Erskine Morris (1913 – 1997)

Erskine Morris (1913 – 1997)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Off to Little Rock - Arkansas Traveller

Hello readers,

I'm off to Little Rock, Arkansas tomorrow bright an early to present a paper on Gaspé fiddling to the annual conference of the Society for American Music. I'm excited to be sharing the music and memories that our Gaspesian friends have shared with me over the years.

I wanted to send a special thanks to Norma McDonald, Alfred Thompson, and Brian Morris who provided much of the material for my paper through their insights.

Both Alfred and Norma shared their memories of Johnny Drody with me. So for them I dedicate today's tune, perhaps appropriately, Johnny playing the Arkansas Traveller with Brigid on the guitar.

Arkansas Traveller - Johnny Drody

Glenn

Saturday, March 2, 2013

From Lisa Ornstein: Tommy Rooney's Jig

Hello readers,

Lisa Ornstein, a new friend of the blog, has something to contribute to fans of Gaspé fiddling on the blog today. Lisa is a wonderful fiddler who has a deep knowledge of Québecois and Appalachian music. She was the fiddler for the Québecois super-group La Bottine Souriante for twelve years so she really knows what she is doing when she gets behind a fiddle.

She recently learned Tommy Rooney's Jig from the recording of Erskine during the 1960s that we posted a few years ago. She has made a transcription and a recording of her playing the tune over on her website:

http://www.lisaornstein.com/quebec-tune-of-the-month-for-march-2013-tommy-rooneys-jig

She beautifully captures so many of the subtleties of Erskine's playing and gets an amazing groove on her recording. Her transcription is equally excellent and I encourage any music-readers out there to give it a look.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Lisa on behalf of Brian and I for helping to share the Gaspé music. Its wonderful to know that great tunes like Tommy Rooney's Jig and the memories of the people who played this music will continue to be cherished.

Have a browse around her site. There is some great music on there.

Thanks Lisa!