Oregon Trail 1852 Fiddling Music Introduction

[melodel2]

Interesting how he plays with the chin rest going into his abdomen!

[ORWWmedia]

@melodel2: Authentic 1850s Kentucky-style. I think this was to allow the fiddler to call dances and/or sing. Truman?

[klawyaillahee]

Thank you!i just got a fiddle for Christmas and am interested in learning authentic old time styles. i learned a LOT just from watching you.:)

[ottlakerambler]

"Coming soon." I can't wait. Keep us posted!

[ORWWmedia]

Dave: Thanks for the kind comments. We do need to get on this and get it done! Bob

[pappyfiddle]

and here be another, look up

Angeline The Baker ~ Old Time Fiddle Tune (in G)

[ORWWmedia]

Thanks, pappyfiddle! It's good to see traditional playing styles kept alive. Truman Price and YouTube have been a great fit!

[pappyfiddle]

And, one more. Look up "viola fiddle forehand". That's me. This one isn't played low on the chest for traditional reasons, but simply because my neck doesn't like to bend down and hold the instrument. There's a secret trick to make it stay where it is. -pappy

[ottlakerambler]

Hey, that's me! But, more importantly, Truman above, and the work that Bob is doing here, is "priceless." We need more of this on YouTube!

[pappyfiddle]

here's a young feller playing that way-

on you tube look up

Re: Old-Time Fiddle Tune - Ole' Yella Dog

[polkagal78]

There's a video on YouTube: look up

"To Hear Your Banjo Play - 1947"

about the 12:10 point the fiddler starts playing with his fiddle in that low position

but by 13:54 he's got it under his chin. Maybe he wasn't serious about it.

here's another:

"Discovering American Folk Music Educational Film 1 of 3"

At 0:45 - 1:12 the fiddler is playing in this same low position

[truprice]

That "first mention of a guitar was 1856" was in the context of Ken Holmes' of "Covered Wagon Women", the 11-volume compilation of every book, diary, or letter written by any woman who came to Oregon via wagon. There were many mentions of fiddles in earlier letters, but none of guitar. - Truman

[ORWWmedia]

Thanks, Truman! You are a gentleman and a scholar and the best fiddle player we know!