Welcome to our forum. A Message To Our New and Prospective Members . Check out our Forum Rules. Lets keep this forum an enjoyable place to visit.

Check out our 2023 Group Christmas Project HERE

AAA
Avatar
Please consider registering
guest
sp_LogInOut Log Insp_Registration Register
Register | Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
sp_Feed Topic RSSsp_TopicIcon
Ragtime & Swing on the Fiddle!
Gotta love that rhythm!
Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 (19 votes) 
Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
April 19, 2022 - 2:46 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

@damfino -

Hey, thanx for introducing a very cool band & fiddler! 

Aaron Jonah Lewis is a wonderful fiddler!  See he also plays with the Corn Potato String Band and also plays classical finger style banjo!  About Aaron Jonah Lewis says he's currently based in Detroit!  Omg, that's only a 20-30 min drive on the expressway from me! 

Aaron really burns up the fiddle here, with the "Russian Rag" by George L Cobb (American 1918 & 'new' version 1923). 

 

 

 

How long really good fiddlers play their tunes, to get them known inside & out, has always been in the forefront of my mind. 

My observations:

Many Irish tunes are simple enough to learn quickly.  Good old Irish fiddlers played the same tunes for many years - I believe it's why the music seems to be part of their souls, even though it was probably done more to keep trad tunes alive.  

I saw a video where Aaron played this rag somewhere else, 3 years prior - so, he's been playing it for a good number of YEARS.  Sure, he's been playing since he was 5, but I still believe it's important to realize 'time played' is probably a big factor in memorizing and honing a complicated tune like this rag - may take months, or if me, maybe closer to a year. (lol) 

 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c0/a4/6f/c0a46f4a2d6370d2ed9512536ce19823.jpg

🤔... wonder if Aaron Jonah Lewis played at one of the few "North American International Banjo Convention" (NAIBC) events I attended in Dearborn, years ago.  This year is another, in just a little over a week away - maybe he'll be at this one!  It's still in my home town and covid is no longer a concern!  Wish I was in better shape & able to go (guess it's back to more torture with physical therapy). 

- Emily

Avatar
damfino
my own little world
Members

Regulars
April 19, 2022 - 4:43 pm
Member Since: July 23, 2015
Forum Posts: 2113
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
22sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

He is a great musician. He usually posts about square dancing he would perform at, but I don’t know if that’s back yet since covid. I’m not far from Detroit, but far enough I don’t pay close attention, lol. But he’s pretty active on Instagram and TikTok, if you follow him on one maybe he’ll post about something local soon. 

I was always disappointed, whenever Corn Potato String Band played nearby, it was either a snow storm or covid. So I’ve only gotten to see the Lovestruck Balladeers. 

☆•*¨*•¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆•*¨*•¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆•*¨*•.¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆
World's Okayest Fiddler
☆•*¨*•.¸¸¸.•*¨* •☆•*¨*¨*•¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
April 19, 2022 - 6:40 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

@damfino -

Thank you so much! 

I'm not in good enough health to go out right now, but maybe some time next year - I would like to hear him in person. 

Finding more little surprises by him!  

GREAT presentation, "An exploration of interesting veins in the roots of Old Time, Bluegrass, Ragtime and Jazz music."

The title is deceiving - NOT a Banjo Concert!  He plays the Fiddle & Banjo & talks about some great History on playing both, in this - from 2019 at the Hamtramck Public Library. 

 

Avatar
Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
April 22, 2022 - 9:50 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429
24sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

I love ragtime and I agree that it suits the violin/fiddle perfectly. Another great genre to enjoy with our wonderful instrument. 😁

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
September 2, 2023 - 10:33 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
25sp_Permalink sp_Print
0

Love Katy Adelson! 

"Sponge" - New Orleans Rag!  Btw, I'm sure there's more info on her website, but the links were no good for me.

 

I'm really only interested in what can be played on our bowed string instruments, but I still think it's important to know how/where/by whom & on what instrument some of this music was originally known.  

Think the important aspects fall under 'music theory' - except maybe 'groove', you might have to learn to 'feel', but it's apparent that showmanship & attitude figures in pretty heavily for ragtime, too! 

There's definitely something magic about THE LION! 

William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Berthololf Smith! - (pdf from jazzarcheology) 

 

Willie "The Lion" 

Avatar
Strabo
Members

Regulars
September 12, 2023 - 8:05 pm
Member Since: October 4, 2021
Forum Posts: 145
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
26sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

I have a very good book entitled Ragtime for Fiddle and Mandolin. It has 100+ tunes from many old string band groups, transcribed from original recordings by author Steve Parker. It’s at my Florida residence so I do not have the book in font of me, but my recollection is that the tunes are in standard notation. The book came with a CD with all of the tunes. Highly recommended.  

I learned Fiddlin Arthur Smith’s Sugar Tree Stomp from that book, with some help from the author's wife. Great tune, perfect for rockin on the fiddle.

The book also includes piano rags [Scott Joplin, et al] but I haven’t yet had the courage to even look at them.

Ragtime is interesting music with African-American roots, very rockin' syncopated grooves, and lots of artistry from both the roots players and the classical folks like Joplin. 

Clearly, we need more ragtime, and fiddle is a great way to do it. I’ll do my part!

Strabo

Avatar
ABitRusty
Members

Regulars
September 12, 2023 - 10:50 pm
Member Since: February 10, 2019
Forum Posts: 3915
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Strabo said
I have a very good book entitled Ragtime for Fiddle and Mandolin. It has 100+ tunes from many old string band groups, transcribed from original recordings by author Steve Parker. It’s at my Florida residence so I do not have the book in font of me, but my recollection is that the tunes are in standard notation. The book came with a CD with all of the tunes. Highly recommended.  

I learned Fiddlin Arthur Smith’s Sugar Tree Stomp from that book, with some help from the author's wife. Great tune, perfect for rockin on the fiddle.

The book also includes piano rags [Scott Joplin, et al] but I haven’t yet had the courage to even look at them.

Ragtime is interesting music with African-American roots, very rockin' syncopated grooves, and lots of artistry from both the roots players and the classical folks like Joplin. 

Clearly, we need more ragtime, and fiddle is a great way to do it. I’ll do my part!

Strabo

  

That would be great @Strabo!  Unless Eliabeth Cotten is considered ragtime, I dont know any ragtime tunes.   And I think she was considered piedmont blues from some guitar type books i have.

what would be a couple of tunes that are considered entry type tunes to that style?.   I know for instance in old time and Irish there are some standard sorta starting tunes.   I was wondering if same goes in ragtime.   Or a few names that you think are more beginner.

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
September 13, 2023 - 12:55 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

@Strabo & @ABitRusty -

I am SO EXCITED to see interest in this topic!  

It's ALL about the RHYTHM - just listen to them! 

There are a few fiddle video tutorials on the 1st page of this thread, but if you watched the Luther Caldwell video (the one-armed fiddler, post #15), he only needs to play single notes, except for one spot he plays 4 doublestops (which would still sound okay played as root notes).  What's important - he's got the rhythm! 

There are so many rag piano scores!  For violinists, it's easiest if you can find the scores that have a vocal melody line (with lyrics) - just play that, but Ragnar Hellspong has a wonderful Ragtime site with ONE HUNDRED piano scores that can be viewed/heard/downloaded - some have a simpler melody line, otherwise we can pick out the melody amongst the chords (I know, PITA), but easier if you can already play by ear. 

ABitRusty, what app/software would be best/easiest for turning one of the Hellspong's PDF scores into a Violin or Viola score?

https://ragsrag.com/vp/vp.html (from post #10 - ABitRusty)

 

I think I might've mentioned Megan Lynch Chowning in a Texas Style thread. 

She has MANY RAGTIME FIDDLE VIDEOS!  Her hands & bowing can be clearly see, so slow them down & learn by ear/watching!  Megan Lynch Chowning - Fiddlestar Rag playlist

 

Sheet music & other helpful info at https://www.fiddlevideo.com/

 

I didn't see the "Ragtime for Fiddle and Mandolin" book on amazon, but Steve Parker's site has it - along with a few others, including a "Clawhammer String Band Favorites" that has 3 Rags. 

Thank you strabo, like that the Fiddle book comes with a cd!

https://ragtime-resource.com/

Avatar
Strabo
Members

Regulars
September 14, 2023 - 1:28 pm
Member Since: October 4, 2021
Forum Posts: 145
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
29sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

Yes, the book comes with a CD. That makes the syncopated rhythms easy to follow. Lots and lots of good tunes in that book.

Below is a small sample of the notation. Note that it was transcribed by author Steve Parker. 

Of all the music books that I have, this is one of my favorites. It was quite obviously a labor of love by Steve. And Steve's widow Sue is extremely gracious and helpful. I’m happy I bought the book and supported these fine folks.

Strabo

 

YKR9D25wwkwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==Image Enlarger

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
September 14, 2023 - 4:55 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
30sp_Permalink sp_Print
0

@Strabo -

THANX! 

That IS nice notation!  It really helps to show the syncopation. 

...killing me to order yet another book, but this will definitely get some good use. 

We'll have to have a Ragtime Party... a ways down the road. 🤗

Avatar
ABitRusty
Members

Regulars
September 15, 2023 - 12:35 am
Member Since: February 10, 2019
Forum Posts: 3915
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
31sp_Permalink sp_Print
0

thank ypu gor the sheet music @Strabo

Avatar
Strabo
Members

Regulars
September 15, 2023 - 9:04 am
Member Since: October 4, 2021
Forum Posts: 145
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
32sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

I did not want to compromise Steve and Sue’s copyright, but I did want everyone to get a glimpse of what’s in the book -- hope that’s OK.

Strabo

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
September 15, 2023 - 10:43 am
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
33sp_Permalink sp_Print
0

@Strabo -

I believe you can consider it a 'sample' since you didn't show the entire piece. 

...but you can remove it if you feel uncomfortable - I ordered it. 

Really appreciate that you let us see the quality of the arrangements!  

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
September 25, 2023 - 1:49 am
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

@Strabo -

Did you see the "Red Apple Rag" video tutorial I posted in the "How About a Fall Tune" thread

It's a good fiddle view with a slowed down version by Jesse Maw. 

I was able to play it tonight, but I had to slow the video down even more (plus I had to play it an octave down for my strings).  I'll need a couple more days to get it memorized well, then longer to get it up to speed. 

You might want to try it! 🤗

Avatar
Strabo
Members

Regulars
September 27, 2023 - 10:09 am
Member Since: October 4, 2021
Forum Posts: 145
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
35sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

Thanks for reminding me about that video, Emily. It’s a very good tune and I’ll put it on my list to learn! 

Traditional Tune Archive credits Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith for this tune. His Sugar Tree Stomp is one of my favs. 

Arthur Smith was obviously a very good fiddler, very famous, and very influential. Here’s an interesting article about him: fiddlin-arthur-smith.

Your video has now sparked my curiosity to discover more about Arthur and his music. I’ll never be as good a fiddler as Arthur, but at least I can learn to play some of his music!

Strabo

Avatar
maryellen437

Member
Members
December 9, 2023 - 10:33 pm
Member Since: November 1, 2023
Forum Posts: 16
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
36sp_Permalink sp_Print
5

Love this topic! I used to love to play Scott Joplin's Ragtime music on piano when I was a teenager. I absolutely love syncopated rhythms and swing. I found some easy Frank Sinatra tunes on the Tomplay app that I can play. Now I'll have to go searching for some beginner Ragtime for newbies. That should get my old fingers moving, lol. 

Avatar
ELCBK
USA
Members

Regulars
March 23, 2024 - 10:28 pm
Member Since: June 10, 2020
Forum Posts: 7761
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

STILL snow outside!  Trying to get the energy up to take a stab at this rag... maybe tomorrow.  

 

 

The whole album consists of a broad variety of wonderful tunes.

Forum Timezone: America/New_York
Most Users Ever Online: 696
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 122
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Members Birthdays
sp_BirthdayIcon
Today None
Upcoming Sofia Leo, TKDennis, FiddleDetroit, CookiesViolin, JPferrman, Designer 88, LyleA, Stephen, Dorque, Trisha, Elaisa, wonderputz, Gordon Shumway, dougga, Russionleo, JohnG
Top Posters:
ELCBK: 7761
ABitRusty: 3915
Mad_Wed: 2849
Barry: 2690
Fiddlestix: 2647
Oliver: 2439
Gordon Shumway: 2425
DanielB: 2379
Mark: 2149
damfino: 2113
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 3
Members: 31662
Moderators: 0
Admins: 7
Forum Stats:
Groups: 16
Forums: 81
Topics: 10590
Posts: 134223
Newest Members:
SoCal335, Jan Howard, edwardcheng, Oscar Stern, bryanhanson, bittruster, fiddlecastro, jackdaniel, romanmills08, creativestringsinfo
Administrators: Fiddlerman: 16429, KindaScratchy: 1760, coolpinkone: 4180, BillyG: 3744, MrsFiddlerman: 2, Jimmie Bjorling: 0, Mouse: 5309