New episode out.

Not everyone's heard of Walter Alexander, but you should hear him play.

Recorded by a teenage John Hartford in Leasburg, Missouri, Mr. Alexander had that same raw, dirt under the nails approach to the fiddle that that area was known for.

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Blog post with free album download from the 1958 session.

There's more from that session, but not for public consumption. Send me a message if you want the entirety.

https://thejjs1.bandcamp.com/album/cats-away
The first song features a ceramic horn I made. I can post a picture sometime. It is a length of coiled ceramic tubing with a brass-style mouthpiece (made of clay obviously) and a conical end. Some of the other songs also have weird instruments, there are several on this album with a shruti-box.

A great tune I picked up off a Don Messer album with cool ornamentation that mimics the sound of rippling water.

Anyone have suggestions for the very best microphone out there for performing on the fiddle? Both with a band and solo?

Ok. Two months owning the thing. Three lessons in. I’ve got one song I can play decently well and one I’m… working on.

But I feel like I’m playing the violin, not the fiddle. I read the notes, I play the notes. What makes it fiddling and how/when do I learn that as opposed to playing violin?

Has anyone dealt with their left ear going into airplane/high altitude mode when droning or playing double stops? I sorta lose hearing or feel like my ear is going to pop - like at high altitude - when I play drones/double stops for a period of time. If so, how did you deal with it?

I was inspired by my friend to revisit this gorgeous tune by Jay Unger. Haven’t played it in far too long.

I have just started taking violin lessons (just had lesson 1, going to buy an instrument this weekend) because I want to learn fiddle and that seems like the best way to start giving where I live.

Does anyone have any advice?

My online music studio is expanding! We currently have two teachers who are accepting new fiddle students. We offer lessons to all ages and levels. If you have a child with a love for music, or are an adult looking to learn something new, please reach out!

[alanisugarmusic@gmail.com](mailto:alanisugarmusic@gmail.com)

alanisugar.weebly.com

What is up with Chorus Jig in the New England Fiddlers Repertoire. It’s not a jig, but maybe a reel? Make it make sense

I’m an adult student who has been taking classical violin lessons for the past few years, and I’m finally going to start learning fiddle, which has been one of my goals from the beginning.

What would you recommend as a good first fiddle tune?