Growing up in a family that has performed and traveled through the country playing folk music gave Sam the roots to develop into an accomplished
fiddle
player as a teenager. He already has two albums to his credit,
Popcorn Behavior and Journeywork, and is currently at work on a third.
SAM AMIDON Solo Fiddle Sam Amidon from Sing Out
We all have high hopes for our progeny, musicians perhaps more so.
Maybe it's because the mastery of an instrument and a style is a lifelong quest, often not completed when the player's physical
abilities begin to diminish.
It's always exciting to hear a young player just discovering his
style. Sam Amidon grew up listening to northern-style fiddlers and attending music camps with his parents. He presently is
a member of the contra-fusion band Popcorn Behavior but Solo Fiddle finds him out there all alone in a collection of traditional
Irish tunes.
Sam has pitted his abilities against a host of solo players and he
fares quite well. His bowing is assured with just the right amount of ornamentation. His choice of tunes borders on the obscure.
"Kathleen Collins" is a collection of high/low register figures that seem to have no pattern; in a similar fashion, "Slip
Jig" is a study in contrast between strong rhythmic phrases and others that seem to tempt the player to pull away from the
complex pattern of the dance tune Sam negotiates these hairpin turns with confidence and drive. The showpiece of Solo Fiddle
is "The Humors Of Ballylaughin" with its sustained intensity and supremely danceable rhythm.
If there is a criticism to be found with Solo Fiddle it is not with
Sam's playing but with the sameness of each selection. The recording begins to sound like a primer for learning these tunes.
It probably does not have appeal beyond the congregation of Irish fiddlers. The recording would have benefitted greatly by
the inclusion of accompaniment on some of the selections. That said, Sam Amidon is certainly a talent to contend with and
this is an auspicious solo debut.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Sing Out Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
