The Legacy Of Tommy Jarrell, Vol. 1: Sail Away Ladies

Amazon.com
When talking about old-time music, Tommy Jarrell is the real McCoy. Whereas many "old-time" musicians, especially those who had or sought recording careers, updated, polished, and modernized the traditional styles of the mid-Atlantic mountain regions, Jarrell steadfastly refused to alter the fiddle techniques taught to him by his father Ben and other local legends of the Virginia-Carolina border. Thus Jarrell's fiddling has a raw and abrasive sound, although his technique is anything but--it is refined and complex, often mixing in plucked accents with his advanced bowing technique. Like the style of playing, the repertoire mostly dates back to the mid-19th century. Although the 15 songs here are fiddle solos, Jarrell accompanies himself with delightfully offhanded singing and introduces many of the songs with facts about their histories and the tunings he uses. This fascinating record serves as an enjoyable listen as well as a history lesson and an instrumental instruction course. --Marc Greilsamer

Tracks:

The Drunken Hiccups
Devil In The Strawstack
Cluck Old Hen
Forked Deer
The Joke On The Puppy
Step Back Cindy
Flatwoods
Soldier's Joy
Bonaparte's Retreat
Greasy String
Fisher's Hornpipe
Sail Away Ladies
Cotton Eyed Joe
Rochester Schottische/Walking In The Parlor
Raliegh And Spencer

Amazon.com

When talking about old-time music, Tommy Jarrell is the real McCoy. Whereas many "old-time" musicians, especially those who had or sought recording careers, updated, polished, and modernized the traditional styles of the mid-Atlantic mountain regions, Jarrell steadfastly refused to alter the fiddle techniques taught to him by his father Ben and other local legends of the Virginia-Carolina border. Thus Jarrell's fiddling has a raw and abrasive sound, although his technique is anything but--it is refined and complex, often mixing in plucked accents with his advanced bowing technique. Like the style of playing, the repertoire mostly dates back to the mid-19th century. Although the 15 songs here are fiddle solos, Jarrell accompanies himself with delightfully offhanded singing and introduces many of the songs with facts about their histories and the tunings he uses. This fascinating record serves as an enjoyable listen as well as a history lesson and an instrumental instruction course. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Old Time Fiddle Master.......2006-08-01

Tommy Jarrell has been a source of inspiration for old time fiddlers for generations. These CD collections demonstrate why his heartfelt dedication to his music is so infectuous. These tunes are classics.

It don't git no better'n this!!!.......2001-12-28

OldTime music at its best! A mini-biography of Tommy Jarrell and how he aquired the tunes on this CD. A short story is told before each tune explaining the key of his fiddle and from where he learned the tune. The booklet tells about the tune as well. Highly recommended for the OldTime music player and/or historian!

Ole time fiddle playing doesn't get any better than this!.......1999-12-17

Listening to Tommy Jarrell will take you back to the way real mountain musicians sounded while playing on their front porch. I've had the CD for 4 days and have almost wore it out. If you love ole time mountain music, BUY IT!

Music Album:

Music Album