Eighth place at last weekend's Grand Master Fiddler Championship is just FINE with me... actually, I'm tickled to death!  The competition was beastly.  Those who usually win, won it again, attesting to the validity of this year's judges.  I am honored to have been placed among the top 10 IN THE WORLD for the third time at this contest in a VERY SPECIFIC kind of fiddling/violining...  Contest/Texas style fiddling.  It's a sport, really... so, realistically, I just don't have the burning desire to win these things any more because my practice time is now delegated to serve music that will more easily allow me to make a living!  Sometimes I do arrive into certain contest situations expecting, if not planning... to at least place or "make the cut" (and win the hotel room) and yes, at the age of 36, I even sometimes make the mistake of relying on that financially.  However, THIS CONTEST is not one of them!

But, make no mistake, I'm not disappointed in any way with the contest's results or the judges' placement of us competitors.  Having served as judge for this year's National Oldtime Fiddle Contest, I now know what a difficult job judging is and also how huge the margin of error is.... really, it's impossible to treat so many contestants fairly on the current point system. 

I think we should try a new and improved Ranking System... executed by the five judges, yes, but instead of silence, the judges panel would act as more of a 'committee' and would involve open discussion after each contestant.  I personally feel that COMMUNICATION BETWEEN QUALIFIED JUDGES IS NECESSARY!  There may be dissent in the ranks from time to time, but things could be resolved in a diplomatic manner through a simple vote.  And like there are nine justices in the Supreme Court, maybe we should have nine judges instead of five so as to further absolve/prevent said dissent?  Sounds dreamy to me but only ideas.

Congratulations to Howard Harris and Ed Carnes for yet another smashing success as the Pres. and Vice-Pres. at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.  I personally thank both of you for providing us once again with the perfect atmosphere to embrace this wonderful art form!  There were Senators and US Diplomats present in the audience.

I had a FABULOUS time in Hashville! The night I arrived (Thurs) was spent with Joe Elliott and Rick Allen from Def Leperd!!  We drank, smoked, drank more, exchanged CDs, exchanged contact info, ...and drank some more.  I don't know if it was just a really relaxed night for them or what (they had a TV shoot with Taylor Swift scheduled the next morning) but those were TWO COOL ROCK STARS!  ...and yes, I broke the ice with my Vai connection.  They wanted to know everything about working with the master... as they should! 

Rick Allen (one armed drummer)  ended up on the floor of the bar in the downtown Renaissance Hotel banging away on a garbage can (tupperware) I had provided him (at his request) by asking the staff... (...just looked at the bartender and said 'DRUMMER FROM DEF LEPERD NEEDS A WASTEBASKET' and he moved quickly.)

So, it was Rick Allen on the 'drum', I got my fiddle out, Joe Elliott strapped on a readily available guitar and composed original on the spot bluegrass tunes while always allowing Adam and me to take a break, Adam Wright on guitar (National Flat-picking Champ) along with un-named bass player.
It was great.  Once in a lifetime. 


There were somewhere around 200 fiddlers this year at the IBMA and at the GMFC from around the world.  Among those 200 are ten of the best... but, there are some kids out there who are seriously going to take this sport over... and I mean that.  They are progressing at a hellishaciously fast rate and, fortunately, their musical tastes are beginning to expand... thus, making one SCARY generation of musicians, contests aside... coming soon.  They're already scary. 

Sedra Bistodeau comes to mind.  13 years old and already has the 'Gone To Texas' title from Halletsville, TX's State Championship and 2nd place in her division at the NOTFA (although me and at least one other judge had her in 1st) as well as many other achievements.  She solos with orchestras.  She is one of those rarities.  Her Classical chops are formidable AND she figured out how much fun the contest style is, as well as the fraternity of fiddlers within! 

(I dare only suggest at this point that I really was the one who pioneered this idea for Classical music students.  Since my arrival into the National contest scene it was obvious to the traditionalists that I was classically trained and stood out, sometimes like a sore thumb, and other times like a treasured gem (without getting mushy, that's really how the NOTFA makes me feel).  Anyways, the better percentage of the top competitors now are being trained classically and the competition "norm" in playing ability has increased dramatically. ... and THAT is exactly why the competition is getting harder, and harder... and even harder, still... and by the way, many of the kids were running around all weekend busting into my Youtube video gig whenever we would cross paths.  'Owner of a Lonely Heart' everywhere!  Then, out of the corner of my ear... I heard this lovely young lady quote note for note two of my tracks from my first CD... what a treat for The Middle-Aged Fiddler!!!  Sedra's sister said it was better than meeting Green Day when I first met her in Weiser last June.  I think they were just trying to get me on their team... but it worked.  They seriously rock!)

Sedra played for me (private lesson) and I really did not have a whole lot to say about her classical skills, although in the future I might be able to help with other, maybe more mature, interpretations of the great works.   Her technique will permit whatever is required.  Now we need to "engage brain" and even HEART as to what she chooses to require of that ridiculously strong technique...  If she listens to what I did offer her about contest fiddling, you will be hearing a lot from that girl.  Actually, either way, you're STILL going to be seeing Ms. Sedra at a concert hall near you soon!

Another one who made an impression is Eli Bishop, who is successfully attempting to learn BOTH PARTS PLAYED SIMULTANEOUSLY on one violin of Bach's Double Concerto for TWO violins.  Freaky, I tell you. 

Another person younger than I happens to be a really close friend of mine, Billy Contreras.  He is a fiddle jazzer who studied with the legendary Buddy Spicher for most of his childhood.  Billy, Adam, and I go way back and now we're beginning to discuss the idea of presenting our own contest, which would happen the Sunday following the GMFC in Nashville... one year from yesterday.  OUR contest will have many divisions to accommodate those who excel at any of the so MANY other styles available... from Classical to Rock.  We'll have a Texas Division, but that would be a small part of the day.  I would imagine that the BIG MONEY for our contest would go to the one who is able to entertain AND play... an all-encompassing division which is judged by the AUDIENCE!!!  Not unlike your American Idol, or America's Got Talent. 

Our judges for the other divisions would be limited to those who either posses a Ph.D in Music Education/Performance AND know whichever particular style best... or have achieved fame (celebrity judges) through their own hard work, once again, with respect to each individual style.  If I could only dream for a minute, an appearance from Mr. Vai or Mr. Cagle for a worthy event like this would ensure success for our first try.  That would cover our Rock and our Country category!  I just wonder...

Anyway, Billy Contreras is one of the GREATEST FIDDLERS OF OUR DAY.  A wizard.  ...and such a great guy.  I will be proud to co-host a contest with him... I know we will do it right and remove ALL POLITICS from our judging procedure.  Billy has worked with Christian Howse (again, another one of the greats and really, the only other possible option for Vai last year besides Annie and me... I heard his audition.  It was humbling.) for a recording and is just beginning to tap into the recording world there in Nashville.  He'll be on ALL of those shitty country records soon!  He was recently married to lovely Ms. Amanda.

Others who helped me spiritually, financially even, and musically...

Dr. Mark Ralph - one big barrel of Alabama whoopass!  He's a champion fiddler with a distinct voice and now a really good friend.  What's up, ALABAMA!

Doug Fleener - another scary young gentleman.

Daniel Carwile - I won whatever I did last weekend using some of his arrangements.  Although he was not present this year, his legend continues at the GMFC.

Megan Lynch - Same.  She and Mark were judges with me at the NOTFC this year... I used her rendition of 'Wild Fiddler's Rag' to make the second cut... note for note.  And I love her parents.

Michael Barnett - current fiddler for my friend and fellow gig partner in Philly, Banjo great Tony Trischka... amazing fiddler.  Tony was a featured act at this year's International Bluegrass Music Association convention which takes place simultaneously and in the same building... but I never did run into Tony.  I was practicing Tony... sorry I missed ya!

Tristan and Tashina Clarridge - They won it all once again.  They know the winning formula the rest of us don't!  They place 1st and 2nd in EVERY CONTEST THEY ENTER... and it's been that way for almost a decade.  Sometimes one places above the other, but together the Clarridge team DOMINATES the fiddle world.  If they are present, it's a given.  Genuinely sweet people too.  Tristan's startin' to become a bit more approachable these days... not that he was ever anything less than a gentleman, just really quiet and reserved.  World travel usually makes that go away, partly because of the language barrier... you gotta know how to get what you want!  Anyways,  Cool Dude and a truly unbeatable fiddler.

Kimber Ludiker - Third place... her third round was inspirational.  Wow.

Then there's your Darren Meeks, Terri Ludiker, and Anthony Mature... back-up guitar Gods (Adam stood me up this year).  I owe them money.  Found out Terri plays Fiddle, too.  Been playing with him in contests for YEARS... DECADES... and never knew.

Charlie Bush's daughter - She'll get a kick out of that if she ever sees this because she never would tell me her name.  Her Daddy (Charlie Bush, spermed the egg producing the great Sam Bush) just died a little while ago.  Mark Ralph and I had a touching and informative discussion with her at the Hilton on Fri. night and she was able to provide little pointers on how to make our rounds just that much better.  She is a dear soul.

CARL HOPKINS - It's capitalized because HE is capitalized.  Whenever he's around, and especially with fiddle in hand, the room is on fire!  A good friend and one of the few remaining 'REAL DEAL' Texas fiddlers... my opinion. 

Bobby Taylor - his enthusiasm for this art form is contagious... and as he describes the playing of one of my childhood fiddle teachers, Kenny Sidle, as 'elegant'... the same is true to describe the personality of Bobby Taylor.

Wes Westmoreland - Another one of the 'Real Deal's.   Always encouraging.... and a top 10 finisher this year.

Jeff Guernsey - had a blast jamming with him and Vi Wickam, Maddie Denton, Doug Fleener and other fine young fiddlers Sat. night after the contest...  Can't figure out why in hell that jam session is not better attended.  Should be required.... just a thought, Howard... you place in the top 10?  Then you STINKIN' JAM!  That's it.



Well, there are so many others... it's a never-ending slew of reunions at these competitions and it's so nice to just sit back and appreciate the comraderie and passion the kids have for fiddling instead of always "focusing on the prize" as I was trained like a mule to do.  I do have some issues.  We all do.  But this year's GMFC was a haven for nurturning an art as well as those who choose to create it on a competitive level.  It was almost perfect.  Any issues could have been solved with a little more money thrown their way.  I just don't get it, though.

There is absolutely no reason these contests, namely either the GMFC and/or the NOTFA, shouldn't happen in FOOTBALL STADIUMS on national television... probably on INTERNATIONAL television.  Just think how many millions would tune into such a thing... I know I would.  Those sucky Irish dancing shows always get a lot of views... nothin' but fiddles right there.  If enough interest is collected from the masses prior to it's airing through the correct promotion/marketing, I wonder if it just might compete with the Super Bowl.  This is something that should be pitched to major networks.  Stop thinking small.  I can help.

Just think what you might do with the marketing!  Boxing ring, judges, trash talk (just for publicity purposes... us fiddlers would all know it's showbiz...).  Can't you see little ten-year-old Johnny politely cussing out his opponent in a boxing ring, armed with nothing but a fiddle??  I can.... would make a great commercial for the event.

I'm back at the computer here in MX now and ready to work with any of you who respond to this blog.  It's a gorgeous day on the beach and it's nice to be home.  I have a home.  It's in Mexico.





-Alex DePue

The Fiddler