For Your Consideration in Grammy® "The Road to Tarbolton” by E J Ouellette for Best “American Roots Performance”
"The Road to Tarbolton" by E J Ouellette explores Ameri-Celt Roots blending authentic fiddle that evokes imagery of the Nor’east American Celtic landscape. This production enhances traditional sounds with contemporary elements, ensuring that melody, harmonies and percussion amplify the emotional weight. "The Road to Tarbolton" showcases rich musicality and authenticity, bridging past and present in a way that honors the Roots Genre. Thank you For Your Consideration for Best American Roots Performance!
A bit of history: The Nor’east or the New England regions of the United States are often considered the "fiddle funnel" of America, particularly in a historical and cultural sense. This term reflects how these regions were instrumental in shaping the development and spread of fiddle music in the United States.
1. Early Settlers and Immigrants: The Nor’east or New England was among the first areas in America to be settled by European immigrants, many of whom brought their musical traditions with them. The fiddle, a central instrument in many of these traditions, was particularly prominent among Scottish, Irish, French and English settlers.
2. Cultural Melting Pot: These regions became a cultural melting pot where various European fiddle traditions blended and evolved. The music played in these areas incorporated elements from Irish, Scot, Acadian and British folk music, which included jigs, reels, and hornpipes, and over time it influenced and was influenced by other regional styles.
3. Spread of Fiddle Music: As settlers moved westward and southward, they took their musical traditions with them, helping to spread the popularity of fiddle music across America. The Nor’east thus served as a starting point or "funnel" through which these traditions flowed into other parts of the country.
4. Ongoing Influence: Today, the fiddle remains an important part of the musical heritage in the Nor’east and New England, with vibrant folk music scenes that continue to celebrate and preserve these traditions. Festivals, workshops, and performances keep the fiddle music alive, ensuring its influence persists. So, in summary, the Nor’east can indeed be seen as the "fiddle funnel" of America, given their pivotal role in the development and dissemination of fiddle music in the United States.
Liner Notes for "The Road to Tarbolton"
Primary Artist: E J Ouellette
• E J Ouellette: (EJO Wrecking Crew) Solo fiddle, violin strings section, 4 string banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric slide guitar and bass guitar.
• The Whole Music Recording Team• Lisa O Donnell: Violin string section, bodhran• Clara Petry: Violin string section• Mary Ellen O Dowd: Violin string section• Steve Levy: Mandolin• Steve Potts: Flute and penny whistle• Dave Mattack: Drums• Ralph Tufo: Accordion• Anthony Sanderson: Piano
Arranged, Produced, Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by E J Ouellette at EJO Whole Music Studios Byfield, MA.
for the Whole Music Records™ Label www.wholemusic.com www.ejouellette.com
Mastering Engineer: Pete A. Barker at Spinmove Santa Monica, CA.
Photo & Cover Art and Design by Lisa O'Donnell