!

I love the sound of the sap too; we've tapped maple trees near us for several years (not this year, though), and it's so musical--even if you use milk jugs instead of proper pails.

[ottlakerambler]

Now that's what Im talking about. I'm encouraged to get out again with my fiddle and do some more playing in the snow before the melting season really settles in.

[batfancy]

Yeah man! Fiddle aint gonna play itself, and mud season's coming.