This song is recorded on Ghost
Train (HighTone Records HCD8147), the Hot Club of Cowtown’s
new release. Listening to the recording will help you get the right
rhythmic feel. In western swing, the emphasis should be felt on the
second and fourth beats of each bar.
The fiddle intro features the Joe
Venuti-esque harmonics discussed in the accompanying article. The
staccato duet between the fiddle and guitar is accompanied by a whispering,
walking bass line. In the fiddle solo, the arpeggios beginning in
measure 17 are played in one motion of the right arm, just rolling
the bow. Keep the left-hand fingers down—just hold the shapes—and
let the bow do all the work. Both the solo and duet melodies should
be played with an almost jabbing, staccato bowing—very articulated—not
fluid or legato. That may sound harsh, but I’ve found that a
more clipped style gives the sound more fire and energy and maintains
a driving, feisty feel.
—E.F.
Secret
of Mine ©2002 Elana Fremerman Osage Music/Calhoun Street Music
BMI. Reprinted by Permission
