A treasure trove of traditional West Texas fiddle tunes played by third and fourth generation fiddlers Nathan (Father) and Joe (Son) Stephenson. These rare “Field Recordings” were recorded at the Stephenson Family farmhouse in McAdoo, Texas (circa late 50’s early 60’s).
Fiddle Tunes
Bonaparte’s Retreat
Sally Gooden
Limerock
Chicken Reel
Irish Washerwoman
Turkey in the Straw
Twinkle Little Star
Down Yonder
Turn Me Over
Cattle Call Waltz
Black Mountain Rag
Over the Waves
Leather Britches
Cruel Willie
Memphis Rag
I Don’t Love Nobody
Rye Whiskey Waltz
Snow Shoes
CREDITS
McAdoo Fiddles: Nathan and Joe Stephenson
Nathan Stephenson: fiddle and guitar
Joe Stephenson: fiddle and guitar
All song arranged by Nathan and Joe Stephenson
Recorded at the Stephenson Family Farm, McAdoo, Texas (circa late 1950’s early 1960’s)
Gindust Music (BMI) unless otherwise noted.
LINER NOTES Joe Stephenson is the fourth-generation fiddler in the Stephenson line. His folks’ farm near the West Texas town of McAdoo hosted many fine musicians, among them Texas-fiddle greats Benny Thomasson and James “Texas Shorty” Chancellor. Joe’s fiddle style came early to bear the stamp of these founders of Texas fiddle, and in 1968 at the age of sixteen he was Texas State Fiddle Champion.
Joe spent time in Nashville for awhile. (You might have seen him on Hee Haw or Austin City Limits or later in Golden Colorado fiddlin’ at the Lazy H Chuckwagon.) But today and everyday you’ll find him in Colorado Springs, Colorado doing The Lord’s work with The Colorado Cowboys for Jesus.
The tunes on this album represent his dad’s legacy.
They belong to the Texas branch of the Southern tradition and have been polished by several generations of fiddle masters into gems of the region’s style. Joe’s renditions bespeak West Texas, yet transcend region: His surprising talent releases the universal, enduring qualities of these tunes.
Joe dedicates this album to his dad, Nathan Stephenson, and to his family.
