This presentation explores the profound influence of African-American musical traditions on Midwestern fiddling, highlighting two key figures: Bill Driver and Bill Katon. Speaker Aaron Albrecht traces his own musical journey, then presents historical insights and recordings illustrating how African-American and Anglo-American fiddle styles deeply intertwined. Drawing on recent scholarship and field recordings, Albrecht emphasizes the significance of cultural exchange in shaping American vernacular music. The presentation concludes with a discussion of musical heritage, community integration, and the enduring vitality of traditional fiddling, reinforced through powerful anecdotes, rare recordings, and photographs celebrating this rich, shared musical history. Audience discussion follows the formal remarks.
Recorded June 7, 2025, at the Community Center for the Arts in Urbana, IL. Sponsored by the Urbana Arts & Culture Program and the Illinois Arts Council.
This article connect nicely with a previous post about Bill Katon’s son John, also a Mid-Missouri fiddler. John Katon Article
About Aaron…
Aaron Albrect is an accomplished old-time fiddler from Springfield, Illinois. A champion in Illinois fiddling contests, he learned from Midwest masters like Howard Marshall, Vesta Johnson, and Charlie Walden. Aaron teaches traditional fiddling regionally, judges competitions, and performs regularly at square dances and workshops. He is also a folklorist dedicated to preserving Midwest fiddle traditions and released an acclaimed album in 2021 with his band, The Down State Ramblers.
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