"This is a wonderful collection of old-time fiddle and banjo duets (18 of them) played by fiddler Fox (who lives in the Asheville, NC area), and banjoist Winegar, from Scott County in southwestern Virginia. The players have made it a point to feature tunes (and a style) of the 19th century, and the sources they cite--Emmett Lundy, William Stepp, John Salyer, and Marcus Martin are impressive indeed. The choice of tunes alone would make for an interesting record, but Fox & Winegar play these with feeling and skill, in a lovely collection that we heartily recommend!"
David Freeman, County Records April, 04, 2008
"The Way It Was" is one of the best recordings of American "Old Time" music that I have heard in many years; simple, straight forward playing. The fiddle and banjo are to Old Time music what the fiddle and Uilleann pipes are to Irish music. The original,long passed old time musicians would be proud of this one"
Patrick Sky March 28, 2008
The driving, primal sound of the fiddle and banjo. In the early days before the guitar made its way here into the Southern Appalachians, the fiddle and banjo was the mainstay "band" for musical gatherings of all sorts, barn raisings, corn shuckings, making moonshine, and of course, dances and “frolics”
These eighteen tunes will transport you back in time. Fox and Winegar play a wide variety of rare old tunes from Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. There are breakdowns, played in the tight, cohesive and driving style, and slower, haunting pieces like “The Wounded Hoosier”
This professionally produced recording features a six page, double side fold out listing the history, key signature, and fiddle tuning for each piece.
Both of these musicians, steeped in the tradition, have been playing together for many years. This CD is the culmination of their efforts, and is a “must have” for every lover of true, authentic mountain music “from the source”
Martin Fox has been playing 19th. Century Appalachian style fiddle for over 30 years. During the early seventies, while living in Grassy Creek NC, he traveled up and down the Appalachians for several years, entering every fiddle contest and convention possible. He had the good fortune to win and place in many of these events, often competing against the very best players from each region.
In 1985 he was fortunate enough to win the title of Fiddle Champion at the Asheville NC, Mountain Dance & Folk Festival. In the early eighties, he joined up with Jeff Winegar, Rick Palmer and Mackie Vannoy to form the old time band ”The Rough Riders” This band was a success from the start and played at many venues including Bele Chere in Asheville, NC, The Down Home Pickin Parlor in Johnson City TN., The Carter Fold in Hiltons, VA. and many more. That year, “The Rough Riders” won virtually every prize possible at the Asheville NC, Mountain Dance & Folk Festival, the oldest and longest running Appalachian music festival in the south. Their recording, released in 1993 “Whatcha Going To Do When Your Likker Gives Out” was a hit and well received.
When the Green Grass Cloggers needed a group to “step it up” they always asked for this band.
After 42 years traveling all over the US and abroad as a professional photographer, Martin now has some time for his music. This recording with Jeff Winegar is just a start of much more to come.
Jeff Winegar, born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia has been around the rural Appalachian music from his region since he was a boy. He grew up with the Carter family children and learned much of their music at an early age. He first started playing the guitar learning from his Grandfather He has been playing banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and hammered dulcimer for more than 25 years.
He has won and placed in the banjo category at many fiddlers’ conventions and contests over the years including Independence VA., Jonesville TN., Mooresville, NC, Fiddlers Grove NC., and the Asheville Mountain Dance & Folk Festival. He was the banjo player and vocalist for “The Rough Riders “old time band in the early eighties through the nineties. He recorded with dulcimer wizard Fred Meyer in 1986 for Kicking Mule Records, and was the banjo player with The Rough Riders for the 1993 recording “Whatcha Gonna To Do When Your Likker Gives Out”. This recording received great reviews and acclaim, (see the glowing review in “The Old Time Herald” Volume 4. Number 5 Fall 1994)
Now,besides teaming up with fiddler Martin Fox on banjo to play the old, 19th. Century fiddle and banjo duets, Jeff also is the fiddler for “The Boozy Creek String Band” from Southwest Virginia. This band played a concert this year for The National Geographic Society in Washington DC. They also have a CD out titled “Now More Than Ever”
Jeff is a talented multi instrumentalist and singer. You will hear more fine music from him in the near future.
For booking's, private concerts,workshop's & performances please contact:
Martin Fox: (828) 628-9554 mfoxfoto@charter.net
Jeff Winegar(704) 583-0196 chornback@carolina.rr.com
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