Yes xms32 we got it! You think the technically more accomplished, the better musician!
How about you get the fact that not all people judge the merit of music by it's technical standard? Some of us actually like some musicality in there too! And that leaves who is better open to a matter of taste at some point! Ultimately , to most people, music is all about emotion. Not technicality!
Actually though that IS true, I did not say that the mass of people lack the understanding! I said that to most people music is about emotion! ANY music! Whether it is jazz, bluegrass, country, classical or pop! That is why it was invented, to convey emotion! Not to convey technical skill! THAT is a critics invention in order for them to justify such statements as "the best.....!"
Rather than "my favorite...!" Because that wouldn't sound authoritative enough for some people's ego!
Yes and I am sooo inclined to take the word of some dude on the net himself on his knowledge of fiddling!
For all we know you have no ear inspite of years of playing! We don't know how you actually sound yourself do we? And why would that be? If you are so not above citing your connections, how come you never put up any vid of you playing? Just wondering on that! :)
btw did I tell you there are many videos of me singing on here? Not my concern to tell you where to look though! And I also play cello, piano and you name it! I's all here on Youtube! ROFL! Also I am a great skateboarder!
And if you really were all that knowledgeable you'd know Alison won many contests as a child which is why she was named most promising of the midwest!
Again, that was not a contest. It is what the society for the preservation of bluegrass called her at 14 after she won several competitions from 8 years old on!
And btw, that was me making clear anyone can make claims of skills on the net! Actually I do not skateboard or play any of these instruments! I was illustrating how simple and unreliable such statements are! ;)
And btw it IS possible to make good country music! It has been done.
What point is it that you are really trying to make in this whole discussion though?
That you are the only person here with enough understanding of technicality to be a judge of fiddlers? And that your word goes?
Because good luck with that one! I can guarantee you that the word of an anonymous Youtuber ain't going to be the last word to anyone on any subject! :D But if you have nothing better to do...hang in there!;)
I think that 80% would also agree with me when I say again, you have made it clear you don't agree with those who like Stuart Duncan as one of their, or their top, favorite fiddlers! Point made! And they would also agree that tastes differ! And I am pretty sure that in spite of having dinner with you once a year, they will still not take your word as the final one on ANY subject! Other than on your taste that is! Btw, 80% of my friends also happen to have the same taste as me! Go figure! LOL!
Why I thought that was what you wanted? The way you keep arguing a point you've made many moons ago! :) That's freakin' hilarious! You accusing me of arguing for arguments sake! Hahahaha!
Wow this sure has blown to hell since I left out!!LOL!
I still say Stuart is the best Bluegrass fiddle player today...Just MHO. But all the musicians I know say or have talked to about the subject have said the samething.
I have a lot of footage of Randy Howard back at Spegma in the early 90s. Pretty wild and radical back then. I have talked to Bobby Hicks at several Jams in Marshall NC where he lives, not far from me. And he said Dale Potter was hands down the best he ever heard in his life.
Well I don't think Bobby is the only Fiddle player I have heard say that. Buddy Spicher, Benny Martin and others have talked a lot about Potter. Spicher says he is the best ever also. I like that double stop style of playing more than any other. Love it. Bobby plays a lot like Potter but I think Vassar Clements even did more so. They say he was light years a head of all those guys back then and was the O Connor of his day and time.
Clements, Hicks, Spicher all play alot of Potter's double stops
I will finish off my part in this conversation by quoting Alison Krauss who I heard say the other day "you can't achieve perfection but you can achieve excellence".
Though I also lack that superior understanding of the technicalities, I think it is safe to say that "excellence" is something all fiddler's mentioned have achieved IMO!
I think you didn't because you are still talking about who is "the best"!
But if the word of "many professionals" is what you want to go by...than it's Alison Krauss as she got the most grammies and those are given out by other recording artists! In other words, professionals! ;)See how that argument doesn't hold water either?
Why ARE you so bent on a decision as to who is "the best" anyway? Why is that so important to you?
She "used" o'connor and now Duncan? Silly me..I thought that sound was coming from that fiddle she was, it seems now, pretending to play!
And I think 80% of people reading these comments might have a different view on how not bend you are on discussion! ;)
But I told you a few comments back and will repeat it here again..YOU are the BEST in pointless arguing allright! There you go...we decided on who is the best at something! LOL!
Yes you are! Very concerned because you have mentioned how you won many competitions several times here! And yet you play coy about anyone hearing you actually play?
So what I am getting from you is that you play the fiddle for the pleasure of contest judges but not for anyone else!
I get that your satisfaction in fiddleplaying lies in WINNING rather than making music! Which totally explains your inability to grasp the fact that there is no such thing as "the best". That that is a silly concept!
Well, I will take your word for all of that except for me having heard you play that is because I do not live in the States. ;)
At least all that sitting around in a bus would give some credibility to why you have the time for all these comments!:) I, however ran out of time right now. Have a good day today!
LOL! True but then what does she know? She was only the most promising player of the midwest who went on to garner the acclaim of her peers and fulfilling that promise! It's not like she is xms32 or anything! Who won a couple of competitions and went on to spend his/her time on silly discussions like who is the "best" artist! :D
Well I have several interviews here in black and white with Buddy.....be glad to give you the info. I know one is in the Mel Bay's guide to fiddling book.....He said Potter was da man! He praised him very highly and talked a lot about this other world of double stop playing that most never do... I thought most of that came from Steel Guitar. And a lot of those double stops I think he got from Joe Venuti.
That was funny what you said about Rob Hajocos not getting work he used to do tons sessions
Wow, it's been a while so I am not sure what referral you are speaking of but if you liked it I am glad to hear it! ;)
I never listen to the radio myself but I see your point. Though I am betting we'd also get to hear a lot of "modern classical" and "experimental Jazz" is my guess. You know, the kind of music that is so interested in technical skill and speed that it is in fact no longer music but just a cacophony. :D
btw I went 5 pages back and found the referral. :) Hope you understood that was part exasperation and part compliment though? And a lot of tongue in cheek! Because that was actually true what I said about people complaining about me. As you can see in the more recent pages of comments of course. Or maybe THAT was what you're implied reference was? :)
How come people say Mark went into classical playing, when no one has actually heard him play a classical piece that he didn't compose? I think it's safe to say this: Billy Contreras and Stuart Duncan are the two best improvising violinists on the scene. Best meaning the ability to improvise interesting, beautiful melodies using the isntrument in unprecedented ways. There's no denying that mark changed the way we think of the fiddle, but he simply not as musical. It comes down to what moves you!
I've really tried to adopt the smoothness of contest bowing into what I play..and it was the young Mark was what turned me on too it. Hearing him at 14 just made me sick.
Randy was the man...He's my "too tired of listening to Mark and Stuart" guy to go to. Too my ear, he had a whole different set of ideas that he pulled from...and a killer left hand. I really wish he was still alive.
Sorry XMS. I probably should have re-read my post. haha. What you said about O'connors background is certainly correct..I should have specified what I meant differently. I know Mark is the best bower (Oh how I envy) but my knowledge of bowing in relation to contest fiddling is considerably limited. I've learned a couple of tunes in that style, but your def. the authority on that....I really gotta learn some more of those tunes.
Oh boy I guess I'll throw my 2 cents into this fray! I love Stu-bob, and I love Mark. They have to be my fav two...trying to decide which is better/more influential is impossible.I think Mark has overall better technique than Stuart(particularly when it comes to intonation)but thats just my sometimes funky ear.They pull from two totally different sources.You got Mark from the contest, jazz, classical scene and Stuart from traditional fiddling sprinkled with lots of everything else.Great stuff!!
Stuart is incredible. I'm a bloody good fiddler myself and not many folk blow me away like this and make me think wow, how the hell is he doing that - but he is a cut above most others and a true genius.
Then you'd really enjoy Michael Cleveland too if you don't already listen to him. There are few in this class but others include Jimmy Mattingly, Andy Leftwich, and Hunter Berry, amazing fiddlers all.
Yes and one has judged literally dozens of fiddle contests as well has having played in a well known bluegrass band but it's obviously not going to change your opinion. You remind me of the guys who say Tony Rice is the be all end all guitarist when there are so many guitarists now who are just as good if not better but they're not Tony so they're somehow lesser and never mind that Tony got many of his licks from Norman Blake. Have fun being an amateur insulter.
Yeah, Chad is great. xms32, vassar played with more soul then any of us could imagine. How dare you call him a hack! That just proves your ignorance even more. And regarding what you said about Venuti and Grappelli: Svend and Claude are way better that both. Man, no one gives a shit that you played with Rascal Flatts or won a bunch of contests. You're an ass and thats what counts.
Thanks, It's actually none of my business-I guess I just feel a need to referee once in a while. I just thought that it was the best interest of Mr Duncan. We're all fiddling family here. Done.
My opinion about Duncan as best was arrived at from listening to recordings. I didn't know that he was chosen artist of the year so many times. Say, how about that Chad Manning? Have you seen him playing with the Grisman Bluegrass Experience? Chad is someone to watch for sure.
Well, that proves it. See what kind of effect Stuart's playing has on people?? They loose all self control and try to start fights 'n shit. No doubt about it, He's the best.
You know, one quality shared by great musicians without fail is good taste. The right choice of notes and lyrical phrasing. Quality of tone is achieved with a good ear, a good instrument, and correct posture. And for shure stage presence combined with genuine class, always the gentleman. I remember when Bill said to Ricky: "Ricky you're a true gentleman, and a good Kentuckian". Get it?
Now boys you listen good; Mama don't 'low no cussing round here! Show some style and grammar. How about it?
Recently I was asked who is the greatest fiddler, of course Grappelli was the best ever. And Vassar Clements. But without hesitation Stuart Duncan is king in my opinion. Tone, style, speed, articulation, it just doesn't get any better. Hat's off Mr. Duncan.
A great fiddle? Yeah for sure. I have one to, it's loud when played well or not...He plays well.
I must agree with lordofthemoodring. stuart has something that the rest of the fiddle players, although unbelievably great, lack. he is simply in his own league. completely technically and fundamentally flawless mixed with an incredibly traditional, eclectic approach. the guy aint just a fiddle player! he trascends his imstrument! i cant praise the dude enough! well...i think i got it all out of my system. haha
Everybody Knows Stuart is the best BLUEGRASS fiddle player of all time. Even better than O Connor for BG. Yes, all around O Connors greatest especially back in the 80s and early 90s but he was never better than Duncan at BG. Even Mark will tell you that himself. Stu Bob is da man still to this day no one matches his tone, smoothness and perfect intonation. I would put Aubrey Haynie close to him and after that I don't know.
Well let any of those other fiddle players you want plays Stuarts violin and see if they produce the thick tone, and same volume. It won't happen. Dude Stu Bob was doing session work way back in the 80s also. Skaggs, Fleck, Douglas, Krauss all those guys got Stuart for the records. Especially the bluegrass stuff. They all said Stu Bob was the best they ever heard. I liked O Connor and no doubt his knowledge and diverseness is beyond belief. But is also is very linear. Not alot of double stops.
I don't have any. Whats your name? Who do you play with? Mine is right here. More cop outs you use. Anyone could claim this.
All I stated is FACTS. Everyone I named is on record as saying Stuart is the greatest Bluegrass fiddle player that has ever lived. Douglas told me this to my face. Mark is this generations all round master. They are both wonderful at 2 different styles. O Connor was the master of Texas Contest and Stuart BG. I'll take their opinion over yours.
Good I am glad to see ya ain't got to hide behind a screen name. Thats cool. But however I got no reason to lie about Jerry Douglas. Why? I would have used a name like a fiddle player. This was back in 93 I asked who felt the best was. He was with Peter Rowan that year. I have video of the entire show performed that night. He said what style? I said Bluegrass. He said simply Stuart Duncan is the best. He said he was a "new" breed that he was the man. Ask him yourself who the best BG fiddler is?
It all comes down to Stu, Mark, and Billy Contreras. They're all amazing in different ways and for me, have significantly changed the way I think about the fiddle as well as music in general. I'm a Grand National Champion and I know at least four other National Champions that'd agree with me. I only bring that because I think it extremely immature for xms32 to tell us about his "accomplishments" and then expect us to respect his opinion because of it. Btw, this whole debate is really pathetic.
no he really is the best. i mean this in a today kind of way.... not of all time or whatever just to clarify. you have your opinion i got mine, im sure more people agree with me.... just kidding!
Professional performance have not heard any better very good job
bluegrassrle 6 months ago
That bowing arm is like butta!
mandlnpickr 1 year ago
one of the greatest musicians who ever lived! He took the time to inspire a kid from west texas and for that, i will always be greatful!
fiddlefolk 1 year ago
fast!
WoodwindGirl79 2 years ago
So exciting to hear stuart play. He is TOPS!!
acefiddle 2 years ago
Brilliant he's tha Mayan
bruceleeC64 2 years ago
It does not ever get any better than this.
A perfect performance........ tone, time technique, taste, stylistically flawless.
silkysausage 2 years ago 4
@silkysausage Agreed. Enjoyable to listen to, even more amazing to see perform. A prodigy for sure.
Otispuss2 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Golly Miss Molly. These guys are good. This is like The Out Of Town Boys videos. Both great bands.
HonkyBlonky 3 years ago
Super!!! carolina
manolobooty 3 years ago
And btw personally I love to hear Duncan play!
reddragonready 3 years ago
Yes xms32 we got it! You think the technically more accomplished, the better musician!
How about you get the fact that not all people judge the merit of music by it's technical standard? Some of us actually like some musicality in there too! And that leaves who is better open to a matter of taste at some point! Ultimately , to most people, music is all about emotion. Not technicality!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Actually though that IS true, I did not say that the mass of people lack the understanding! I said that to most people music is about emotion! ANY music! Whether it is jazz, bluegrass, country, classical or pop! That is why it was invented, to convey emotion! Not to convey technical skill! THAT is a critics invention in order for them to justify such statements as "the best.....!"
Rather than "my favorite...!" Because that wouldn't sound authoritative enough for some people's ego!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Yes and I am sooo inclined to take the word of some dude on the net himself on his knowledge of fiddling!
For all we know you have no ear inspite of years of playing! We don't know how you actually sound yourself do we? And why would that be? If you are so not above citing your connections, how come you never put up any vid of you playing? Just wondering on that! :)
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
btw did I tell you there are many videos of me singing on here? Not my concern to tell you where to look though! And I also play cello, piano and you name it! I's all here on Youtube! ROFL! Also I am a great skateboarder!
And if you really were all that knowledgeable you'd know Alison won many contests as a child which is why she was named most promising of the midwest!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Again, that was not a contest. It is what the society for the preservation of bluegrass called her at 14 after she won several competitions from 8 years old on!
And btw, that was me making clear anyone can make claims of skills on the net! Actually I do not skateboard or play any of these instruments! I was illustrating how simple and unreliable such statements are! ;)
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
And btw it IS possible to make good country music! It has been done.
What point is it that you are really trying to make in this whole discussion though?
That you are the only person here with enough understanding of technicality to be a judge of fiddlers? And that your word goes?
Because good luck with that one! I can guarantee you that the word of an anonymous Youtuber ain't going to be the last word to anyone on any subject! :D But if you have nothing better to do...hang in there!;)
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
I think that 80% would also agree with me when I say again, you have made it clear you don't agree with those who like Stuart Duncan as one of their, or their top, favorite fiddlers! Point made! And they would also agree that tastes differ! And I am pretty sure that in spite of having dinner with you once a year, they will still not take your word as the final one on ANY subject! Other than on your taste that is! Btw, 80% of my friends also happen to have the same taste as me! Go figure! LOL!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Why I thought that was what you wanted? The way you keep arguing a point you've made many moons ago! :) That's freakin' hilarious! You accusing me of arguing for arguments sake! Hahahaha!
reddragonready 3 years ago
Wow this sure has blown to hell since I left out!!LOL!
I still say Stuart is the best Bluegrass fiddle player today...Just MHO. But all the musicians I know say or have talked to about the subject have said the samething.
I have a lot of footage of Randy Howard back at Spegma in the early 90s. Pretty wild and radical back then. I have talked to Bobby Hicks at several Jams in Marshall NC where he lives, not far from me. And he said Dale Potter was hands down the best he ever heard in his life.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Well I don't think Bobby is the only Fiddle player I have heard say that. Buddy Spicher, Benny Martin and others have talked a lot about Potter. Spicher says he is the best ever also. I like that double stop style of playing more than any other. Love it. Bobby plays a lot like Potter but I think Vassar Clements even did more so. They say he was light years a head of all those guys back then and was the O Connor of his day and time.
Clements, Hicks, Spicher all play alot of Potter's double stops
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
I will finish off my part in this conversation by quoting Alison Krauss who I heard say the other day "you can't achieve perfection but you can achieve excellence".
Though I also lack that superior understanding of the technicalities, I think it is safe to say that "excellence" is something all fiddler's mentioned have achieved IMO!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Talk about fiddle players playing off pitch...
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
You aren't getting the point!!! It is impossible to decide for any one person to decide who IS the better! Only who said person LIKES better!
And I am pretty sure, considering your belaboring your point, that this conversation would have taken place no matter what! :D
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
I think you didn't because you are still talking about who is "the best"!
But if the word of "many professionals" is what you want to go by...than it's Alison Krauss as she got the most grammies and those are given out by other recording artists! In other words, professionals! ;)See how that argument doesn't hold water either?
Why ARE you so bent on a decision as to who is "the best" anyway? Why is that so important to you?
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
She "used" o'connor and now Duncan? Silly me..I thought that sound was coming from that fiddle she was, it seems now, pretending to play!
And I think 80% of people reading these comments might have a different view on how not bend you are on discussion! ;)
But I told you a few comments back and will repeat it here again..YOU are the BEST in pointless arguing allright! There you go...we decided on who is the best at something! LOL!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Yes you are! Very concerned because you have mentioned how you won many competitions several times here! And yet you play coy about anyone hearing you actually play?
So what I am getting from you is that you play the fiddle for the pleasure of contest judges but not for anyone else!
I get that your satisfaction in fiddleplaying lies in WINNING rather than making music! Which totally explains your inability to grasp the fact that there is no such thing as "the best". That that is a silly concept!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Well, I will take your word for all of that except for me having heard you play that is because I do not live in the States. ;)
At least all that sitting around in a bus would give some credibility to why you have the time for all these comments!:) I, however ran out of time right now. Have a good day today!
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Yeah and Stu Bob is one of Alison's idols...Just ask her......
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
LOL! True but then what does she know? She was only the most promising player of the midwest who went on to garner the acclaim of her peers and fulfilling that promise! It's not like she is xms32 or anything! Who won a couple of competitions and went on to spend his/her time on silly discussions like who is the "best" artist! :D
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Well I have several interviews here in black and white with Buddy.....be glad to give you the info. I know one is in the Mel Bay's guide to fiddling book.....He said Potter was da man! He praised him very highly and talked a lot about this other world of double stop playing that most never do... I thought most of that came from Steel Guitar. And a lot of those double stops I think he got from Joe Venuti.
That was funny what you said about Rob Hajocos not getting work he used to do tons sessions
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
Well, I wanted to thank xms32 and Fiddlefolk in person! I am usually called a contrarian or a pharisee but compared to you two....I'm a push over!
Thanks guys! Next time someone complains about me I will refer them to this vid! ;D
reddragonready 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
Wow, it's been a while so I am not sure what referral you are speaking of but if you liked it I am glad to hear it! ;)
I never listen to the radio myself but I see your point. Though I am betting we'd also get to hear a lot of "modern classical" and "experimental Jazz" is my guess. You know, the kind of music that is so interested in technical skill and speed that it is in fact no longer music but just a cacophony. :D
reddragonready 3 years ago
btw I went 5 pages back and found the referral. :) Hope you understood that was part exasperation and part compliment though? And a lot of tongue in cheek! Because that was actually true what I said about people complaining about me. As you can see in the more recent pages of comments of course. Or maybe THAT was what you're implied reference was? :)
reddragonready 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
How come people say Mark went into classical playing, when no one has actually heard him play a classical piece that he didn't compose? I think it's safe to say this: Billy Contreras and Stuart Duncan are the two best improvising violinists on the scene. Best meaning the ability to improvise interesting, beautiful melodies using the isntrument in unprecedented ways. There's no denying that mark changed the way we think of the fiddle, but he simply not as musical. It comes down to what moves you!
ffunk85 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
I've really tried to adopt the smoothness of contest bowing into what I play..and it was the young Mark was what turned me on too it. Hearing him at 14 just made me sick.
Randy was the man...He's my "too tired of listening to Mark and Stuart" guy to go to. Too my ear, he had a whole different set of ideas that he pulled from...and a killer left hand. I really wish he was still alive.
matt1898 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Oh here is more food for thought. What is your opinion on Randy Howard?
matt1898 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Sorry XMS. I probably should have re-read my post. haha. What you said about O'connors background is certainly correct..I should have specified what I meant differently. I know Mark is the best bower (Oh how I envy) but my knowledge of bowing in relation to contest fiddling is considerably limited. I've learned a couple of tunes in that style, but your def. the authority on that....I really gotta learn some more of those tunes.
matt1898 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Oh yeah my comment was more referring to the battle that was happening involving XMS32 and everyone else.
matt1898 3 years ago
Oh boy I guess I'll throw my 2 cents into this fray! I love Stu-bob, and I love Mark. They have to be my fav two...trying to decide which is better/more influential is impossible.I think Mark has overall better technique than Stuart(particularly when it comes to intonation)but thats just my sometimes funky ear.They pull from two totally different sources.You got Mark from the contest, jazz, classical scene and Stuart from traditional fiddling sprinkled with lots of everything else.Great stuff!!
matt1898 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Stuart is incredible. I'm a bloody good fiddler myself and not many folk blow me away like this and make me think wow, how the hell is he doing that - but he is a cut above most others and a true genius.
wheezemusic7 3 years ago
Then you'd really enjoy Michael Cleveland too if you don't already listen to him. There are few in this class but others include Jimmy Mattingly, Andy Leftwich, and Hunter Berry, amazing fiddlers all.
jocwalk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
If you say so but I know some really good fiddlers who would strongly disagree with you.
jocwalk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Yes and one has judged literally dozens of fiddle contests as well has having played in a well known bluegrass band but it's obviously not going to change your opinion. You remind me of the guys who say Tony Rice is the be all end all guitarist when there are so many guitarists now who are just as good if not better but they're not Tony so they're somehow lesser and never mind that Tony got many of his licks from Norman Blake. Have fun being an amateur insulter.
jocwalk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Any truly great musician develops their own style. Comparing them is ridiculous but if you guys insist, you can borrow my measuring tape anytime! ;D
Personally I think Stuart Duncan is awesome! But so are many others!
reddragonready 3 years ago
Yeah, Chad is great. xms32, vassar played with more soul then any of us could imagine. How dare you call him a hack! That just proves your ignorance even more. And regarding what you said about Venuti and Grappelli: Svend and Claude are way better that both. Man, no one gives a shit that you played with Rascal Flatts or won a bunch of contests. You're an ass and thats what counts.
ffunk85 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Thanks, It's actually none of my business-I guess I just feel a need to referee once in a while. I just thought that it was the best interest of Mr Duncan. We're all fiddling family here. Done.
My opinion about Duncan as best was arrived at from listening to recordings. I didn't know that he was chosen artist of the year so many times. Say, how about that Chad Manning? Have you seen him playing with the Grisman Bluegrass Experience? Chad is someone to watch for sure.
All the best,
David
davidablair 3 years ago
Well, that proves it. See what kind of effect Stuart's playing has on people?? They loose all self control and try to start fights 'n shit. No doubt about it, He's the best.
gwitcher73 3 years ago
You know, one quality shared by great musicians without fail is good taste. The right choice of notes and lyrical phrasing. Quality of tone is achieved with a good ear, a good instrument, and correct posture. And for shure stage presence combined with genuine class, always the gentleman. I remember when Bill said to Ricky: "Ricky you're a true gentleman, and a good Kentuckian". Get it?
Now boys you listen good; Mama don't 'low no cussing round here! Show some style and grammar. How about it?
davidablair 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
Happy birthday Stuart!
Recently I was asked who is the greatest fiddler, of course Grappelli was the best ever. And Vassar Clements. But without hesitation Stuart Duncan is king in my opinion. Tone, style, speed, articulation, it just doesn't get any better. Hat's off Mr. Duncan.
A great fiddle? Yeah for sure. I have one to, it's loud when played well or not...He plays well.
davidablair 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
holy shit! we finally agree on something.
fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
oh shit i'm scaaaaared!
fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
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fiddlefolk 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Amazing! I can't decide if I would like to be able to play like Stuart for one hour or be a black man on a Saturday nite! It a tuff one!
turbletts 4 years ago
Completely jawdroppng!
I must agree with lordofthemoodring. stuart has something that the rest of the fiddle players, although unbelievably great, lack. he is simply in his own league. completely technically and fundamentally flawless mixed with an incredibly traditional, eclectic approach. the guy aint just a fiddle player! he trascends his imstrument! i cant praise the dude enough! well...i think i got it all out of my system. haha
thanks so much for posting!
UngodlyBeef 4 years ago
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xms32 4 years ago
This xms32 needs to expand on his barb or be considered a dumb ass.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Well expand. Who are the other fiddle players you hint at? Aren't you the same idiot who was talking shit about Andy Leftwich to? If not sorry then.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Everybody Knows Stuart is the best BLUEGRASS fiddle player of all time. Even better than O Connor for BG. Yes, all around O Connors greatest especially back in the 80s and early 90s but he was never better than Duncan at BG. Even Mark will tell you that himself. Stu Bob is da man still to this day no one matches his tone, smoothness and perfect intonation. I would put Aubrey Haynie close to him and after that I don't know.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Well let any of those other fiddle players you want plays Stuarts violin and see if they produce the thick tone, and same volume. It won't happen. Dude Stu Bob was doing session work way back in the 80s also. Skaggs, Fleck, Douglas, Krauss all those guys got Stuart for the records. Especially the bluegrass stuff. They all said Stu Bob was the best they ever heard. I liked O Connor and no doubt his knowledge and diverseness is beyond belief. But is also is very linear. Not alot of double stops.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
I don't have any. Whats your name? Who do you play with? Mine is right here. More cop outs you use. Anyone could claim this.
All I stated is FACTS. Everyone I named is on record as saying Stuart is the greatest Bluegrass fiddle player that has ever lived. Douglas told me this to my face. Mark is this generations all round master. They are both wonderful at 2 different styles. O Connor was the master of Texas Contest and Stuart BG. I'll take their opinion over yours.
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
Good I am glad to see ya ain't got to hide behind a screen name. Thats cool. But however I got no reason to lie about Jerry Douglas. Why? I would have used a name like a fiddle player. This was back in 93 I asked who felt the best was. He was with Peter Rowan that year. I have video of the entire show performed that night. He said what style? I said Bluegrass. He said simply Stuart Duncan is the best. He said he was a "new" breed that he was the man. Ask him yourself who the best BG fiddler is?
donnyaldridge 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
It all comes down to Stu, Mark, and Billy Contreras. They're all amazing in different ways and for me, have significantly changed the way I think about the fiddle as well as music in general. I'm a Grand National Champion and I know at least four other National Champions that'd agree with me. I only bring that because I think it extremely immature for xms32 to tell us about his "accomplishments" and then expect us to respect his opinion because of it. Btw, this whole debate is really pathetic.
hargroverton 3 years ago
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xms32 3 years ago
no he really is the best. i mean this in a today kind of way.... not of all time or whatever just to clarify. you have your opinion i got mine, im sure more people agree with me.... just kidding!
lordofthemoodring 4 years ago
Go Stu Dunk! Good toe tapping fiddling!
banjobilly32 4 years ago
stuart is simply the best in bluegrass. nice video!
lordofthemoodring 4 years ago
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xms32 4 years ago