Oldtime Fiddle FAQ: Craig Judelman

[@rennyschweiger]

Regarding the question on keeping tunes fresh, as someone who plays the same songs in a pop duo with backing tracks (don't judge me 😜) where the selection to play is limited, it can get tedious to play "Brown Eyed Girl" AGAIN. Keep this in mind: "Play it like it's the last time you'll ever play it; play it like it's the first time they've ever heard it." Great channel!

[@mandomtn1962]

Excellent

[@ressalg]

Regarding what Craig says at 17:39, I wish I understood why there is a near-universal practice in Old Time jams of never, ever, saying the name of the tune that one is about to kick off. If a fiddler would say, for example, "Let's play 'Dog Treed a Possum up a White Oak Tree'", just before starting it, I don't think it would interfere with the flow of the jam. And then people who aren't familiar with the tune could be mentally associating the title with the tune while they're hearing it played. But instead, the name of the tune is treated like a closely guarded secret, known only to the priestly class of veteran musicians, who frown upon the supplicants who ask for a sip from the fountain of their priestly knowledge.

[@CnBlu]

The veterans can't remember the name :)

[@gregcanote]

It really is OK to ask! If I’m leading, I always try to identify the tune before and after we play it. Also, I will often add the source if I know it! Those “priests” are actually human and usually enjoy sharing their knowledge!

[@Onbluewater]

Thank you for posting and sharing your knowledge.

[@susanpatton6184]

Interesting interview - thanks

[@susanpatton6184]

I would love to have your list of what you think of as ‘standard repertoire’ for an old-time fiddler