Album Notes

Phil and Vivian grew up near the end of the Trail and have known music of the Northwest Pioneer heritage since childhood. This CD features tunes mentioned in the diaries of pioneers who crossed the plains, and other popular dance tunes of the era, played on fiddle, guitar, banjo, and accordion by a couple noted for bringing the pioneer music of the West alive. Besides being a champion fiddler, Vivian is a historian and anthropologist by academic training. Both are noted old time musicians in the West. "Many familiar tunes have surprising histories. However common most of these tunes are,there's nothing boring about the way Phil and Vivian present them (Heritage Music Review). Their live presentation of Oregon Trail music has been presented in over 200 communities in the West under the auspices of Humanities and Arts Commissions, Historical Societies, Museums, and schools. "Vivian Williams has long been heralded as a master of Celtic, old-time and bluegrass styles. Williams is a prizewinning fiddler with long experience of playing for dances around her native Seattle, and her playing has the lift and drive needed for good barn dancing." (Sing Out Magazine)