Quebe Sisters – Texas Fiddlers
Texas contest fiddlers, that is. Contest fiddling is a different game than performing; where the former must please judges with technique and speed on traditional tunes to be successful, the latter wins audiences and dancers with a good groove or hot swinging solos. Texas fiddlers are known for a smoother and jazzier style than other contest fiddlers, even though they sound positively old-fashioned next to a Johnny Gimble or a Bobby Flores.
The Quebe Sisters — Grace (18 years old), Sophia (17) and Hulda (14) — are all Texas and national fiddling champs in their age group, but on their first album they attempt to have it both ways. Backed by a small band, they’ve got traditional contest staples such as “Don’t Let The Deal Go Down” and “Red Wing”, but they also offer plenty of Bob Wills and Milton Brown. They have chops to burn, too, especially Hulda, who on her three solo tunes features more traditional material. (The other two, who each get a pair of solo spots, seem equally comfortable with trad and swing.)
They’re best when playing moody, three-fiddle arrangements such as “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and “Red River Valley”, but any one of them could develop into a crack soloist as soon as she’s matured enough to put as much personality as chops into her playing. This is specialized stuff, but if you are a connoisseur of the fiddling arts — traditional tunes that swing, swing as traditional music — these young ladies are for you.