August 30, 2024

"Arkansas Traveler" is a traditional fiddle tune that I first heard electrified on a compilation of Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant's called Stratosphere Boogie. My god did I love this record - I played it incessantly and absorbed the sounds throughout high school, but didn't think myself capable of playing any of it until later. Jimmy Bryant's technique is so amazing - he burns through this - but don't let that dissuade you like it did me! It's great at any speed, and such a blast to warm up with. I need to transcribe more of these. (Here's their version): I think I play it with a pretty weird fingering - I found an old notebook with my original 20-year-old scratch and recopied it for posterity here. Link to the post.