Voyager Recordings & Publications

ARTICLES AND INFORMATION

Washington Fiddlers Project Panel Discussion - An edited transcript of the panel discussion at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Port Townsend, Washington, July 2, 1986, as a part of the Washington Fiddlers Project, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, and initially administered by Centrum Foundation. This panel discussion includes a selection of some of the most prominent Washington State fiddlers at that time, moderated and conducted by Washington State Folklorist, Jens Lund; Alan Jabbour from the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress; Frank Ferrel, Director of the Festival of American Fiddle tunes; and Vivian Williams, chief field researcher for the project. Note: This is a long article, but worth reading for a glimpse into the traditional dance fiddling of the Pacific Northwest.

Northwest Pioneer Fiddlers by Vivian Williams - A compilation of known 19th century fiddlers in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and British Columbia, with histories, tunes played, and photos.

Early Bluegrass in Western Washington and the Pacific Northwest - A personal account by Phil Williams - How bluegrass came to and developed in the Pacific Northwest from right after WWII to 1980 with names of significant performers and photos.

The Essential Fiddle Tune Books - A highly opinionated listing of some of the classic fiddle tune books compiled by Vivian Williams.

So You Think You Can't Play by Ear - Yes you can! By Vivian Williams

The Circle of Fifths - An explanation of the "circle of fifths," which is essential to know in the chord structure of Western music. A useful bit of music theory for traditional musicians. By Vivian Williams

Jam Session Etiquette - What you need to know successfully to participate in a jam session, by Vivian WIlliams

Relaxed Picking on Guitar and Mandolin - How to use a flatpick to avoid injury and play better, by Phil Wlliams

Tendinitis Problems of Musicians - Identification, Prevention, Treatment - How to avoid and solve tendinitis problems from the personal experience of Phil Williams.

Contra and Square Dance Playing- Tips and techniques for successful playing of contra and square dances for all the musicians in the band. By Vivian and Phil Williams.

Fiddling for Old Time Contra, Square, and Couple Dances - Tips and techniques for fiddlers in playing old time, contra, square, and couple dances, by Vivian Williams.

Voyager Recordings - Article in The Devil's Box, Summer 1994

Why Our Recordings Are Not Found in Stores - A Personal Perspective - How the record distribution system has failed traditional music. By Phil Williams