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Displaying 1 - 120 of 333
oral history

Dances near Mount Hope

Type: Audio non-musical
Contributors: Interviewee: Harold Dockendorff, Recordist: Ken Perlman
Abstract:
  • Abstract:Used to go to school dances and hall dances, followed Jack Webster around and learned by watching; started playing at age 13 and got good enough to play at the local dances
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Enhancing a tune via syncopation

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Tony Smith, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:His twist on Ste. Anne's Reel illustrated
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    One room schools

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ella Thomson Chappell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How the schools operated: starting up the stove, teachers produced quite a number of good scholars; she'd have one grade do a task while she went on to teach the next grade
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Changing tunes to suit the dancers

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Andrew Jones, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How locals changed the way Ste. Anne's Reel is played to suit step-dancing style
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    West Prince Party Line radio show

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Lowell Huestis, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:West Prince Party Line Show
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Ken Perlman interview with Karen Mair on Mainstreet

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ken Perlman, Interviewer: Karen Mair
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Broadcast on CBC Radio 1 Charlottetown
  • Date Recorded: 2015-04-07
    Collection: BDH In the Media Collection
    oral history

    What folks wore at house parties

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Emmett Hughes, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How people dressed; shoes in the mudroom
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Mother puts up with his efforts

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Dennis Pitre, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Mother made miserable by his trying to play upstairs while she was baking on hot summer days; she complained to the neighbors but she would never discourage him
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Decline of square dancing

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Reg Banks, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Decline of square dances, change from square sets to circular formation; stepdancing has changed as well -- much greater movement
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    V-E Day square dance

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Eddy Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fiddling on V.E. Day
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Wood-chopping frolics

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Joseph Doucette, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:And that night they'd have a dance.
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Hector MacDonald's fiddling

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Allan MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:His fiddling had a great rhythm, beautiful dance music; never get tired of listening to it; the more he played the better he got
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Smith sneaks the fiddle

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Reuben Smith, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Getting hold of the fiddle in his father's absence
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Steps for the Quadrille

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Largus MacInnis, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Gives all the calls for an Island quadrille
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Taking step-dancing onto the stage

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Libby Haywood Hubley, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:From the kitchen to the stage
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Card playing for horses

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Cecil Trainor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:passing the time during the winter
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Escaping the dance

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Harold Dockendorff, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Had to literally escape out of the window at school dance
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Teaching fiddlers' grandkids

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Amy Swenson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fiddlers' grandkids come for lessons
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Life on a Fairfield mixed farm

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Stewart MacIntyre, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Hours of work; as kids they were lent out to help the neighbors: you helped your neighbor and he helped you; description of mixed farm; selling produce to merchants for "store credit"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Old-time weddings near Milltown Cross

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Attwood O'Connor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:All square dancing and a big supper; fiddlers had to play all night till the wee hours; a big pot full of moonshine to dip into
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Getting started; playing for dances

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Sheila MacKenzie FitzPatrick, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Learned from the MacKinnons and at the Rollo Bay program; then started going to ceilidhs in Monticello, and dances at Goose River and St. Peters; soon she was playing for the dances herself
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Compound graces explained

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Paul MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Compound grace notes
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddlers must play when asked

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Archie Stewart, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:If you played for one, how could you turn down another neighbor
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Wellington Jam Sessions

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Marie Arsenault Livingstone, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Development of regular jam sessions in Wellington
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Step-dancing politicians

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fred Richard, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Playing fiddle at political meetings
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    eight-hand reels and step-dancing

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Attwood O'Connor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:O'Connor's home was in effect the local community center; all his family played something; description of breakdowns
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    How McPhee got started

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hughie McPhee, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Being drafted in his 20s to fiddle for dances at church benefits; got fiddle in Holland during war
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddling's future on PEI

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Charles Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Good sign for the future: lots of young players at all levels; hopefully this will generate a young audience
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Parish picnics in Grand River

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jim MacDougall, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:School dances & parish picnics in Grand River; once when Elmer Robinson was playing MacDougall lay down in the grass and spent the afternoon listening to the music; next day got two shingles and pretended he was Elmer
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Learning to square dance

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Emmett Hughes, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Learning to dance as a youngster; wouldn't get into a set until you learned how; people learned to dance mostly by watching, but neighbors would help you learn; you also learned to dance at recess time in the schools
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Acquires his first tunes

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Joe MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Learned first tune from Gregory MacEachern: "My head was full of music then; I had no trouble expressing it on the fiddle."
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Tune-learning strategy

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Clarence MacLean, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Often wakes up in the morning with tunes in his head; then they are gone, but they might come back later; learned most of his tunes on radio from Don Messer and Cape Breton fiddlers
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Morrissey plays tune from Jay's show

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Johnny Morrissey, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Lem Jay on Island radio: Illustration: "Bonaparte Crossing the Alps"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Music parties in Tyne Valley

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jackie Biggar, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Parties of Enthusiasts at Uncles' Shed in summertime
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Effects of modernization

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: John Cousins, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Great changes in Island life due to modernization; fiddling is a way to cope with stresses of change
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Step dancers give proper tempo & rhythm

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Dennis Pitre, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Music had to be a certain moderate speed for them to execute their steps; whenever it would suit them they would get up and dance; story of Gil Provost who used a circular saw as his dancing platform and could do somersaults and not miss a step (other voice heard is Vincent Doucette)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Step-dancing at house parties

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Neil MacCannell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Stepdancing at house parties; each requested their own special tune; "Lord MacDonald's Reel" was most popular
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Plays at first dance

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jim MacDougall, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:They came in a sleigh to get him out of bed to play at his first dance
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Banks gets help from older players

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jimmy Banks, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:The older fellows might give you a few pointers if asked, but basically you were on your own; Campbell's father would tell us if we weren't playing it right.
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Demo: initiating priming via slow grace

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: "Young Peter" Chaisson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Using little finger for "priming"; tune used for illustration is "Smith's Reel" (accompanied by Ken Perlman, bjo)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    House parties around Central Lot 16

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Leo Farrell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:General description of local house parties
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Hugh Gotell gets started

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hugh Gotell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:His father played at St. Patrick's Day Concerts; Hugh got his first fiddle at 16; started playing for dances and weddings but give it up during World War II; picked fiddling up again in 1970s
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Dreaming assists tune-learning

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jackie Biggar, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Dreamed he learned tune; woke up and played it "slick as can be"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddling brings father and son closer

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Victor Doucette, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Learned by watching father; when Victor returned from Ontario fiddling used to be a way for the two to communicate
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    He'll always love fiddling

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jim MacDougall, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:You'll know he's dead when someone plays the fiddle and he doesn't get up
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Neighbors see fiddlers as lazy

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jimmy Halliday, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fiddlers were often regarded as lazy, even if they were depended upon to provide music
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddling as gift

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: John Cousins, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:The "gift"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Conflict Over Room on Dance Floor

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: West Prince Fiddlers, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fighting at the Old Dances: Fighting over a Place to Dance
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Men played fiddle at dance parties

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hilda MacPhee MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Didn't play at dances because there were men there to play; she played on organ at the parties
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Virtues of restraint

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Leo Farrell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Prohibition, teddies of rum; why he himself didn't drink much and how he avoided overdoing it
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Thibodeau's beautiful music

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Pat Doucette, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Willie Thibodeau; music like the mermaids
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Learning tunes in the lumberwoods

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Danny MacLean, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Learned tunes in lumberwoods
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Slurs and phrasing discussed

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Paul MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Slurs and phrasing
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    House parties around Rafferty Road

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ervin Rafferty, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Especially in the winter, Christmas: cards, lunch, music
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    How Omar got started

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Omar Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Started at 11; here's the fiddle here's the bow. Treat the fiddle like a box of eggs. Would jig along with father when he played and immitate playing with two sticks. They used to have him tune the fiddle if it got out of whack.
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Gift of Liveliness

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Archie Stewart, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Playing lively
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Rise and decline of ceilidhs

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ward MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Over-development of ceilidhs
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Farm life around Cardross

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Merlin Quinn, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Organization of farms, farm size, implements and livestock: a "one horse farmer"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    MacCormack gets started

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Francis MacCormack, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:He'd sneak fiddle with mother's collusion; used to make fiddles out of shingles and used sardine cans as a sound board
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Playing at wedding showers

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Elliott Wight, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Country Showers
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    House parties around St. Edward

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Joe Albert, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:General description; parties before lent; no amplification
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Stigma for public drinking

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Charles Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Drinking customs (behind the shed), fiddler had to drink in public; fiddlers blamed unjustly for violence
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Wedding showers at home

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jim MacDougall, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Wedding shower; borrowed a dancing both and set it up in yard; Elmer Robinson played; couldn't have a wedding without the fiddler
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Strategies for getting hold of the fiddle

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Frank O'Connor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Competition for the fiddle among family members
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Demonstration: common double-stops

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Emmett Hughes, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Characteristic double stops for common keys; passages from "Princess Reel," and "Heather on the Hill" used for illustration
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Robinson's fiddling pedigree

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Elmer Robinson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Uncle was Wm Harvey (the champion fiddler of the Island)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Cuts explained

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Paul MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Cuts
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    La Marmotteuse dramatization

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Joseph Doucette, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Story of La Marmotteuse (Growling Old Man)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Demo: Tunes to accompany a Lancers

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Archie Stewart, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:What Stewart played for each figure of a set; tunes illustrated are: Me Love Is But a Lassie, Old Man & Woman, Jubilo, Princess Reel
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Tunes spring to mind

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: JJ Chaisson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fingers always moving subconsciously playing tunes; can compose new tunes out of bits and pieces of all the thousands of tunes he's heard
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Origins of Barachois

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hélène Arsenault Bergeron, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Origin and career of group, Barachois
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    All work stopped when fiddler arrived

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Merlin Quinn, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:When anyone came by to play the fiddle all work stopped
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Schoolhouses as Community Centers

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jenny O'Hanley McQuaid, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Served as a community building and social center: dances, card parties, debates, etc.
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Ross Family Band history

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ross Family Band, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Band history
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    New tunes come to mind

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Bill MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:The creative process
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Tunes from the gramophone

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Emmett Hughes, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:He could jig tunes at 5 or 6 years old; his father would send him to learn tunes from a neighbor's gramophone
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Professionalization of fiddling

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Robert Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:professionalization of fiddling in modern era
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Hearing his neighbors play

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Johnny Morrissey, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Took up fiddle at 15 or 16; Morrissey would be en route to his grandfather's house and hear the violin played, ("I'd stand, I'd listen"); he had tunes in his head when he was quite young from jigging around the house; at one time jigging was all the music they had for dances
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Mouth music in the community

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Teresa MacPhee Wilson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Used to have tuners sit on side of the fiddler and tune with him, sometimes music they had for dancing; one family could tune and dance at the same time; Jamie MacKinnon came home from Boston and sat on her porch and tuned: you could hear it across the field: examples - "Old man and Woman" and "Lord macDonald's Reel." Children would
  • More
    Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Kings County Farmlife

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Harold Dockendorff, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Mixed farming: what was on the farm
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Smith's style of tune learning

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Reuben Smith, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:If he heard a tune he liked at a dance he would take a crack at it when he went home; he could get them in his mind pretty easily; you learn the ones you like better; you can always tell someone who plays by ear, because you get all the extra details: they play "snappy music"
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Arriving fiddler is lionized

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ervan Sonier, Interviewee: Toussaint Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Just like Santa with a sack of toys: the fella with the fiddle; using knitting needles on the back strings for rhythm
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Company discusses women and fiddling

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Teresa MacPhee Wilson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:A group discussion: why women were kept from fiddling in the past, why so many young women are playing now
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    House parties decline in southeast Queens

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jimmy Halliday, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:House parties started to go down when they began to install carpets in homes; faded away in 40s and early 50s; television ruined a lot of things; now if you go to visit the TV is on
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Music parties in Evangeline, 1970s (mand)

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ernie Gallant, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Parties in Egmont Bay among enthusiasts
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Setting up shop on PEI

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Amy Swenson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How she got her teaching practice established
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Forerunners

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hughie McPhee, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Forerunners: this one is the fellow who hears hammering and nails being pulled; it then turns out the neighbors had to pull out the storm door to use to lay out a body when the grandfather died
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    lazy no-gooders

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Prince County Fiddlers, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:fiddlers had bad reputation as "lazy no-gooders," which is one reason why women were discouraged (Glenna Bowness)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Effects of TV and pop culture

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Alvin Bernard, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Wouldn't be the in thing to be playing, the modern music was coming in, by 1960s; fiddling was for the older people; then TV came along and took people's attention elsewhere
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    People are not nearly so neighborly

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Wilfred Gotell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How TV changed things; people stopped visiting and grew less sociable
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Communities ask too much of fiddlers

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Faber MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Communities take advantage of fiddlers; ask too much
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    A two-day wedding

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hilda MacPhee MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:A two-day wedding in Fort Augustus:
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddling becomes career path

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ward MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Fiddling now a career path; It helped attract youngsters to the instrument
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Music in North Rustico (Mary Smith Band)

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Mary Smith, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Smith's father played mouth organ and a little fiddle, a great story teller; Leo Allen and Alphonse Gallant were the main fiddlers around; everyone step danced; there were always people coming to the house and there'd be a big meal and some music; her father used to jig for dancing some time; the Lancers was the dominant style of
  • More
    Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    St. Andrews Parish Picnic

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Joe MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Description of carnival atmosphere at Parish picnics
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    The breakdown, or eight hand reel

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Largus MacInnis, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Breakdowns (8-Hand reels)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Valedictory

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Omar Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:That feller knows how to play a fiddle
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Fiddling as gift from God

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Faber MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Gifts are given to us not for ourselves
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    They roust Beck out of bed

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jimmy O'Connor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Rousting fiddler out of bed to hear him play; fiddlers always felt obliged to play when asked
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Old-fashioned Island step-dancing

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jimmy Banks, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Stepdancers would get up and compete with each other, several at once; best style was smooth, not too much body action: just work from hips down; in his day they only danced to reels and each dancer had their own special tune
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Sneaking the fiddle

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Jim MacDougall, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Takes fiddle when father goes to Summerside
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    The fiddling Santa

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Teresa MacPhee Wilson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:At a Christmas concert, Teresa's father Mall MacPhee is a fiddling Santa
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Basket socials

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Ervin Rafferty, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Auctioned a basket of food, had a card game and then a dance
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Prince County Pioneers play dance halls

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: John Gauthier, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:The Prince County Pioneers; where they played, how they got around
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Joe Pete & his brothers learn on the sly

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: "Young Peter" Chaisson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Chaisson's grandfather didn't want any of his sons to play, but they learned on the sly
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    How EP Arsenault got started

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Edward P Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Wife got him a fiddle when he was in 30s; how she helped him learn
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Why more women are playing

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Charles Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Why more young women are now involved in fiddling: end of the stigma; parents are willing to support them if they are interested
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Don Messer's fiddling style

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Charles Cheverie, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:on Don Messer's playing style & why many locals didn't like it
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Developing the urge to play

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Francis MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Started at 9 or 10; he liked fiddle music every since he could remember; as a small child he'd be in bed and hear the music waft up from fiddlers who visited father
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Tunes spring to mind

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Johnny Morrissey, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:He'd go to a dance, and take particular notice to a tune; perhaps in a weeks' time it would come up and he'd start whistling it; he'd have it in mind before he tried to play it on fiddle
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    House parties around Lorne Valley

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Neil MacCannell, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Very vivid description of house parties in his youth
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Father helps her learn

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Hilda MacPhee MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Started fiddling at 6; her father was Roddy Joe MacPhee who took great pains to teach her to play; in particular, he showed her where to put her fingers to play the tune; she also watched him play
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Acadian syncopation explained

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Louise Gallant Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How sawstroke syncopation is accomplished ("Twin Sisters" used as example)
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Church picnics around Peakes Station

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Cecil Trainor, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Church picnics near Peakes Station: game booths all afternoon, big supper, then the dance would start; they also had auction of cakes; there was a fair amount of fiddling and some fighting, but they always protected the fiddler
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Community pressures against females fiddling

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Teresa MacPhee Wilson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:How Teresa was discouraged from fiddling while still a girl; Hilda was the only one around who played
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Can tell where they're from via style

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: "Young Peter" Chaisson, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Style of every player comes from within; you can tell who it is and where they are from via their style
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Descripition of Wedding Reel dance

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: George MacPhee, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Wedding reel described; his own old time wedding described
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Influence on younger players

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Roy Johnstone, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Johnstone's influence as one of first professional fiddlers on PEI, showing that stage activity is important, taking slow airs seriously, etc.
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Syncopation demonstration

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Robert Arsenault, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:Discussion of Acadian syncopation: St Anne's Reel as an example
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories
    oral history

    Island fiddlers give up contests

    Type: Audio non-musical
    Contributors: Interviewee: Fr. Faber MacDonald, Recordist: Ken Perlman
    Abstract:
  • Abstract:contests created hard feelings among fiddlers; PEI Fiddlers' Banned Participation
  • Collection: Bowing Down Home Oral Histories

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