Old time fiddle

Old time fiddle tunes are derived from European folk dance forms such as the jig, reel, breakdown, schottische, waltz, two-step, and polka.

The style originates from the colonization of North America by immigrants from England, France, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland, who brought their native fiddling traditions with them, mixed with influence from African-American music.

Starting in the 1920s, some fiddlers, particularly younger ones like Arthur Smith, were swept up in newer music and their style and repertoires reflected influences from blues, ragtime, and Tin Pan Alley.

[1] Newer traditions have grown out of old time fiddle music but it retains a separate and distinct identity from those styles.

However, the positive statement of what, exactly, constitutes the true and authentic delineation of old time fiddle music is not necessarily unambiguous.

Different sources draw a sharper distinction than others, and there is a good deal of overlap which purists will acknowledge to a varying degree.

He identifies the following categorical distinctions which set Old Time apart: He continues in direct comparison with bluegrass or country western, emphasizing the difference between songs which, as opposed to tunes, have lyrics and are primarily for listening rather than for dancing.

Although there is considerable published opinion sharply distinguishing Old Time from other genres of fiddle music, there is also area of overlap.

In an essay entitled The Origins of the Texas-Style of Traditional Old Time Fiddling, the organizations asserts that "the Texas fiddler avoids the repetition and monotony of the two-part Appalachian fiddle tune in favor of those tunes that are more complex and exceed the two-part limit".

[5] Cajun fiddle is based on French-speaking Acadian culture in Louisiana and Texas and includes copious use of double stops and distinctive rhythms.

[11] With their home on the National Register of Historic Places, the Stamper family of Knott County Kentucky has been producing fiddling talent for generations.

Members Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson play a variety of instruments including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and kazoo.

Much of their repertoire is based on the traditional music of the Piedmont region of North and South Carolina, and from the eminent African American old-time fiddler Joe Thompson, although they also perform old-time versions of some modern songs such as Blu Cantrell's R&B hit "Hit 'em Up Style (Oops!)."

Formerly known as Foghorn Leghorn, this Portland Oregon band holds itself out as "ass kickin' redneck" music and has solid critical[14] and popular following as an authentic embodiment of the old time tradition.