RECORDING REVEIW
ANNIE'S WALTZING FIDDLE
By Ann Schluter, fiddle
with Truman Sorenson, guitar
There's a good reason why most fiddle contests require that each participant play at least one waltz. There are numerous things about a fiddler's skill--including tone, bowing technique and phrasing-- that can be better demonstrated on waltzes than any on any other type of music.
On this recording of all waltzes, fiddler Ann Schluter isn't invoved in a contest but her fiddling is so seamlessly perfect that it would draw high ratings from the most demanding judge. As a matter of fact, "Annie's Waltz" could become a standard as a source of inspiration and ideas for other contest ficdlers.
Among other things, Ann shows that there can be great variety within the context of three quarter time. In this collection of 12 tunes, she demonstrates classics, folky, old-time American and multi-ethnic influences. The repertoire ranges from standards such as "Westphalia Waltz" and "Life in the Finnish Woods" to lesser-known gems like "Si Bheag, Si Mhor" and "Ook Pik Waltz".
On all these numbers, Ann is accompanied by one of the most in-demand backup guitarists in Minnesota, Truman Sorenson. Truman is well-known for always using chords and runs that best compliment the music he is accompanying. He is an inspiration to other guitarists.
I'm probably making this sound very academic. So I should emphasize the fact that this is very soothing, and a number of moods ebb and flow throughout. I first heard the recording in its entirety while traveling Interstate 94 on a dark, rainy Saturday night. It made the trip a lot more pleasant.
To anyone who appreciates good fiddling or just plain likes good music, I would enthusiastically recommend "Annie's Waltzing Fiddle".
--Jerry Barney
(Jerry Barney is a newspaper editor and writer, has managed fiddle contests and festivals.
He is the writer of a monthly column for Inside Bluegrass magazine, is a member of the
Uff-Da Mountain Boys and has written nearly 600 songs, some of which have been recorded
by performers such as Lefty Frizzel, Porter Wagoner and Lonzo & Oscar.)