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Stacy Phillips, Editor

Welcome to the February issue of Fiddle Sessions®!

FiddleSessions® is a monthly online magazine exploring various facets of Fiddle music. Each month, this "webzine" will feature articles by composers, teachers, or performers. Visitors to the site can learn about the featured authors' publications, background, or performance / workshop schedule. A free printable music sample will be included in at least one of the articles each month.

This issue examines the one type of Swedish fiddle tune often heard at contra dances in  the U.S. - hambo. They are usually played during intermission, but most bands don't know how to play them authentically and they wind up with a waltz feel. Sheila Morris is an expert and begins a series of articles about the role of the fiddle in this dance.

It's also time for another of our occasional reprints courtesy of Old Time Herald.  This one is Part One of a two-part piece about Jim Bowles of Kentucky.  Thanks for author Jim Nelson for help in reacquainting the public with this quintessential traditional fiddler.

Marking the article about Jim Bowles I've included one of the 750 hoedowns and reels in my Phillips Collection of Traditional American Fiddle Tunes, Bowle's versions of Railroad Through the Rocky Mountains.

Finally Carolyn Osborne contributes the 2nd part of her advice on intonation for fiddle players.

We'll pick up on Paul Anastasio's articles on basic violin technique and Cookie Segelstein's series on klezmer violin in a couple of issues.

Enjoy,