Fiddlers from this area often favor tunes from the Scottish and Cape Breton repertoire, but usually play them in a relatively "straight-ahead" non-ornamented style with few cuts and snaps. Comparing modern Central Kings players with recordings of two available historical models (Hector MacDonald and Jack Webster) seems to indicate a decline in distinctive local flavor.
Key:
Historical model: fiddler from past generations whose music was preserved only on family tapes or single-pressing discs.
True to Type: sound is relatively typical of the region
Individual Stylist: sound seems to be unique within the region
"Slow" Fiddler: specializes in playing set tunes and waltzes
Amateur Player: no distinct regional style
Central Kings Fiddlers by Style
Historical Models: Hector MacDonald, Jack Webster
True to Type: Jimmy Banks, Reg Banks, Robert Crane, Harold Dockendorff, Hugh Gotell, Wilfred Gotell, Joe MacDonald, Herb MacDougall, Angus McPhee, Merlin Quinn, Cosmas Sigsworth, Carl Webster, Jackie Webster
Individual Stylist: Sterling Baker
"Slow" Fiddler: Reg Mellish
Amateur Player: Cecil Trainor
Piano Soloist: Rita MacDonald Morrison