Fiddle Tunes  are a great Canadian institution, shared by traditional musicians in every province from coast to coast and from the Great Lakes to the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

 

Even though the two of us grew up on different shores, we knew many of the same tunes and could play them together when we first met.   Tunes from across Canada, from the Southern States, Ireland, Scotland and England have merged to create a wonderful tradition that we share.

 

One appealing thing about fiddle tunes is their simple form.  Generally there is a first part that repeats, and a second that repeats.   Then you start again from the top.   These are often dance tunes, with a rhythm at the core that can suggest a melody, or inspire you to keep a strong beat moving.  And, as is often the case with simple forms, the very limitations of the form can inspire and challenge you to create something special in a small box.

 

So it is with these tunes.   They have come to us over the years.   We write them down, save them up, play them with our friends.   And suddenly here we are with enough new tunes to select the best (or what we thought were the best) for a collection that includes airs, marches, waltzes, jigs, reels and tunes that draw on the traditions of other cultures.   

 

 

HERE ARE SOME SAMPLE TUNES FROM OUR NEW BOOK  (click on the arrow               to hear each tune played: )