I was lucky enough to visit a couple times with Clyde Davenport a few years back, while on tour with my old band The Dust Busters, and was completely struck by his friendliness and warmth. Being from Seattle originally, and living in New York City at the time, I had been a bit nervous as to how this master of old time music (American traditional music) would receive us, and if we might feel like we were encroaching on his culture or something like that. But I don't think the thought even crossed his mind and he was so hospitable and encouraging, seeming to take some joy and pride in the fact that a bunch of college boys from the North saw the skill devotion and artistry in what he was doing, and wanted nothing more than to sit at his feet and hear stories and joke around and of course play some tunes!

When Clyde was a young man, he did a similar thing with his local heroes, Dick Burnett and Leonard Rutherford, who also happen to be some of my favorite old time musicians of the 'golden age', how recorded a bunch of really wonderful tunes. Getting to connect to Clyde, and through him to them, and to other musicians from the last century (or is it two centuries ago now?) was incredibly special. When I played him my version of All Night Long and Billy in the Lowground, tunes I learned from them, he was very supportive and said that I 'got it'! While I've been insecure about things, like all of us since then, knowing that my playing and respect for the music was scene by this man I revered gave me a huge boost, something I try to pass on to others now when I play and teach. I hope these videos will help to that end. Feel free to reach out, find some of my lesson videos on here or holler at me about online lessons etc. You can find some info on my not so polished website, www.craigjudelman.com

Happy fiddling and thanks for watching!


Craig Judelman

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