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frailin - Posted - 09/18/2015: 12:26:28
Ok! I have Volume 2 back in stock and will be shipping several today.
For those of you that have ordered BOTH Volumes 2 and 3, I will be shipping both at once when my Volume 3 dupes arrive at the end of the month.
I start filming Volume 4 late next month beginning with Rafe Stefanini, Jane Rothfield and Cathy Fink. 
Edited by - frailin on 09/18/2015 12:31:21
NewJoeClark - Posted - 09/22/2015: 20:56:21
Craig, did you happen to keep of track of the different tunings used for the various performances?
frailin - Posted - 09/23/2015: 05:29:52
I didn't, Joe. I felt fortunate if I remembered to write down the name of the tune. :)
frailin - Posted - 10/01/2015: 10:10:01
VOLUME 3 is here! Now Shipping!
Soooo many fun performers (see below)! Enjoy!
David Holt's curiosity is compelling. It would seem he's programmed to learn. His unbridled energy is contagious. And his humor is ever present. Within a few moments of sitting down with him, you find yourself sharing his enthusiasm. Next, you're completely onboard for a grand adventure. Given all these gifts and skills, David makes a marvelous entertainer. But he's so much more. When David has an idea, it's not idle chatter. Within a short while, what started out as an inspiration is suddenly a full-blown multimedia project guaranteed to bring joy to the world for many, many years to come. This guy is nothing short of amazing.
Brad Leftwich - In addition to his accomplished performance skills, Brad is the consummate teacher. His story illustrates how he comes by his skills naturally. Growing up, Brad was exposed to the wondrous combination of music, family, love and community. Significant elders contributed to his personal values and his deep understanding of this music. To him, the music is still very intimate. And he's highly motivated to share this life-long, joy-filled discovery with others.
Art Rosenbaum joked that, at 70 he was doing the same things he was at 20. Fortunately for all of us, he stayed true to his course(s)! His curiosity and industrious nature has resulted in albums of music, hallways of art, documents of folklore, books of historic writing and much more. There's hardly a medium Art hasn't explored... all the while documenting his thoughts, findings and interests. Thank you, Art!
Reed Martin's banjo playing style is best characterized as joyful, punctuated by bursts of energy and brilliance. A one-to-one conversation is no different. Meet the amazingly fun, brilliant and happy Reed Martin. He WILL make your day.
Meet Brad Kolodner, another of the talented players promising a bright future for traditional music. Brad comes by his talent though family. His mother played cello and his father is fiddler/hammer dulcimer player, Ken Kolodner. Most would probably be satisfied with those incredible gifts. But Brad's heart builds on those strengths. His desire to form and nurture community comes through again and again. His ambition is formidable. Good things are happening here.
Richie Stearns IS music. He's a veritable force of nature! Whether he's playing a traditional tune or a reggae romp, he's in the groove. His musical compositions are interesting, genuine and heartfelt. And his cheerful banjo-playing style closely matches his personable conversation. Oh to live life so fully in the moment!
Paul Brown - Driven by a deep-seated, passionate curiosity for traditional music - introduced to him by his mother - Paul Brown has dedicated his very being to life-long learning. An almost random intersection with radio sparked latent talents for both teaching and broadcast culminating in 14 years at NPR. All the while, Paul researched, played and promoted the music. The rest, as they say, is history.
Terri McMurray - As a youngster, Terri was captivated by old-time music and the banjo. After college, she packed up and headed off for North Carolina to visit with the old musicians... who immediately took her in as family. The mutual love grew... family, community, music. Through the music, Terri and husband Paul Brown have continued to live charmed lives.
Meet Steve Rosen. The Man. The Legend… and the banjo player for the Volo Bogtrotters.
Chirps Smith - Nimble-fingered purveyor of Midwestern fiddle tunes and fine old-timey fiddler for Chicago-based Volo Bogtrotters.
Extra - Clifftop Cameos 1 - To some, Clifftop is a yearly highlight... a not-to-be-topped, exuberant event. To others, it’s a spiritual retreat among like minds and hearts. To all that attend, it’s a major lifetime event… self included. Here’s just a small sample of my first Clifftop.
Extra - Clifftop Cameos 2 - More Clifftop music and fun. Featuring a cast of... hundreds!
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Edited by - frailin on 10/01/2015 10:18:47
pjxndvm - Posted - 10/01/2015: 10:36:51
Thanks Craig... I am looking forward to viewing it! Thank you for all your efforts.
richla - Posted - 10/02/2015: 07:19:35
If anyone needs me, I'll be standing by my mailbox.....
frailin - Posted - 10/03/2015: 07:58:03
It should arrive today, Rich!
As always, I'm very interested in learning what you folks enjoy most about these Old-time performers. I'm so close to them now I consider them all family. Each is amazing in their own way: Extraordinary teacher David Holt is hopelessly in love with this music. The personable Brad Leftwich is gifted on anything he touches. Brilliant and adventuresome Art Rosenbaum's keen mind is so interesting. The bravely independent Richie Stearns is warm and candid. I could go on and on about every one of them!
And I'm thrilled you folks want to better know them... and discover how amazing they really are!! :)
frailin - Posted - 10/04/2015: 08:27:00
Grateful today for my amazing, banjo building friends and music! This is my trusty (dusty) Bart Reiter banjo ready for a second day (of 6) at the Afton Apple Orchard.
Bart Reiter gave me this banjo as a personal thank you for filming him and 37 others in the Banjo Builder series. His generosity touched me deeply. But his gesture is consistent with the extraordinary old-time music community and the joyful tunes we all share.
Like all banjos, it's a gift that keeps on giving. Every October I play for literally thousands of people out celebrating God's abundance, spending a day with family in this beautiful place. In just HEARING a banjo, kids and grandparents dance, some sing, all smile.
There's no better job I know of than playing this joyful music to people. It makes all things brighter! Even if just for a moment... it's so worth it!!
wpmills - Posted - 10/07/2015: 22:49:24
Stayed up most the night the day I received mine. All I can say is super, super, super. Loved it!
BanjarTater - Posted - 10/20/2015: 10:53:54
Craig,
I arrived late in life as an active participant to Old Time music. As I seek opportunities to hear and play the music, your OTP and Banjo Builder series have given me an education I could never accumulate otherwise. Certainly, it is an overview but such a wonderful panorama. The money spent on these DVD's is one of the best investments I've made. I consider your work will turn out to be an important history of the OT community as it exists in our current time. Your passion to do this has benefiited us all, much obliged!
Matt
Edited by - BanjarTater on 10/20/2015 11:05:10
frailin - Posted - 10/29/2015: 17:10:10
Friends in folklore! Today I visited the new home of the Banjo Builder series, Smithsonian Folkways. T’is one of my favorite places on earth! Here’s a handful of great friends - the dedicated people preserving and (re)presenting our Traditional music.
We also explored SF as the future home of the Old-time Performer series. I'm delighted they agree, these precious stories must be shared with the future.
L-R: Richard Burgess, Craig Frailin Evans, Atesh Sonneborn, Jeff Place.
frailin - Posted - 11/30/2015: 10:32:35
Time for an update. The first 3 Volumes of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" are now in the marketplace! After taking a few other business and pleasure trips... including a visit to this year's Banjo Collector's Gathering in Baltimore, it's time again to turn my attention to finishing Volume 4. There are another 11-12 great stories out there waiting.
As with the first 3 Volumes, there's a terrific lineup of OT players for Volume 4! A few I've already filmed:
Rafe Stefanini
I love an old-time player with an Italian accent! Rafe shared stories of his humble roots in Italy and his early, deep-seated interest in traditional American music. He always knew someday he'd make it to the US. But his first plan was to make the big time as a member of a bluegrass band. :) After a few trips here, through the generosity of friends and strangers, Rafe decided to dig deeper into the music. He switched from being a Doc Watson guitar player to fiddle. Other instruments followed. Rafe's not only good a playing them, he can fix them! Similar to a Banjo Builder show, I asked Rafe to take us through his violin shop off the living room (he's never too far from something that makes music). He also answers some questions about what makes a good fiddle and bow combination. My time with Rafe was good old educational fun. You'll see.
Cathy Fink
Cathy is perpetual motion! Yes she's an ace on any instrument she picks up, but she's also a producer (Grammy winner), composer (both adult and kids songs), counselor (she's helping new artists get off the ground) and she's part of at least 7 non-profits, all dedicated to helping people! What's not to love about this compassionate person?! After recording her story, Marcie Marxer joined us for some rockin' tunes (written by Cathy). I so love these artists!
Jane Rothfield
Like Cathy, Jane is also an indefatigable bundle of energy. She performers, teaches, writes and pretty much plays constantly. She's in a variety of bands and records often. And it's not just all old-time. Pick any traditional genre and she'll immediately roll out an impressive repertoire. :) Jane's husband, Allan Carr joins us for the music section. The two of them laid down some fine tunes and songs.
Dr. Alan Jabbour
The remarkable Alan Jabbour qualifies to be a part of this series as both a performer and a historian. Many of us learned our fiddle tunes from his recording partnerships with Ken Perlman (Volume 2) or attended a camp/workshop where he was teaching. But as the former Founding Director of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, Alan presented me with a unique opportunity to learn more about the music... the "glue" that binds us all. I decided to focus on his discussion of "what is old-time music?" Once you see, you'll understand why. I asked him lots of questions. His answers, many in the form of stories demonstrating the point, are informative, entertaining and oh so romantic. No wonder we love our music. And Alan is a national treasure!
So there's what I've got so far! Also to be included on Volume 4: Bruce Molsky, Jay Unger and Molly Mason, Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin, Clarke Bueling, Clelia Stefanini and at least one more tenured OT performer I'm still trying to line up. I'm hitting the road again in January. Hope to finish shooting in March and roll out Volume 4 in May.
Thanks for taking the ride with me. :)
PS - I love my job.
Claude-Hammer - Posted - 11/30/2015: 16:25:01
Chase down Riley Baugus and give him his own volume while you're at it Craig! I seem to recall that you two had missed each other at some point, hope that has been on the table.
Love the series so far, can't wait for the next volume!!!
Winged Words - Posted - 12/01/2015: 03:48:49
I love your job too Craig!
JanetB - Posted - 12/01/2015: 09:15:46
I had some breathing time yesterday and watched some Vol. 2 interviews. Mark Johnson described how "clawgrass" came into being -- he's such a positive, happy fellow. Dan Gellert fessed up to his ADHD with loads of smiles and music. Mary Z. Cox is totally energized by the music and lovingly sang Old Blue like none other. Arnie Naiman explained the magic of his compositions in one word-- taste. I, too, look forward to more watching and more time to breathe it all in....You're a magically energized and happy banjo picker with lovingly musical and excellent taste, Craig!
frailin - Posted - 12/02/2015: 08:37:30
Free movie preview!*
My discussion with Alan Jabbour has been a turning point for me. To date, my films have focused primarily on people... those amazing, contributing artists and craftspersons that create. I'm feeling my next series will probably spend more time on the engine that drives our wonderful little community... the music. I want everyone to know just how beautiful and meaningful this music really is.
In his conversation, Alan talks about the origins of old-time and how it functions as the glue that binds us together for a common cause. His thoughts and words are insightful and poetic.
Alan is a national treasure.
Enjoy! :)
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*For a limited time (of course)! This program is included on Volume 4 of "Conversations with Old-time Performers." More info at: oldtimeperformers.com
Edited by - frailin on 12/02/2015 08:42:06
JimHand - Posted - 12/02/2015: 09:46:59
Great and interesting interview Craig. I can't wait to see the whole DVD.
Pine Cone - Posted - 12/02/2015: 09:52:00
Seems to have vanished already
frailin - Posted - 12/02/2015: 10:07:50
Hi Scott. It's there (getting hammered). :) I also posted the link on FB.
Try it again in an hour or so.
frailin - Posted - 12/02/2015: 10:41:47
12:40P CST Update: I just checked again and am now being told there's an issue with the video file. Will try and replace asap.
frailin - Posted - 12/02/2015: 11:46:24
1:44P CST - Ok. Back online. Watch away!
Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 12/02/2015: 11:49:28
Nicely done interview.
I would have loved to see more of the titles on Alan's bookshelves!
Thanks for sharing,
Lew
Claude-Hammer - Posted - 12/03/2015: 18:09:58
Nice interview with Alan in the latest Old Time Herald as well, can't wait to have time for the preview!
dbrooks - Posted - 12/04/2015: 18:43:19
I had the opportunity to spend an evening with Alan Jabbour when he and Ken Perlman were in Louisville for a concert (their second visit). I took them to dinner and put Ken up for the night. The concert was terrific, and the dinner conversation was delightful. My wife and I also had some time with Alan and Ken the following morning. Alan is a real treasure.
David
BanjarTater - Posted - 12/05/2015: 18:03:43
Thx Craig for another great slice of the Old Time community.
frailin - Posted - 12/23/2015: 17:12:45
Old-time Performer Tintypes, Cabinet Cards, Postcards and More.
In the filming of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" I assembled a small collection of timeless pictures of musicians from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
You can see them throughout the interviews included in the series. But they're so captivating, I decided to assemble a reel dedicated to just them. And here it is (you can click on the pics, too). Enjoy!
PS - This film is available for a free viewing for a limited time.
Edited by - frailin on 12/23/2015 17:16:58
somarmd - Posted - 12/23/2015: 17:50:09
Craig, It's wonderful that you have an idea of where your love of Old Time music comes from. I hope to someday understand why I love it so much. I've never heard it until a few years ago at the age of 47, but yet feel like it pulls me in and wants me to stay.
Love the pictures thanks for posting.
Dave
banjered - Posted - 12/23/2015: 18:46:35
Wonderful!!! Thanks Craig! Banjered
jlsorbit - Posted - 12/24/2015: 06:14:58
Very cool. I love to look at old time pictures. Thanks Craig.
Jack
Edited by - jlsorbit on 12/24/2015 06:16:49
BanjarTater - Posted - 12/25/2015: 17:08:12
Well sir, I am working the holiday and that 5 minute movie should just about git me thru the night! Merry Christmas!
JanetB - Posted - 12/25/2015: 22:47:34
Pictures convey so strikingly. I appreciate your artistic accomplishment here, Craig. Will it be part of your 4th volume? I'll share my favorite old picture -- Lotta Crabtree, 1865.
frailin - Posted - 12/26/2015: 05:45:12
Wow Janet! Great cabinet card and story!
This short film will be included as an extra on volume 4.
banjered - Posted - 12/26/2015: 09:14:10
Janet I believe does an occasional Lotta Crabtree reenactment as does Debbie McClatchy even more so, sort of like her "alter-ego." Debbie is spending next week with the San Francisco Folk Music Club annual one-week camp-out near Santa Rosa where she might "channel" Lotta again. I'd be there but it is too late to sign up. Does a biography of Lotta exist? Banjered
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 12/26/2015: 16:16:33
Craig,
Thanks so much for sharing your photos. Makes a real connection with me.
I remember seeing photos of my grandparents playing music, but have no idea where the photos are now.
Ron
JanetB - Posted - 12/26/2015: 17:52:43
quote:
Originally posted by banjered
Does a biography of Lotta exist?
There are several books written about Lotta Crabtree. I have seven and find her life story is truly fascinating. She used her banjo on stage coast to coast, from Broadway in NYC to San Francisco. She died with over 23 million dollars and left it all to charity.
I have Debby McClatchy's George Wunderlich minstrel banjo she used for her regular Lotta performances. Debby has the red curly hair naturally -- not me! When Craig did the interview of George Wunderlich in his Banjo Builders series I was particularly interested and found it really informative.
banjered - Posted - 12/26/2015: 19:24:06
Now wait a minute. Lotta plus BANJO = 23 million dollars? Back then? I am sorry but the gears in my brain just crashed. She must have been quite a performer and packed a lot of theaters. I guess people did different things with their entertainment dollars in the pre-ipod era. Wow! Banjered
JanetB - Posted - 12/26/2015: 20:11:01
Lotta's father left them for the California gold fields in 1853. When Lotta and her mother, Mary Anne, left New York to join him two years later he was broke and not even in San Francisco to meet them or help them re-locate. But Mother discovered soon enough that Lotta had a talent for entertaining the gold miners, who literally threw gold nuggets at her when she sang and danced. She learned to act, too, joining a troupe who rode upon mules from mining camp to mining camp. Eventually she had her own touring company and private train cars. Mother saved and invested the money. Ever heard of Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco at the corner of Market, Geary, and Kerney streets? It cost her $75,000, and was a gift to the people, as well as the horses and dogs. Lotta didn't even go to the unveiling of it because she didn't want people to think she was doing it for publicity. Yes, there was actually $23 million to distribute (and fight over for 2 years) when Lotta died. But this is really a discussion for another thread....
frailin - Posted - 12/26/2015: 20:14:34
This is fascinating Janet. Thank you for sharing! :)
somarmd - Posted - 12/26/2015: 20:21:51
There a Face Book page dedicated to her. It's Lotta Crabtree The First American Superstar.
GerryH - Posted - 12/27/2015: 05:03:03
Loved seeing the old photos, Frailin and hearing of your family connection! Where do you find these gems? I received the collection of DVDs for Christmas. I'll wile away some of these long winter nights with our esteemed Old Time Performers.
Pine Cone - Posted - 12/28/2015: 17:23:18
Santa brought me Volume 3 for Christmas! I've watched about 2/3rds so far. I enjoyed to photos which will be in Volume 4. Keep up the good work!
frailin - Posted - 01/19/2016: 17:59:27
On the Road Again!
It's a brand new year! Time to finish up one project and start on a new one. And there's no time like the present!
Two days into the new year, I headed south from St. Paul for a couple of notable interviews. I started in Nashville with fiddle-wunderkind (1st place at Clifftop '13!), Clelia Stefanini. If the name sounds familiar, so does the spectacular fiddling! Clelia is Rafe's daughter, now an official card-carrying Old-time Performer! And she's off a great start in Nashville. Already been on the Grand Old Opry 4 times!
Clelia (and her story) are delightful! Growing up in and around the music made for a warm and friendly childhood. And it shows in her effervescent personality. But it wasn't until the teen years she really started to "get" Old-time. And now that she's on track, the world awaits. We'll be hearing lots more from her!
Next I headed over to Fayetteville, AR to finally meet with the one-and-only, Clarke Buehling.
Clarke was rising above and beyond the call to sit and chat with me. The day before he'd been diagnosed with pneumonia! But we were talking banjos and such... so, I guess it was ok. Clarke is a walking history book about the music, the banjo and music trends of the mid-1800's. Fascinating work! And THEN I got to hear him play. Wow! Such amazing people we have in our music community. Thirty-three hours of driving in 3-days for these 2 folks. And well worth it!
Tonight I'm in Kingston, NY excitedly prepping to meet Jay and Molly Ungar at the Ashoken Center in the morning.
Been fans of theirs forever. Tomorrow I get to record their stories. I'm anticipating this could be one of my favorite interviews of the entire two series (now over 100 interviews).
From there it's off to another part of NY to meet with yet a 3rd fiddle legend (so far!) on this Volume, Bruce Molsky.
I've known Bruce for several years and have never ceased to be amazed at his enormous talent. But there are stories to pursue relevant to how he found the music and then, the myriad of directions he's pursued to arrive where he is today (I'm going to ask him to define "global folk"). Bruce is one of the "future legends" akin to Tommy, Fred, Wade, Kyle, Benton and such whose stories I'm seeking out for this series, documenting them for future musicians, historians and fans.
And last for this NE swing (before the Nordeaster hits on Saturday) is French Canadian fiddler/folklorist/teacher-extraordinaire, Donna Hebert.
Donna won't be on Volume 4 of this series, but I'm taking advantage of my proximity and growing interest in the history/stories of certain sub-genres of Old-time that would make for most-interesting future "conversations." Stand by!
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Next month I'm headed to San Francisco to have just a few more Old-time Performer conversations.
BrendanD - Posted - 01/20/2016: 21:15:59
quote:
Originally posted by frailin
On the Road Again!
It's a brand new year! Time to finish up one project and start on a new one. And there's no time like the present!
Two days into the new year, I headed south from St. Paul for a couple of notable interviews. I started in Nashville with fiddle-wunderkind (1st place at Clifftop '13!), Clelia Stefanini. If the name sounds familiar, so does the spectacular fiddling! Clelia is Rafe's daughter, now an official card-carrying Old-time Performer! And she's off a great start in Nashville. Already been on the Grand Old Opry 4 times!
Clelia (and her story) are delightful! Growing up in and around the music made for a warm and friendly childhood. And it shows in her effervescent personality. But it wasn't until the teen years she really started to "get" Old-time. And now that she's on track, the world awaits. We'll be hearing lots more from her!
Delightful and effervescent are perfect words to describe Clelia's personality! I can remember when she was a bump in her mother's belly, but I didn't really start to get to know her well until she was 15. Here's a picture of her playing fiddle at Clifftop that year; the other players are Greg Buergler on fiddle, Emily Fine on guitar, and me on banjo:
BrendanD - Posted - 01/20/2016: 21:23:50
quote:
Originally posted by frailin
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Next month I'm headed to San Francisco to have just a few more Old-time Performer conversations.
Craig, who will you be interviewing in the San Francisco area? Maybe Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin? Suzy and Eric Thompson? My wife and I (we're both old-time banjo players) live in Oakland, not far from Suzy and Eric. If you contact me, I may have some other suggestions for people who you might enjoy meeting and/or interviewing around here.
By the way, you and I met at the Spencer & Rains CD release party at Clifftop last summer (I play banjo on that CD and played in the mini-concert there). I'm actually a Minnesota native, though I've been in California for a long time.
johnwirtz - Posted - 01/21/2016: 00:05:36
quote:
Originally posted by Joe Newberry
I am looking forward to our conversation, Craig!
We're all looking forward to your teaching at the UK Sore Fingers Week Camp (28Mar - 1Apr 2016), Mr Newberry!
frailin - Posted - 01/21/2016: 17:52:15
Yikes! I'm gettin' OUTA here!
Dunno how many of you are watching the oncoming mega-snowstorm that's dominating the news on the East Coast right now, but I'm cuttin' my trip short to avoid trouble. However... not before recording two days of fine music and stories!
Yesterday I spent almost 6 hours in the Catskills at the beautiful Ashokan Center, performance and fiddle/dance camp home to Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. I've been a fan for decades, but meeting them was almost surreal. Both are such gentle, kind people. There's great depth to their character... especially their understanding of time (history) and place (who lived where... ie: native American culture and nature) and the importance of respectful care and preservation. But there's nothing as pleasing as a personal concert by these gifted musicians. Wow.
So I started today basking in warm memories. That gently gave way to more stories of reverence for the music by another gifted musician, Bruce Molsky.
It's hard to catch Bruce these days. In addition to his Berklee teaching gig, he's certainly one of the busiest of the active tribe of Old-time performers out there, spreading the joy. We sat in his warm, sun-filled living room sipping fine coffee, reflecting on so many of the good things in life. Bruce is another gentle, thoughtful soul... more common to this community than most.
Day 2 of this trip also brought me another incredible concert with a master. Bruce played his new fiddle, his old fretless banjo and sang songs of life. It really doesn't get much better than this.
The only downside in having to leave town early is that I was unable to film Donna Hebert. I'll be saving that for another time.
So in light of the oncoming storm, I'm following the following sage advice:
Claude-Hammer - Posted - 01/22/2016: 14:28:58
Very excited for the next volume, go Frailin'!
pjxndvm - Posted - 01/23/2016: 11:23:08
Bruce Greene would be a nice addition.
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