After the success of the John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project A recording featuring top violinists playing tunes from the late John Hartford’s vast collection will be released in 2020. The family of the hugely influential musician has announced that work has begun on Volume 2.
Hartford was a force of nature during his career. John played banjo and fiddle and accompanied himself and his distinctive baritone voice with foot percussion. He was a headliner at festivals and shows across the US. His solo performances at festivals were so powerful and affected audiences so intensely that other artists wrote into their contracts that they could not be booked to replace him on stage.
Those who never saw him live can hardly describe how he mesmerized the crowd by barely speaking and letting his music do the talking in an hour-long show. Moreover, his intense and constant study of his instruments and the players before him only added to his art. Oh yeah… and he was a songwriter like no other, whose catalog includes a number of genuine classics, some so Hartford-esque they are rarely performed by anyone else.
Since this second volume of the Fiddle Tune Project is primarily a labor of love, the Hartford family is asking fans for their support in financing the album. They are offering pre-orders for both the CD and vinyl editions of Volume 2and have set up a Patreon page for those who want to stay updated on the progress. And it looks like the recording will specifically feature female artists interpreting John’s tunes.
Like the first work, this one also draws on melodies published in the book by Matt Combs, Greg Reish and Katie Hartford Hogue. John Hartford’s mammoth collection of violin melodieswhich contains 176 of his melodies as well as drawings that the great man made throughout his life.
Produced by Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, with John’s daughter Katie Hartford Hogue, announced cast members include Rachel Baiman, Phoebe Hunt, Missy Raines, Ginger Boatwright, Natalie and Brittany Haas, Allison de Groot, Della Mae, the Price sisters, Uncle Earl and Deanie Richardson, with more names to be announced.
The producers have scheduled a concert for October 7th to finance the album. Brittany and Natalie Haas will play all 176 songs from the album. Mammoth Collectionsupported by a house band. It takes place at the American Legion Post 82 in Nashville, with all proceeds going to the recording fund.
Here is a video created to promote the project.
For detailed information and pre-order links, visit John Hartford’s official website.
