Fiddling in the Key of...eh?

Tracks

Whiskey Before Breakfast

Sample
Album: Fiddling In The Key Of Eh?

Liner Notes

I truly enjoyed making this album and exploring the variety of fiddling styles found right here at home. Canada's settlers brought with them the traditional fiddle music of their homeland. Often times, the same tunes were played at social events and dances in rural communities by pioneers - whether of Irish, Scottish, French or other decent. What differed though, was the way in which these tunes were played.

Although this recording barely scratches the surface of these varying Canadian styles of fiddling, the Irish influence can be heard in the Rakes of Kildare Jig medley; Scottish influence from Cape Breton in the march A Trip to Mabou Ridge; and we have a beautiful French-Canadian composition Valse Gisele by Yvon Cuillerier.

We also explore how the Acadian fiddlers morphed their style after moving to southern Louisiana with Cajun Fiddle. The famous Metis tune Red River Jig and some eastern European influence in 2 polkas from western Canada. We even explored the influence on Canadian fiddling by the United States with a bluegrass arrangement of Kenny Baker's Washington County.

Although I have written several fiddle tunes over the years, I am not very prolific. I have however included a recent composition that encompasses my life time exposure to Canadian fiddling. Keri's Song is a serene Celtic-inspired tune written for my wife Keri.

This album is by no means a comprehensive coverage of Canadian fiddling. Nor do I claim to be an expert at these styles. Rather, it is my take on what makes a truly unique Canadian art form, with hopes the tradition will be passed on for many generations to come.

I am fortunate to have had some dedicated musicians share their passion on this CD: Carolyn, Kendra, Steve and Darin. And especially, my long-time friend Tyler Beckett whose great fiddle playing offers a unique and different spin on some of these tunes.

So lace up your hockey skates; put on your toque; crank up the tunes and lets explore all things Canadian with some Fiddling in the key of...eh?

Scott

Musicians

Scott Woods: Fiddle, Vocals, Bass, Drums
Carolyn Woods: Piano
Kendra (Woods) Norris: Fiddle, Accordion
Tyler Beckett: Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin
Steve Piticco: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Dobro
Darin Parise: 5-String Banjo

Credits

Produced by: Scott Woods
Musical Arrangements by: Scott Woods, SOCAN
Recorded & Mixed by: Scott Woods, McLeod Music Productions, Fergus, Ontario
Mastered by: Doug Stronach, Eclipse Music Productions, Toronto, Ontario
Graphic Design by: Janet McGlynn, Zero Gravity Design, London, Ontario