In 1991-92 most fiddlers from this region played a style that was somewhat quicker, rougher, sparser and less syncopated than that of West Prince fiddlers. That said, the predominant fiddler in this region during the second half of twentieth century was Eddy Arsenault of St. Chrysostom, whose elegant, soaring style incorporated many elements that typified Cape Breton fiddling without sacrificing rhythmic drive or locally favored dance accents. The style of this region has recently been in flux, as the fiddling approach has grown increasingly syncopated and new wave players increasingly look to francophone regions in neighboring provinces for inspiration.
Key
Historical Model: fiddler from past generations whose music was preserved on tape
True to Type: sound is relatively typical of the region
New Wave: developed their playing styles during PEI's fiddling revival
Evangeline Coast / East Prince Fiddlers by Style
Historical Model: Albin Arsenault, Delphine Arsenault, Jaddus Gallant
True to Type: Eddy Arsenault, Edward P Arsenault, Louise Arsenault, Peter Arsenault, Robert Arsenault, Toussaint Arsenault, Zélie-Anne Arsenault Poirier, Toussaint Arsenault, Ervan Sonier
New Wave: Marie Arsenault Livingstone, Anastasia Desroches
Mandolin Soloist: Ernie Gallant