Riding the Rooster

Copyright: ℗ 2018 Evie Ladin

Credits from Bandcamp

Evie Ladin banjo, engineer
Joseph Dejarnette mixing, mastering
Chip Reardin bloomington engineer
Angelina Elise cover art
Debbie Berne design

w/ Aaron Jonah Lewis, Suzy Thompson, Dave Bass, Earl White, Amy Alvey, Rob Mangum, Brad Leftwich, Michelle Yu, Rhys Jones, Emily Mann, June Drucker, Karen Celia Heil, Dane Miller, Jake Blount, Rosie Newton, Nancy Sluys and Sami Braman

Fans often ask “which of your records is most traditional?” to which I’ve had to answer “none.” Though all of my records have a mix of original and traditional music, I’ve focused on recording my own songs, my personal creative expression, and unusual arrangements of traditional material. Growing up surrounded by old-time and other folk music and dance, I always felt like “this is what people do,” and it was the experience rather than the capture of that music that interested me the most. While I straddle many musical worlds in my career, I work often in the traditional Appalachian arts, and it’s time to acknowledge the foundation of everything I do professionally, and record a totally trad record. For a year while on tour in the US, I visited some of my favorite fiddlers, age 20-65, men and women, and honestly I could keep going, as there are so many gorgeous fiddlers I love.

This record is a field recording - a good visit, mostly unrehearsed, looking for that vibe, that energy, the beautiful confluence of fiddle and banjo that draws me back into the music forever, no matter how far I take it. Almost all public domain, I note the source that was the inspiration for the version played here, which for some is simply the folk process (FP).

My favorite thing in this milieu is to sit down with a fiddler and launch fast into some crooked tune I’ve never heard. Every cell kicks in, and the experience is as much like I imagine Riding a Rooster to be - visceral, in the moment, somewhat off the chain. I hope you enjoy this collection.

Many thanks to all the musicians who unblinkingly agreed to join me here, and especially to my boys Keith & Clay who support me on this amazing journey of a musical life. This CD goes to print as I learn of the passing of Michael Defosche, who long ago made the neck of my banjo - affixed to a Slingerland pot - that has become my dear companion.  I dedicate this record to him in gratitude. - Evie Ladin, October, 2018