D

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The Dagenais Family

Debut Album, Icicle Records ICL 5017
Robbie, Sherri & Jenny Dagenais, fiddles; Blaine McEwen, bass; Brian Hebert, drums, piano, guitar; Jim Mayhew, piano; Alain Brisson, acoustic lead; Tim McDonald, Banjo; Produced by Brian Hebert; Engineer: David Dennison; Recorded at Snocan Studios, Ottawa ON

Tracks: Jig & Reel Medley; Whelan’s Breakdown; Your Choice Waltz; Short Grass - Teetataler’s Reel; By The Fireside; Swallowtail Jig - Leather Britches; Happy Acres Two-Step; Tomorrow Morning - Harper’s Fancy - Reel du Faubourg - Left-handed Tushkar Reel; Bonnie Bells Schottische - Rocking Chair Jig - Mason’s Apron - Mitton’s Breakdown; Rosemary Lane - Joys of Wedlock - Carman’s Amber; Art Jamieson’s Clog - Blackthorn Stick - blind River Breakdown - Winding Stream; Waltz Clog - Carbonelle’s Reel - Snowshoer’s Reel
 

How well I remember these young people, playing for their very first time in a live fiddle contest. It is difficult to predict the degree of success that any youngster will achieve when you hear them play for the very first time. However, it is clearly evident that The Dagenais Family had the natural talent to play with the best. Their God given ability along with their commitment and dedication, have allowed them to compete and accomplish standings too numerous to mention.

Side 1 of this album features many favourites and refreshing easy listening fiddle tunes played by Robbie and his sisters, Jenny and Sherri.

Side 2 features Robbie solo and is dedicated to the art of stepdancing, including a variety of routines. I am honoured that the Art Jamieson Clog has been chosen for their debut.

I join the many friends, family and fans of the Dagenais in wishing them all the best and in adding this debut album to my collection.

Good Luck and Good Fiddling Art Jamieson

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Peter Dawson (Zadorozny)

Old Tyme Fiddle, Arc AS 808

Peter Dawson, fiddle; Al Bruno, arranger and Lead guitar

Engineer, Gordon Calcote; Recorded at Ford Studios, Hollywood, California

Tracks: Fireball Mail; Clarinet Polka; El Paso; Liberty Two-Step; Green Green Grass of Home; Snowflake; Curly Hair; Big Swede; Anne Marie Reel; Mon & Dad’s Waltz; Muddy Waters; Sally Goodin
 

Pete Dawson is a young fiddler from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. After several years of cross-country tours, night club appearances and TV shows including Country Hoedown, Pete moved to Wheeling, West Virginia where he became a staff fiddler on WWVA’s “The World’s Original Jamboree”.

He later moved to Nashville and continued his fiddling career including appearances on the “Grand Ole Opry”.

Pete decided to return to Canada and as well as being a successful musician, to open a music outlet in Vernon.

This is Pete’s first release on the Arc label and he has given you a wide variety of fiddle tunes - everything from pop-country to waltzes, polkas, two-steps, and reels. We know you will enjoy Pete Dawson’s performance and unique styling.

Tracks: Donegal Reel; Brennan’s Jig; Where The River Shannon Flows - waltz; Glengarry Medley: Glengarry Fiddler - Big John McNeil - Grant’s Reel; Irish Washerwoman; Mooncoin Medley: Mooncoin - Sally Gardens - Cooley’s; Mist in the Glen Jig; Believe Me Waltz; Reeves Reels; Bonny Kate Reel
 

Peter Dawson - known as the fiddler who plays old tyme fiddle tunes with class, does just that on this album of ‘Old Country Fiddle Tunes’. His love for traditional folk music of all kinds, along with his drive for perfection in the presentation of his music, makes Peter a truly unique fiddle player.

Pete plays fiddle music of all types. Four years as staff fiddler at the World’s Original Jamboree, Wheeling, West Virginia makes him an outstanding southern and bluegrass player. His Ukrainian heritage makes him one of the finest polka and kolymaka players in the land. He’s a true lover of traditional Scottish and Irish music and plays it equally as well as you will witness on this particular album. He also has a special love for the ‘good old’ Canadian and French-Canadian tunes which he collects from the many fine fiddlers throughout our land.

Peter has appeared with and has backed many of North America’s top country stars, Don Gibson, Little Jimmy Dickens, The Osborn Brothers, Lucille Starr, just to name a few. He has also guest-spotted on many of the US and Canada’s top rated country TV shows. We at Arc Records know that you are going to enjoy and treasure this album of Old Country fiddle tunes for many years.

Pete Dawson, fiddle; Sam Henry, drums; Dan O’Neill, guitar; Bob Taillefer, steel; Andy Angus, bass; Carol Dawson, piano; Pipe Major Gordon Tuck, bagpipes

Produced by Peter Dawson; Engineer: David Dennison; Recorded at Snocan Studios, Ottawa ON

Tracks: Home Sweet Home; Renfrew County Waltz**; Timbertown Reel*; Wild Rose of The Mountain; Jig Medley: Renfrew County Jig** - Old Shop Jig** - Fred & Inid Quadrille**; Glengarry’s Home To Me**; Jordon’s Reel*; Faded Love; Musical Preacher; Money Musk

** by Carol Dawson
 

When you are asked to do liner notes for an album by Peter Dawson you have to ask yourself where do you start? Do you start in British Columbia where he had his early roots and released his first albums? Or, do you talk about Nashville where he starved with the likes of Johnny Gimble, before the fiddle became an IN instrument: Or, do you talk about Wheeling where he was the House fiddler for a year or so? Or do you bring it all into focus by talking about his NOW career?

It’s a difficult task because, Peter Dawson NOW is a combination of all his experience, good and bad.

The good is what we will look at. The best is meeting up with his wife Carol, whose influence on his music will be heard in this album. The old and the new are blended in an interesting showcase.

Carol’s roots in Glengarry County, the Scottish tradition, can be heard on several cuts as fiddle and bagpipe are used to bring you the flavour of traditional old and new country music. From the haunting flavour of Carol’s Glengarry Home to the sweet twin fiddle sound of Peter on Faded Love - this album is a delight to listen to.

Frankly, if you have just picked up this album and are reading these notes while standing in front of the album rack, BUY, it’s a SOUND investment.

Hal Lee
CKBY, Ottawa

Peter Dawson, fiddle; Carol Dawson, Piano, fiddle, bodhran; Don Woods, bass; Mat Watson, drums;

Produced by Peter Dawson

Tracks: Garineau Reel; Merry Piper Jig**; Scottish Medley: Braes O’Auchtertyre - Hap N Row the Fleeties O - Hurricane Reel; Mrs Watson’s Henhouse*; Medley: Banks Hornpipe - Red Lion Hornpipe; Medley: Union Reel - Ratification Reel - Reconciliation Reel; Stepdance Medley: Mini Foster’s Clog - Bride of the Wind Jig - Sligo Maid Reel; Red Carpet Waltz**; Medley: Sailor’s Return - Reel Du Pecheur; Stepdance Medley: Mary Get My Shoes Waltz Clog*; Jig Around the Clock** - Dundee Hornpipe; One for Dugald*
 

The Music of the well known Peter and Carol is presented on this album in the traditional old-time style. A blend of ancient Scottish, Irish and the self composed make this album one of the best of its kind. Folk festivals, night clubs, tours, and concerts keep these two busy when they are not operating their music shop in Pembroke, Ontario called “The Music Loft”. Here you will find Peter repairing and restoring all kinds of instruments as well as making a name for himself as a violin maker. His wife Carol plays many instruments and is heard on this album playing - piano, fiddle and bodhran. The two have two beautiful sons, Jordon and Corey. When it comes to roots, it’s all here as Lofty Records presents... Fiddlin’ For Folk

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Peter Dawson, fiddle; Emory Lester, Mandolin; Gill Glazier, guitar; Glen MacDonald, banjo; Jordon Zadorozny, bass;

Recorded at Ambience Studio, Ottawa, ON September 21 - 22, 1991

Tracks: Limrock; Jackson's Hornpipe; Me and My Fiddle; Wednesday Nite Waltz; Charlotte's Web; Maple Sugar; Jole Blon; Wile Fiddler's Rag; Bowing The Strings; Snowflake Breakdown; Heather In The Bluegrass; Riverside Two-Step

Erwin Deighan, fiddle; Terry Jackson, rhythm; George Richards, bass; Bob Hudson, drums

Tracks: Haste To The Wedding; Faded Love; Big John MacNeil; Little Burnt Potato; Johnny Wagonner; Irish Washerwoman; Angus Campbell; Over the Waves; Ste Anne’s Reel; Yakkin’ Polka #4
 

Erwin Deighan was born and raised in Richmond, Prince Edward Island and is the youngest of ten children.

Erwin has never had any musical training and yet, has mastered the harmonica, guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. The fiddle is his favourite.

In Summerside he played for radio station CJRW for two years and also performed with Don Messer and The Islanders. Since moving to Toronto with his wife and four boys, he has appeared on Barrie’s Channel 3 “Country Time” and also on cable TV in Clarkson.

He also plays with The Echo Valley Boys at various hotels, clubs, jamborees and is in constant demand.

Red River Echoes, London EB 5

Tracks: Red River Blues*; Carrick Jig*; Banjo Nevelette; Happy Lad Polka; Sitting Bull*; Golden Dawn Waltz*; Sleeping Giant Two Step*; Bedford Waltz*; Prairie Reel*; Surveyor’s Reel*

Tracks: Weekenders Two Step*; The Fiddlers’ Polka*; The Western Waltz*; Joe Harrison’s Favorite*; Jackpine Trail*; The Pioneer’s Dream*; Rocky Mountain Polka featuring Irwin Wolf; Toniata Waltz*; Happy Land Schottische*; The Lucky Trapper’s Reel*

Tracks: Buggy Ride Jig*; Gouri Lass; Early Settlers' Breakdown*; Courting Days Two Step*; Romeo's First Change*; Crossing On The Ferry*; Top O' The Hill*; Silver Wedding Waltz*

Tracks: Butterfly Dance: Scon Waltz - Ti Jean Sherbrooke Polka; Orora Waltz - Chinese Polka - Andy’s No. 3* - Little Judy’s Polka - Skater’s Waltz - American Polka - Baldy’s Waltz - Atlantic Polka - Scan Waltz, No. 2 - Winnipeg Polka* - Shamus O’Brien Waltz - Vandale Polka - Carrick Waltz* - Andy’s Polka* - Bob’s Waltz - Whaylands Polka - Oh! How She Lied - Bob’s Polka; Country Side Polka; Red River Jig; Blueberry Jig*; Blue Mountain Two Step; Valse Bleue; Jolly Dolly Polka*; Up Jumps Johnny

Tracks: Nobody’s Business Two Step*; Apple Cider Polka*; Interlake Waltz*; Happy Days Jig*; Rooster on the Fence*; Turn of the Century Barndance*; Wigwam Polka*; Poor Girl Waltz*; Prairie Schottische*; Stern Paddler Reel*

Tracks: White Rose Waltz*; Westphalia Waltz; Interlake Waltz*; Walter’s Waltz; Blue Mountain Waltz; Village Carousel Waltz*; Hometown Waltz; Valse Bleue; Poor Girl Watlz*; Starlight Waltz*

Tracks: Road To Boston; Joys of Quebec; Liberty Two Step; Blue Mountain; Merry Maker; French Two Step; Nobody’s Business; Bully of the Town; St. John’s Two Step; Spot Light

Tracks: Andy’s them Song (Blueberry Mountain Home)*; Sarsparella Polka; Andy’s Old Time Waltz*; Road To Boston; Annie Harriet’s Reel; House Party Jig; Caribou Reel*; Citadel Waltz; French Two Step; Fiddlin’ Andy*

Tracks: Le reel des Chats “Grafignés”; Le Loup Dans La Fougère; La Valse du Beau Canton; Le Reel Joyeux; Ti-Jean Bouribale; Paul Jones; La Grondeuse

Tracks: Le Coq sur la Clôture; La Joyeuse Québecoise; La Valse des Montagnes; La gigue du Petit Pete Payette; Le reel Saint-Alexandre; Le Saut du Lapin; La marche du Violoneux; Le reel du Grand Pierre; La valse Westhalia; Le Reel Mystérieux

Tracks: La Valse Des Roses; Valse Westphalia; La valse de L’Amitie; Valse Walter; La valse des Montagnes; La valse du Carrousel; La valse de Mes Amours; Valse Bleue; Valse Melancolique; La valse des Etoiles

Tracks: Holiday Polka; Buckskin Reel; Coucou’s Nest; Seven Miles Chase; Grandpa’s Whiskers; Calico Polka; Rolly’s Polka; Steamboat Reel; Bingo Jack Polka; Crack O’ the Whip

Tracks: Shannon Waltz; Andy’s Old time Waltz*; Souvenir Waltz; Citadel Waltz; Vivian Waltz; Silver Wedding Waltz; Rainy River Waltz; Good Neighbour Waltz; Blue Bell Waltz; Scan Waltz*

Tracks: Western 1st Change, Black Moustache Reel; Rainy River Waltz; Teetotaller’s Reel; Buffalo Chase; Joe Lariviere’s Reel; Baldy’s Reel; Good Neighbour Waltz; Lucky George’s Jig; Princess Irena

Tracks: Little Black Hen; Smash the Window; Crooked Stove Pipe; Jimmy’s Favorite; Texas Quick Step; Saskatoon Breakdown; Rock Valley; Parry Sound reel; Haste To The Wedding; Gateman’s Reel

Tracks: Centennial Jig*; Centennial Two Step*; New Centennial Waltz*; Centennial Reel*; Ivy's Centennial Polka*; Centennial Schottische*; Winnipeg Reel*; Manitoba Waltz*; Northern Reel*; Pemmican Reel*

Tracks: Fireplace Reel; Fisher Branche Reel; Lone Star Rag; Whiskey Before Breakfast*; Chomedly Reel*; Trading Post Reel*; Growling Old Man; Andy’s Schottische*; Surveyor’s Reel*; Laplante Reel*

Tracks: Early Bird Jig*; Vandale Shindie*; The Wind That Turns The Mill Breakdown*; Village Waltz*; Road To Scotland*; Swing Your Lady*; Soldier’s Joy; Scan Waltz*
 

Andy De Jarlis: Born in Woodbridge, Manitoba, Andy De Jarlis comes from a long line of fiddlers on both sides of his family.

His great grandfather was an early settler in the Red River Valley, where the Assiniboine and the Red Rivers meet. In those days, the settlers acquired their fiddles by trading pelts with the Fur Traders, many of whom came from Scotland. Where there were Scots, there were bagpipes and the sounds of these instruments floating across the Red River were imitated by the settlers on their fiddles. In this way was born the now famous Red River Jig and Red River style of fiddling.

Andy began his fiddle playing when he was fifteen, learning his first reels and jigs from his father who is still remembered by old timers in Manitoba. At seventeen, he won his first fiddling contest. Since then, he has captured twenty-one trophies, including the Western Canada Championships and the Central America Championship.

Andy De Jarlis is a name known to every fiddler from the head of the lakes to the West coast. Eastern fiddlers have come to know and admire his work through his recordings.

Since 1962, he has made his home in Montreal and has been heard regularly on television and radio.

Alf Johnson: Alf Johnson was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, where he danced the old lancers and polka quadrilles.

He started “calling” in Halifax where he worked as a Physical Education teacher for 15 years. Alf and his wife Bette had their own square dance club and taught and called at many gatherings. They also conducted dances for the paraplegies (sic), the blind, the rehabilitation of patients at the mental hospital, and used the basement of their homes on Saturday mornings to teach the neighbourhood children how to dance.

A graduate of the University of Maine, Alf has also called in New England.

He is presently teaching guidance and history in Montreal, and promote square dancing for young and old as a way to “keep happy.”

Alf’s trademark is “clearness of call” and he extends a friendly invitation to: “Pull up your pants........ tighten up the traces, join your hands........... we’re off to the races.”

Tracks: Vassar’s Jig*; Red Wing Two Step; Rocky Mountain Waltz; Backwoodsman Reel; East Hill; Pretty Rainbow; Stoltman’s Jig*; Rogueland Waltz; Pierre’s Reel*; American Set No. 1

The Manitoba Golden Boy featurning Andy De Jarlis, London EBX 4161 - 1971

Andy DeJarlis, fiddle; Vocals by Kerr Wilson & The Mitchell Parks Orchestra

Tracks: Casey Jones; Swinging Belles and Beaux*; Apple Blossom Waltz*; Blue River Dance; Lucky Dreams*; Manitoba Waltz; Sweetheart Roses; chandelier Waltz; Manitoba Golden Boy*; Your Dreams are Showing*

The story of The Golden Boy

From his 225-foot vantage point, atop the Provincial Legislative Building, Manitoba's 13 foot high Golden Boy dominates the capital city of Winnipeg.

Designated as a symbol of Enterprise and Eternal Youth he provides a fitting and unique symbol of the young progressive spirit of Manitoba.

His left arm carries a sheaf of golden grain symbolizing the agricultural wealth of the province. He faces north toward the vast vacation reaches of northern Manitoba, and the untold mineral riches of our great Pre-Cambrian Shield. His right hand holds high a torch symbolically lighting Manitoba's pathway of progress, leading to a bright and shining future.

The Golden Boy has experienced many adventures before attaining his present secure and dominant position. He was cast in the Barbidienne foundry near Paris, which was wrecked by bombs in the First World War. But, under the rubble he was found, unscratched. Subsequently he lay for two years in the hold of a troop transport as it plied the war zones of the North Atlantic.

Finally, when the war was over, he was landed in New York, then freighted to Winnipeg. He has become one of the best-known symbols of Manitoba.

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Travelling West, London EBX 4185 - 1974

Andy De Jarlis - fiddle; Marcel Meilleur - 2nd violin; Paul Olynyk - bass; Fernand Bordeleau - piano; Irwin Wall - Guitar, banjo; Dave Jandrisch - accordion; Reginald A Kelln - drums

Produced by Claude Jobin; Century 21 Studios, Winnipeg, MB

Tracks: Shillelagh*; Sugar Tree Stomp; Wednesday Night Waltz; Louis Riel*; Shin Ploaster Polka*; Expo '67 Two Step; Countess of Dufferin Polka*; Morning Glory Waltz*; Flaming Arrow*; Midnight March*

Old Native And Métis Fiddling in Manitoba, Vol 2, Falcon FP - 287
 

Old Native And Métis Fiddling in Manitoba, Vol 1, Falcon FP - 187
 

Included on:

Eddy Dietrich, fiddle; Art Dietrich, rhythm guitar; Eldom Gref, bass, steel guitar; Victor Vogt, vocalist; Larry Haller, vocalist; Don Damron, guitar; Roy Cook, drums

Tracks: Dragging The Bow; Love's Gonna Live Here; Maple Sugar; Danny Boy; Truck Drivin' Man; St. Anne's Reel; Orange Blossom Special; Crazy Arms; Four String Polka; Blue Ocean Echo; I'm Singing a New Song; Rose of San Antone

Violinist, Eddy Dietrich was born in Lethbridge, where he has lived all his life, and received his schooling. He is an accomplished violinist, and took lessons with the Dominion Institute of Music. In 1947 and 1948 Eddy received training under John Sebastian Bach, who is related to, and named after the great musician and composer of years gone by. He started entertaining at banquets and dances in 1948. More lessons followed and he was then on radio for two years. In 1955, Eddy and another musical member of his family, his brother Art Dietrich, were the first live talent on the local television station CJLH-TV.

Several night performances were played at various rodeos around Lethbridge, and then came a further television program for 8 months. Eddy has also played with the Edmonton Symphony and Opera Symphony Orchestras.

Eddy Dietrich has won every fiddling contest he has even been in, and has also played in the USA for a short time. He can play the banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass as well as the violin. In his spare time he makes miniature violins as a hobby, and at the present time is arranging his own music.

Rhythm guitar player Art Dietrich, who is manager of Eddy Dietrich and the Rancheroes, began his playing career at the age of six years old when he started playing a tenor guitar. Five years later he started taking lessons on the violin. However, his experience with the violin was short-lived because he discovered that his brother Ed was a better violinist than himself. Art then decided to take up spanish guitar, so that he could accompany Eddy. Since that time they have played at dances, exhibitions and rodeos, and on radio and TV. He also played with his father Albert Dietrich, who has had a danceband in Lethbridge for the past forty years. Art also gives a fine performance on the banjo and mandolin, as well on his newly purchased twelve-hundred dollar Gibson guitar. For two years, he found time between his busy business and music schedule to give guitar lessons. Art also performed as an amateur magician at some of their musical functions.

The Electric Bass Guitar and Steel Guitarist, Eldon Gref, a native of Alberta, was born in the year 1935, and comes from an active musical family. His musical history started at the age of 15 when he became interested in the electric and steel guitar, which at that time was beginning to come into its own. He graduated from the first $35.00 single neck steel to his present instrument - the double neck pedal steel guitar, worth over $1,000.00. An interesting fact here is that all but two of these steel guitars were manufactured by Eldon Gref himself.

Through all this period he has been a devoted Country music fan, and although he enjoys all music, Country and Western still remain at the top of the list. Singing has also been a part of his music history which started quite a few years before the steel guitar came into his life. During school years he has won awards for singing, although not of the Country music type, which he liked the best. Recently he has taken up the electric bass, and now divides his time playing steel guitar and bass in the Rancheroes Band.

Vocalist - Victor Vogt, on Love's Gonna Live Here, was born in Lethbridge, and still a resident, has dedicated most of his time to music beginning at the very young age of 11. Studying violin as his main instrument, he took up vocal shortly after, and won awards in competition while in school. He has performed on radio and on TV. He has been a member of many dance bands through the years, and has acquired much experience. He also plays rhythm guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet and electric bass.

Victor Vogt, as a hobby, makes guitars and has founded Victor Custom Guitars. He has made many, which are distributed mostly in Alberta. He is very well known for his good work, and has built up a good reputation in this line. He also repairs musical instruments.

Victor Vogt likes all kinds of music, but he likes Country and Western the best, because, he says, "It's music of all moods, and all people can understand it.

Vocalist, Larry Haller, is from Enchant, Alberta, where he still resides. Larry started his singing and playing career when he was just a young boy. Manager, Art Dietrich, discovered Larry when he watched a performance on TV. Shortly after his television debut he joined Eddy Dietrich and his Rancheroes. Previous to this he played dances, banquets, and social functions with his own orchestra. Not only is Larry popular because of his own compositions, but also for his imitations of many rock and roll, western, and popular singers. "I'm Singing A New Song" - a vocal on this album - is one of Larry's latest compositions. "Crazy Arms", another vocal on this album, is a multiple recording in which Larry sings first and second. Larry is also a lead and rhythm guitar player.

Guitarist Dan Damron was born in Drumheller, Alberta, Jan. 11, 1943. He spent his school years in Alberta and BC. After playing guitar in his home town he decided to play professionally and joined a touring band for three years as a lead guitarist. In 1965 he traveled over 60,000 miles from Whitehorse, Yukon Territories to Nashville, Tenn. He has a vast knowledge of electronics in connection with guitars and amplifiers, which is illustrated on this album in "Blue Ocean Echo" in which only one guitar is used. He has owned five guitars, two Gibsons, two Fenders and at last a prize possession of his, a Gretch guitar. He has just recently joined Eddy Dietrich and his Rancheroes, of Lethbridge, where he is now making his home.

Roy Cook, the drummer, was born in Lethbridge on Feb. 13, 1935. Although he showed a natural musical ability at an early age, he never had the opportunity to show his talents until he was eighteen, when he joined a local Rock 'N Roll combo. Since that time Roy has proven himself a most versatile drummer. This is borne out by the fact that most groups use Roy for special shows, TV, Radio and Recording dates, whether they be Rock 'N Roll, Jazz combos, Commercial Dance Band, or Western Swing Bands as is the case in this album.

Roy has played extensively in Western Canada, and in the United States, and although many professional touring bands have wanted to sign Roy, he has decided to play locally, and to work on a teaching career.

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Old Time Country Favourites Vol 2, Birchmount Records BM 518

Eddy Dietrich, fiddle; Art Dietrich, Rhythm Guitar; Eldon Graf, bass, steel; Victor Vogt, vocal; Larry Holler, vocal; Dan Damron, guitar; Roy Cook, drums

Tracks: : Dragging The Bow; Love's Gonna Live Here (song); Maple Sugar; Danny Boy; Truck Drivin' Man (song); St. Anne's Reel; Orange Blossom Special; Crazy Arms (song); Four String Polka; Blue Ocean Echo (song); I'm Singing A New Song (song); Rose of San Antone (song)

Electronically Enhanced for Stereo Reproduction
 

VIOLINIST, Eddy Dietrich was born in Lethbridge, where he has lived all his life, and received his schooling. He is an accomplished violinist, and took lessons with the Dominion Institute of Music. In 1947 and 1948 Eddy received training under John Sebastian Bach, who is related to, and named after the great musician and composer of years gone by.

Eddy Dietrich has won every fiddling contest he has ever been in, and has also played in the USA for a short time. He can play the banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass as well as the violin. In his spare time he makes miniature violins as a hobby, and at the present time is arranging his own music.

His final lessons that turned Eddy into the violinist he is today are credited to his teacher Frank Hosek, Jr.

RHYTHM GUITAR player Art Dietrich, who is manager of Eddy and the Rancheroes, began his playing career at the age of six years old when he started taking lessons on the violin. However, his experience with the violin was shortlived because he discovered that his brother Ed was a better violinist than himself. Art then decided to take up Spanish guitar, so that he could accompany Eddy.

THE ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR AND STEEL GUITARIST Eldon Graf, a native of Alberta, was born in the year 1935, and comes from an active musical family. His musical history started at the age of 15 when he became interested in the electric steel guitar, which at that time was beginning to come into its own. He graduated from the first $35.00 single neck steel to his present instrument - the double neck pedal steel guitar, worth over $1,000.00. An interesting fact here is that all but two of these steel guitars were manufactured by Eldon Graf himself.

VOCALIST - Victor Vogt, on Love's Gonna Live Here, was born in Lethbridge, and still a resident, has dedicated most of his time to music beginning at the very young age of 11. Studying violin as his main instrument, he took up vocal shortly after, and won awards in competition while in school. He has performed on radio, and on TV.

He has been a member of many dance bands through the years, and has acquired much experience. He also plays rhythm guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet and electric bass.

VOCALIST, Larry Holler, is from Enchant Alberta, where he still resides. Larry started his singing and playing career when he was just a young boy. Manager, Art Dietrich, discovered Larry when he watched a performance of his on TV. Shortly after his television debut he joined Eddy Dietrich and his Rancheroes.

GUITARIST Dan Damron was born in Drumheller Alberta, Jan. 11, 1943. He spent his school years in Alberta dn B.C. After playing guitar in his hometown he decided to play professionally and joined a touring band for three years as a lead guitarist. He has owned five guitars, two Gibsons, two Fenders and at last a prize possession of his, a Gretch guitar. He has just recently joined Eddy Dietrich and the Rancheroes, of Lethbridge, where he is now making his home.

Roy Cook, the DRUMMER was born in Lethbridge on Feb. 13, 1935. Although he showed a natural musical ability at an early age, he never had the opportunity to show his talents until he was eighteen, when he joined a local Rock N' Roll combo. Roy has played extensively in Western Canada, and in the United States and although many professional touring bands have wanted to sign Roy, he has decided to play locally, and to work on a teaching career.

Portrait du Vieux Kebec - Ferdinand Dionne, violoneux de Kamouraska: Pous / Le Tamanoir - OP-251

Ferdinand Dionne, violon; Produced by Hercule Tremblay, Engineer: Antoine L'Heureux

Tunes: Cotillon indien; Gigue des grand'maison; Valse de la kermesse; Gigue a Japhette; Galope de L'Acadie; Reel du père Charles; Gigue a ti-Jos; Partie de lancier; Cotillon de la tante Ernestine; Valse des amourettes; Galope du Queteux; Reel du pendu
 

1. Cotillon indien: Cette pièce a ainsi été nommé par Louis Dionne, grand-oncle de Ferdinand, en l'honneur de son épouse qui était amérindiene. Cet excellent violoneux était connu sous le sobriquet de "bonhomme Toupeux." Louis Dionne habitait au lac de l"Est dans le comté de Kamouraska. Cette pièce faisait partie du répertoire de Joseph Allard, célébre violoneux des années 1930.

2. Gigue des grand'maison: Cette gigue a été apprise par Ferdinand de Tenfant Grand-maison, violoneux du comté Témiscouata célébre dans la région il y a une quarantaine d'années.

3. Valse de la kermesse: Cette valse été jouée, dans le comté Kamouraska, surtout à l'occasion des kermesses ou des ventes de charité au profit de l'Eglise.

4. Gigue a Japhette: Ferdinand a appris cette gigue d'un violoneux nommé Japhette que demeurait dans un rang autour de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, il y a une soixantaine d'années.

5. Galope de L'Acadie: Cette pièce a été apprise d'un ami violoneux de l'Acadie. Ferdinand en a fait une adaptation qu'il nous livre ici.

6. Reel du père Charles: Ce reel était joué par le père Charles Dumont il y a une cinquantaine d'années. Ce violoneux habitait le 'rang du sable' dans la région de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière et était bien connu de son entourage.

7. Gigue à ti-Jos: Beaucoup de reels, de gigues ou de valses originent de vieilles chansons. La gigue à ti-Jos en est un exemple. Ferdinand l'a apprise d'un frère aîné Joseph qui, lui, l'avait entendu chanter par un vieux du comté de Témiscouata.

8. Partie de lancier: Le lancier est un quadrille en cinq parties connu aussi sous le nom de valse dancier. Cette danse fut très populaire partout au Québec il y a une cinquantaine d'années.

9. Côtillon de la tante Ernestine: Ce côtillon était joué au violon par la tante Ernestine, tante de Ferdinand. Elle était très populaire il y a une quarantaine d'années et jouait dans toutes les veillées familiales du comté de Kamouraska.

10. Valse des amourettes: C'est une vieille valse jouée afin de permettrre aux amoureux de valser.

11. Galope du Quêteux: Cette galope était interprétée par un quêteux-violoneux de la région de Sainte-Anne. Ferdinand l'a apprise très jeune lors d'une des visites du quêteux.

12. Reel du pendu: Cette pièce est liée à une légende célèbre partout au Québec. Un condamné à la penaison proclamait son innocence. On lui a alors remis un violon désaccordé en lui disant qu'il devait réussir à en tirer une pièce dans les vingt-quatre heures afin de prouver son innocence. Il réussit à jouer le reel du pendu. Il est bon de noter que cette pièce est également jouée en Acadie et en Louisiane comme l'a montré André Gladu dans son film "le Reel du pendu."

Ferdinand Dione est né et réside toujours à Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, dans le comté de Kamouraska. Il a su conservé la tradition musicale caractéristique de cette région du Bas-du-Fleuve. Comme tant d'autres violoneux, il a appris à jouer dès sa plus tendre enfance en écoutant les vieux et en allant se practiquer ensuite dans l'écurie ou le hangard avoisinant.

Ce n'est d'ailleurs pas les violoneux qui manquaient dans son entourage immédiat. Son frère ainé était violoneux et un autre de ses frères jouait de l'harmonica. Il y avait aussi le grand-oncle Louis surnommé le bonhomme Toupeux et le vigoureuse tante Ernestine. Dans les rangs voisins, le père Charles Dumont, Tenfant Grand'maison et Japhette faisaient tous danser le canton sur les airs appris de leurs ancêtres. Il y avait aussi le fascinant et mystérieux quêteux dont le souvenir nous replongera dans notre plus tendre enfance. Mais le quêteux que connut Ferdinand était en plus violoneux. Avec un tel environnement musical et un goût inné pour le violon, il est facile de comprendre pourquoi Ferdinand a pu réussir à maîtriser l'instrument le plus typique de la tradition musicale du Québec.

La performance musicale était reléguée au second plan car c'était surtout pour faire danser et pour alimenter les réunions de famille que les violoneux avaient leur raison d'être. Avec Ferdinand Dionne, nous devons admettre que cette musique a aussi une valeur indéniable. Que ce soit le reel du pendu, le côtillon indien ou la gigue à Japhette, toutes les pièces son exécutées avec la sûreté et la sensibilité d'un grand musicien.

Included on:

Musique Traditionnelle Du Québec Conffret No 1: La Musique, Le Tamanoir

Roddy Dorman

Old Time Music, London EBX 4159 - 1970

Roddy Dorman, violin; Bill Guest, piano; Kaye Weir, electric spanish guitar; Early Varner, electric bass; Harry Clarke, drums and banjo

Produced by Carl E. Westhaver.

Tracks: St Margaret’s Polka*; The Parasol Jig*; Johnny Wagoner’s Breakdown; The Fort Edward Reel*; The Pine Forest Waltz*; Churning Butter; The Rainbow Two-Step; The blue Ribbon Hornpipe*; The Robin Singing in the Old Pine Tree; The Decorator’s Hornpipe*
 

I first had the pleasure of meeting Roddy when he came to our studios late in 1969 to cut a tape. Our sound engineer, Carl Westhaver, auditioned Roddy’s performance, and called to our attention the caliber of his work. From then on, we learned a great deal about Roddy, his music, and his life. Why does he have a great talent for fine Country and Western material? Mainly because he was born in the scenic rural countryside of Windsor, Nova Scotia, and set his talent to writing music at the early age of 14. Then, for 16 great years, Roddy’s name was synonymous with old time dance music in Nova Scotia. he performed at concerts and on radio.

In 1968, Roddy Dorman was declared the winner of the Maritime Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest in Dartmouth, and in the same year competed in the North American Old Time Fiddling Championship at Shelburne, Ontario.

With 14 guest appearances on “Don Messer Jubilee” National TV show over the past 10 years, Roddy’s music was to become liked by hundreds of thousands of Canadians. As someone said, “...a little bit of Roddy’s life is in all his songs.”

That’s the way we feel about this album. It’s unique... it’s great... it’s real good, down to earth music... and that’s Roddy Dorman. Six of the selections you’re about to hear are his own compositions... songs which bring to life the happiness and enjoyment that comes only from good county music - and this is only the beginning.

 Thank you,
It’s been a pleasure

Hal Blackadar
Genreal Manager
CHNS - CHFX-FM

La Crème des Violoneux, Paragon FALS 606, circa 1970

Jean-Paul Dubé, violon

réalisateur: William Brassard

Les tunes: Bouilles ton chou; La tire D’érable; Mon Chez-moi; La ree du Marsien; L’étoile du nord; La pipe de Ti-Noir; Débarques et pousses; La gigue de la source; Le vieux et la vieille; Les violoneux du village; Deux pas vers la Liberte; Calypso de la Jeunesse
 

Old Native And Métis Fiddling in Manitoba, Vol 1, Falcon FP - 187

Included on:

It's The Saturday Night Barn Dance Vol 2, Rodeo International RLPCD 8047,  1998
Track 8: Tuggerman's Jig
 

Ken Ducharme, another multi-instrumentalist, here on fiddle from a 1963 broadcast

Reel - Gigue - Polka, Gala RCA Victor CGP 250

Tracks: Le reel du gros Bill; Set du Père Ovide; Le reel du Père Biron; Gigue coquette; Mariette Polka*; Le reel des cordonniers; Le set des Beaucerons; Reel du Cap Espoir; Le reel du barbier; Francine Polka*

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Jackie Dunn

Dunn To A T, JAD-CD 1 - 1995

Jackie Dunn, fiddle, piano, step dancing; Hilda Chaisson-Cormier, piano; Dave MacIsaac, guitar; Jeannie Henman-Beks, vocals

Produced by Jackie Dunn; Engineer: Harold Tsistinas; Recorded at Solar Audio Recordings, April 1995

Tracks: The Intro: Dan Hughie MacEachern's / Down The River / Jackie I Hardly Knew Ya*; The Thorn Bush: Thorn Bush / Lucy Campbell / Hughie Rory MacKinnon / Miss Mary MacDonald's / Traditional / O'er the Isles to America / Miss Wedderburn; Selection In D: Mr John Archie MacDonald / Marquees of Lorn / General Stewart / Wedderburn House / Cottonwood; Jigs In B Minor: McGuire's / Lala's / Bill Collin's; Piano Selection: Lament for the Death of Rev. Archie Beaton / The Brown Haired Girl; Yester House: Yester House / Maggie Cameron / The Simpleton / Red Alexander's / The Blackbird; Erchless Castle: Erchless Castle / The Lochaber Gathering / Dan Cormier's / Sound of Mull / Mrs Gordan of Cairness; Mairi Bhan Og; B Flat Medley: Master Francis Sitwell / Mrs Fraser of Cullen / Juniata's; Jigs In A: Fairbairn's / Walking the Floor / Atholl Highlanders'; Selection In G: Memories of John W MacEachern / Don Side / Hornpipe / Paresis / Sally Gardens; Grand Finale: I Won't Do The Work / The Absent Minded Man / St Kilda's Wedding / Duncan Lamont / The Hawk
 

The Intro: Dan Hughie MacEachern's / Down The River / Jackie I Hardly Knew Ya - The introductory tune is one I learned from a dance tape of John Morris (Rankin). The second jig is a Buddy MacMaster 'standard' I picked up from the master himself. The last tune is a recent composition of my own whose title is a take off of "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya", a song I have performed with Jeannie Beks, Wendy MacIsaac and cousins Sean Murphy and Brian Doyle.

Thorn Bush: Thorn Bush / Lucy Campbell / Hughie Rory MacKinnon / Miss Mary MacDonald's / Traditional / O'er the Isles to America / Miss Wedderburn - The Thorn Bush strathspey is found in the Skye Collection. The second strathspey is a great Mabou Style tune from Kinnon Beaton's repertoire. The third tune is from Kate Dunlay and David Reich's Traditional Celtic Fiddle Music of Cape Breton. The first reel is one of Dan Hughie (MacEachern's) compositions found in the MacEachern's Collection Vol. II. The last three reels are tunes I learned from Buddy's playing.

Selection In D: Mr John Archie MacDonald / Marquees of Lorn / General Stewart / Wedderburn House / Cottonwood - Dan Hughie's march is included in his book, MacEachern's Collection Vol. II. The next tune is found in the Skye Collection. General Stewart is another reel from Buddy. I learned the second reel from both the repertoires of Angus Chisholm and Arthur Muise. The last reel is an Arthur tune.

Jigs In B Minor: McGuire's / Lala's / Bill Collin's - McGuire's pipe jig is found in the Scots Guards Collection of Pipe Tunes and the last two jigs are included in Jerry Holland's Collection of Fiddle tunes.

Piano Selection: Lament for the Death of Rev. Archie Beaton / The Brown Haired Girl - I first heard this air, found in the James Hunter Collection, played by Stan Chapman. The Brown Haired Girl is an old reel Archie Neil suggested for the tape which I learned from Willie Kennedy of Mabou.

Yester House: Yester House / Maggie Cameron / The Simpleton / Red Alexander's / The Blackbird - The first strathspey is one I learned from tapes of Arthur and Dan Hughie. It was also the strathspey Angus Allan Gillis played for the stepdancing of Big John Alex Gillis, father of Allan, mentioned in my thank you's. Maggie Cameron is a pipe strathspey I learned from Buddy. The first reel is an Arthur tune. The second reel is one I have heard several fiddlers play. The last pipe reel was often played by Dan Hughie and passed on to me by my mother's playing.

Erchless Castle: Erchless Castle / The Lochaber Gathering / Dan Cormier's / Sound of Mull / Mrs Gordan of Cairness - The two marches, found in Scots Guards, are tunes I learned from a party tape of Kinnon. The next tune is found in Brenda Stubbert's Collection of Fiddle Tunes. The second reel is one I acquired from the playing of 'cousin' Theresa MacLellan. The final reel is another from Kinnon's repertoire.

Mairi Bhan Og - This is an ancient Gaelic song I found transcribed as a tune in the James Hunter Collection.

B Flat Medley: Master Francis Sitwell / Mrs Fraser of Cullen / Juniata's - The first piece is one I learned from a party tape of Winston Scotty Fitzgerald. The reel is found in the James Hunter Collection and the hornpipe is one I learned from a tape of Angus Chisholm.

Jigs In A: Fairbairn's / Walking the Floor / Atholl Highlanders' - Fairbairn's is another great Buddy tune. The next old tune is one many fiddlers play. The last pipe tune is one I learned from the playing of Deanie Beaton.

Selection In G: Memories of John W MacEachern / Don Side / Hornpipe / Paresis / Sally Gardens - The air is found in MacEachern's Collection Vol II. The strathspey is one I have heard several fiddlers play. I picked up the untitled hornpipe from Jerry's (Holland) repertoire. Paresis is a Buddy tune and the last reel is one Arthur plays.

Grand Finale: I Won't Do The Work / The Absent Minded Man / St Kilda's Wedding / Duncan Lamont / The Hawk - The first jig is one of many tunes having Gaelic lyrics, which I collected for my thesis. The second jig was a perfect last minute suggestion by Dave (MacIsaac). St Kilda's Wedding is an old tune many fiddlers play. The next reel is a pipe tune from the William Ross Collection also suggested by Dave. The final tune, from Dave's guitar repertoire, is found in the James Hill Collection, The Lads Like Beer.

I am pleased to have the opportunity of doing a short biography of the main character in this production, Jacqueline Ann Dunn, known to her acquaintances as 'Jackie'. She is the daughter of Fraser and Margaret (MacEachern) Dunn of Lower South river, Antigonish. I have had the pleasure of introducing Jackie from her earliest public appearances to those of present day, whether it be as a step-dancer, piano accompanist, solo violinist or dance player.

Jackie has made a very deep impression on all with whom she has come in contact, particularly with her knowledge of music. One such example is her thesis completing her Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree at St. F.X. which was an in-depth study of how the old music of the Gael and the ancient Gaelic lyrics compliment one another. Jackie has also shared her musical knowledge through performances and workshops at several locations across North America.

Jackie has been surrounded by music; it's inherent in her life. Jackie's mother, Margaret, was probably one of the best step-dancers that I have ever had the pleasure of introducing. John Willie MacEachern (Jackie's Grandfather) of Queensville, was a noted violinist in his day as were his brothers Alex Joe and Dan Hughie, that well known Cape Breton composer. Jackie's musical ancestry is not limited to the MacEachern name alone, but extends across both the Dunn and MacEachern family trees, including many well known musicians, past and present.

Jackie's accompanists on this her debut fiddle compilation are 'something else'. The guitarist is 'the one and only' Dave MacIsaac from Halifax. On the piano is none other than the talented Hilda Chaisson-Cormier formerly of Grand Etang, and presently from Alabama. Providing vocal background is Jeannie Henman-Beks, formerly from Waverley and presently of Mabou.

Whatever Jackie does, she does it to a 'T' which is why I take pleasure in saying I have had some little part in this introduction.

Archie Neil Chisholm

This product would never have become a reality without the assistance of many individuals, especially the musicians. Hilda, thanks for travelling so far in order to share your talents, enthusiasm and navigational skills! Thanks also to Hilda's husband J.P. Cormier, for lending a hand with chord charting. And then there's cousin Dave. Thank you for going far beyond the 'call of duty' in order to research tunes, make musical suggestions and compose harmony in the nick of time. Jeannie, thank you for creating the angelic vocals I was searching for. On the production side of things, I was fortunate to work with three of the best. Thanks to 'King' Harold of Solar for sharing his recording wizardry, ideas, time and humour. Next I must thank George for his creative genius and his total involvement in this project. Thanks also to Dereck for linking the music, photography and writing so well into one package. I must also make special mention of my three Margaree cousins, Allan Gillis, Archie Neil and Robert Chisholm. Allan generously loaned his Roth violin for this recording. Archie Neil not only gave me a fine introduction but also suggested some great tunes to record. Thanks to Archie's Neil's son Robert for the catchy title.

Thank you to the following people who helped me get this recording off the ground: Stan Chapman, Sr. Margaret MacDonell, Jamie MacInnis, Glen Meisner, John Donald Cameron, Buddy MacMaster, Fr. Raymond MacDonald, Marilyn O'Brien, Willie Kennedy, Wendy MacIsaac, Wayne O'Connor, Scott Macmillan, Mary MacMaster, Dan MacDonald, Barry MacKinnon, Shane MacIsaac, Stephanie Wills, Malcolm MacPhail, Kimberley Ross, Paul Fougere and all composers for granting permission to use their music.

My thank you's would not be complete without acknowledging the encouragement and interest extended by my parents and family throughout my musical career. Thanks to dad for all the miles he has driven over the years and to mom for being my first and most influential music teacher.

Thanks as well to my former music tutors: Stan Chapman, Ellen MacPherson, Margaret MacDonald, Sr. Bernadine Burke, Tony Genge, Jack O'Donnell and individuals such as Maybelle Chisholm, John Morris Rankin, Buddy MacMaster and countless others who have shared their talents with me in the past. Lastly, I must thank Ray 'Mac' MacDonald for all his personal support over the years. Without radio personalities such as Ray, Celtic music would not be where it is today.

In closing I would like to dedicate this recording to all who continue to take an interest in my music. I hope you enjoy these selections over and over again.

Jackie Dunn

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