This takes me back to the wonder of discovering Byron and his super-heightened fiddle reality, back in the early 70's... and Alan F. Munde... yeah . Every note right in the pocket... reaching way back to Eck and forward to any time in the future. This is so great!
Let's face it. Byron has the ability to play all the fancy licks and super hard, way-out, albeit impressive, but UNRECOGNIZABLE versions you'd care to hear. However, he has what the other man up there with him (Alan Munde) once discussed; the "musical maturity" ...NOT to play them. Instead of demonstrating the extremes of his technical prowess, he chooses to play the much simpler and yet vastly more beautiful and melodious, "straight" versions, and to do them at a reasonable tempo, not the tasteless and inappropriate breakneck "look how fast I can play" speed that you'll often hear. Of course, I realize that to use the term "simple" in any paragraph regarding that exasperating instrument (trying to get a single clean note out of what I firmly believe was originally a luthier's practical joke, and never meant to actually produce musical sound) is like finding the word "fundamental" in a discussion of quantum mechanics, but I'm sure the reader will gain my thrust.
Great analysis. Lots of fiddlers speed up songs like Billy in the Lowground and ruin the feel. This is faster then you will see Byron play this these days
Yup, looks like he's working harder later in the song. Looks can be deceiving, though. Rest assured, he was standing there with fingers and arm on mathematical left brain autopilot, playing through this for the 11,275th time, when suddenly it occurred to the "showman" in his creative right cerebral hemisphere, "hey, I guess I should make it look like I'm expending a few more calories and more enthusiastic up here on stage so the energy will transfer to the audience better." However, what most certainly did NOT go through his mind was: "My my, this is difficult."
Byron's playing always makes me smile!!! I remember the first time I saw him live w/ Berline, Crary and Hickman in 1987 at the Birchmere near DC. He came out there and owned the stage. Where most instrumentalists look at the floor or their instrument when playing, he looked right out at the audience and we all knew he was there to play for us. Good times!!!!
I love it, Sally Goodin one of my favorites and to hear Byron and as always, he is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. He would stay at our house when I was a young teen and yes, like all girls, I had a crush on Byron. lol He was so sweet! I didn't mind giving up my room...so much, I guess. The man was a starrrr and hey, i'm a gangly 13 year old little girl. ;) He would come to El Paso and play at the Chamizal for the Border Folk Festival that my Mom was normally in charge of, or very involved. I think that my mom set (most if not) all of the entertainment, for the Festivals. I really don't think that he wanted to "pick" (play) with my family as much as he wanted to eat my Mom's Taco's! Omg they were yummy. Honestly I love Byron, Jr Daugherty and a few others. Of course I miss my brother's style of Texas fiddle playing. He died in 1978 suicide. John Harding, youngest man to earn a top 3 slot in National fiddling contests held in Weiser, Idaho. He was 3rd and only 17, almost 18 that year. I know because it was my birthday and a restaurant there in Weiser found out and gave me an ashtray that said Weiser, Idaho, was ceramic and shaped like a spur. I had that thing for decades, but it disappeared along the way. Some sweet 16th gift huh? Funny thing was they and my folks didn't know that I'd been smoking cigarettes for a couple of years. Back to my brother, whom knew Bryon, of course, I wish I could hear him play now approaching 40 years since his death. Wow time flies. I come to youtube and visit the maestro's and close my eyes, see myself in our old house. I wish I could find a copy of Fox on the Run by the Big River Boys. Sally Goodin reminds me of all of the Fiddle Contests that I have attended. Thanks for reading. Bryon is something else, but a really nice man! That's what utterly impressed me. He was kind to all, my grandmother even said, Honey, He's a Prince of a Fella. ;) He was living in California, under contract, if I recall correctly, mid 70's and later, when he'd stay with us. This one time I went into my room after he had left. There was a dime on the floor. I picked it up and put it in a photo of my brother's graduation picture. I now live in Louisiana and we had Hurricane Rita hit in 05. The workshed where some of my long term keepsakes were stored was hit severely, like everything else we owned. When we returned it looked like a bomb had gone off, Army Soldiers everywhere handing out water, some standing around with Assault Rifles, (watching for looters) ex military wife here, looked like old home week to me, others were shocked. That plastic barrel had taken a hit, the seal broke on the top, but the photo of my deceased brother, with Byron's Dime were safely tucked far enough down in that they none of that was damaged. Yes I still have it the same that I placed it back in 1978. Have never removed bro's pic or Byron's Dime. That thing has traveled thousands of miles in my moves and lived in about 30 different places, like me. :) Girls and their memories huh? Guys be careful of what you say to your ladies, we Will remember. ;) Thanks Byron for sharing this or allowing it to be shared up here. I still have one of your albums in my collection too, btw. I tell Dad about you when I see the latest news. He saw you several years ago. :) PS Standing joke in our house was this: A new person came to "pick" and Dad would introduce Mom and John and what they'd play, then That's my daughter, Cathy. Their typical response was what does SHE play. He'd laugh and say the radio! lol I loved Rock Mo-Town, etc. Teenie Bopper stuff. I'd say, hey, wait, I play the piano, organ and melodica! I had talent just didn't want to play "their" music. Now I find it comforting to listen to as I enter my 60s soon. Cathy was Harding
Sidney Shusterman Thank you Sidney, Bless your heart for reading the entire thing. My facebook friends always laugh and say, sure I read what you say, yet my post will have no Likes. One time I posted a bit 2 paragraphs may be and made a silly comment on it that I was sure they'd respond to, if they made it to the bottom. A few actually liked it, so I now know the truth. They just don't like to press the Like button. 😎
Thank you Kathy! I wish more people posted sincere heart felt comments. I am almost 72 now and reading these bits of history help me connect the dots. I never met Mr. Berline but I did meet the Dillards several times so a bit of background like this is so cool. Don't be afraid to post. I'll be looking for it. Sid
I learned it from Byron's DAD in maybe early 60's. and Ragtime Annie from a friend of his dad...It's good because we grew up playing at /sat. night dances in rural Kansas.. That was before ALL contestants in a fiddle contest play the same "in" versions of every song.
"Fiddle god" is the best and most accurate comment so far. Byron is just incredible, and his Sally Goodin' is the standard by which all versions are judged.
Was this a Country Gazette show performed in Japan? When? Hard to find a Country Gazette video with all four of them - Roger bush in particular. Thanks for this upload. They played a lot of shows in and around Toronto back then.
As Randy Graham says here: "Byron owns it" and he sure does! One of the all-time very best versions of this classic. The only other one that is on the par with this is Hulda Quebe fiddling it "out back" at some fest with Joey McKenzie backing her on guitar - can find it on RUclips. And, yes, Al Munde's banjo break on this is stellar also. Plus, we can't leave out Roland White on guitar and Roger Bush slappin' that dog house bass - also two stellar players.
Mighty fine, for a Jayhawker! GREAT VIDEO OF THE COUNTRY GAZZETE Byron Berline, Alan Munde, Roland White and Roger Bush Thanks for posting, it brings back memories!
I feel so fortunate to know Byron. He hosts an International Bluegrass fest the 1st week of October each year in Guthrie, Oklahoma. His playing is as brilliant as ever!!
I was listening to the Stones album Let It Bleed and I really liked the fiddle on "Country Honk." I looked up the player and wound up here. Great stuff.
I remember the time I met the Texas Fiddle Champion and mentioned Byron Berlin. The guy's cork almost came unscrewed! It was actually funny in hindsight. He started telling me he was just a showman and not a "real" fiddle player. I guess, now that I think back on it, it was actually wrong of me to start up a conversation with the Texas Fiddle champ and bring up another fiddlers name... but ah, what the hell! Anyway, love Byron, always a treat to hear him play.
Sounds fishy to me. Only a couple of Texas champions with attitudes like that. And none that ever achieved what Berline did. Most have jammed and /or competed against him at one time or another.
I got into a conversation with Byron at Walnut valley ...i made HIM laugh :what the difference between a text message and a fiddle double stop? i understand a double stop" he liked that . make it look easy sir,RIP BB.
Bad bad news, Byrons fiddle shop burned to the ground taking all vintage instruments with it, all life memorabilia upstairs now gone. Everything from Bill Monroe to the Eagles. Crying shame.
Byron Berline- God’s Fiddler- We miss you, my friend. ❤️
This takes me back to the wonder of discovering Byron and his super-heightened fiddle reality, back in the early 70's... and Alan F. Munde... yeah . Every note right in the pocket... reaching way back to Eck and forward to any time in the future. This is so great!
Country Gazette were mighty fine.
Did you record any with Byron, Darol?
This is the best version of Sally Goodin that I have ever heard!
Great version no doubt by Byron. Ricky Skaggs played a mean version of this tune on Austin City Limits too in '81.
ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREAT 'SALLY Gs ' . AND THAT BANJO BREAK IS THE BEST OF THE HUNDEDS IVE HEARD . NO RIFFS ; ALL MELODY
Let's face it. Byron has the ability to play all the fancy licks and super hard, way-out, albeit impressive, but UNRECOGNIZABLE versions you'd care to hear. However, he has what the other man up there with him (Alan Munde) once discussed; the "musical maturity" ...NOT to play them. Instead of demonstrating the extremes of his technical prowess, he chooses to play the much simpler and yet vastly more beautiful and melodious, "straight" versions, and to do them at a reasonable tempo, not the tasteless and inappropriate breakneck "look how fast I can play" speed that you'll often hear.
Of course, I realize that to use the term "simple" in any paragraph regarding that exasperating instrument (trying to get a single clean note out of what I firmly believe was originally a luthier's practical joke, and never meant to actually produce musical sound) is like finding the word "fundamental" in a discussion of quantum mechanics, but I'm sure the reader will gain my thrust.
+Michael Thornton And he makes it looks so DAMN EASY. He doesn't even look like he's working at it until halfway through.
brilliant description, thrust gained and understood
Great analysis. Lots of fiddlers speed up songs like Billy in the Lowground and ruin the feel. This is faster then you will see Byron play this these days
Why, thank you, my fellow aficionados.
Yup, looks like he's working harder later in the song. Looks can be deceiving, though. Rest assured, he was standing there with fingers and arm on mathematical left brain autopilot, playing through this for the 11,275th time, when suddenly it occurred to the "showman" in his creative right cerebral hemisphere, "hey, I guess I should make it look like I'm expending a few more calories and more enthusiastic up here on stage so the energy will transfer to the audience better." However, what most certainly did NOT go through his mind was: "My my, this is difficult."
Byron's playing always makes me smile!!! I remember the first time I saw him live w/ Berline, Crary and Hickman in 1987 at the Birchmere near DC. He came out there and owned the stage. Where most instrumentalists look at the floor or their instrument when playing, he looked right out at the audience and we all knew he was there to play for us. Good times!!!!
I love it, Sally Goodin one of my favorites and to hear Byron and as always, he is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. He would stay at our house when I was a young teen and yes, like all girls, I had a crush on Byron. lol He was so sweet! I didn't mind giving up my room...so much, I guess. The man was a starrrr and hey, i'm a gangly 13 year old little girl. ;) He would come to El Paso and play at the Chamizal for the Border Folk Festival that my Mom was normally in charge of, or very involved. I think that my mom set (most if not) all of the entertainment, for the Festivals. I really don't think that he wanted to "pick" (play) with my family as much as he wanted to eat my Mom's Taco's! Omg they were yummy.
Honestly I love Byron, Jr Daugherty and a few others. Of course I miss my brother's style of Texas fiddle playing. He died in 1978 suicide. John Harding, youngest man to earn a top 3 slot in National fiddling contests held in Weiser, Idaho. He was 3rd and only 17, almost 18 that year. I know because it was my birthday and a restaurant there in Weiser found out and gave me an ashtray that said Weiser, Idaho, was ceramic and shaped like a spur. I had that thing for decades, but it disappeared along the way. Some sweet 16th gift huh? Funny thing was they and my folks didn't know that I'd been smoking cigarettes for a couple of years.
Back to my brother, whom knew Bryon, of course, I wish I could hear him play now approaching 40 years since his death. Wow time flies. I come to youtube and visit the maestro's and close my eyes, see myself in our old house. I wish I could find a copy of Fox on the Run by the Big River Boys. Sally Goodin reminds me of all of the Fiddle Contests that I have attended.
Thanks for reading. Bryon is something else, but a really nice man! That's what utterly impressed me. He was kind to all, my grandmother even said, Honey, He's a Prince of a Fella. ;) He was living in California, under contract, if I recall correctly, mid 70's and later, when he'd stay with us. This one time I went into my room after he had left. There was a dime on the floor. I picked it up and put it in a photo of my brother's graduation picture.
I now live in Louisiana and we had Hurricane Rita hit in 05. The workshed where some of my long term keepsakes were stored was hit severely, like everything else we owned. When we returned it looked like a bomb had gone off, Army Soldiers everywhere handing out water, some standing around with Assault Rifles, (watching for looters) ex military wife here, looked like old home week to me, others were shocked.
That plastic barrel had taken a hit, the seal broke on the top, but the photo of my deceased brother, with Byron's Dime were safely tucked far enough down in that they none of that was damaged. Yes I still have it the same that I placed it back in 1978. Have never removed bro's pic or Byron's Dime. That thing has traveled thousands of miles in my moves and lived in about 30 different places, like me. :)
Girls and their memories huh? Guys be careful of what you say to your ladies, we Will remember. ;)
Thanks Byron for sharing this or allowing it to be shared up here. I still have one of your albums in my collection too, btw. I tell Dad about you when I see the latest news. He saw you several years ago. :)
PS Standing joke in our house was this: A new person came to "pick" and Dad would introduce Mom and John and what they'd play, then That's my daughter, Cathy. Their typical response was what does SHE play. He'd laugh and say the radio! lol I loved Rock Mo-Town, etc. Teenie Bopper stuff. I'd say, hey, wait, I play the piano, organ and melodica! I had talent just didn't want to play "their" music. Now I find it comforting to listen to as I enter my 60s soon.
Cathy was Harding
Thank you so much for sharing those special moments of your young life. It makes th eplaying even sweeter.
Sidney Shusterman Thank you Sidney, Bless your heart for reading the entire thing. My facebook friends always laugh and say, sure I read what you say, yet my post will have no Likes.
One time I posted a bit 2 paragraphs may be and made a silly comment on it that I was sure they'd respond to, if they made it to the bottom. A few actually liked it, so I now know the truth. They just don't like to press the Like button. 😎
Thank you Kathy! I wish more people posted sincere heart felt comments. I am almost 72 now and reading these bits of history help me connect the dots. I never met Mr. Berline but I did meet the Dillards several times so a bit of background like this is so cool. Don't be afraid to post. I'll be looking for it. Sid
Well said sir!
@@HanstheTraffer Thank you! As I get older connecting the dots as I call it makes wonderful memories more meaningful.
I have been a fiddle player all my life and I have played with some good fiddlers but Byron is on top of the list for me.
Is that Al Munde on the 5-string?
it's The Country Gazette, so who else!!??
Word... Byron Berline OWNS Sally Goodin'!!
I learned it from Byron's DAD in maybe early 60's. and Ragtime Annie from a friend of his dad...It's good because we grew up playing at /sat. night dances in rural Kansas.. That was before ALL contestants in a fiddle contest play the same "in" versions of every song.
"Fiddle god" is the best and most accurate comment so far. Byron is just incredible, and his Sally Goodin' is the standard by which all versions are judged.
RIP Byron Berline
Byron and Alan Munde....incredible!!!
Alan in his prime! Nothing better
Sounds like a little bit of Scotland in there around 3:19
Great fiddle, Banjo and Bass. Well, the cameraman forgot the guitar player who will remain obscure.What a pity !
My favorite version by one of my favorite fiddlers with some of the best pickers he could have ever picked with.
Was this a Country Gazette show performed in Japan? When?
Hard to find a Country Gazette video with all four of them - Roger bush in particular.
Thanks for this upload. They played a lot of shows in and around Toronto back then.
That Alan Munde banjo break kills!
As Randy Graham says here: "Byron owns it" and he sure does! One of the all-time very best versions of this classic. The only other one that is on the par with this is Hulda Quebe fiddling it "out back" at some fest with Joey McKenzie backing her on guitar - can find it on RUclips. And, yes, Al Munde's banjo break on this is stellar also. Plus, we can't leave out Roland White on guitar and Roger Bush slappin' that dog house bass - also two stellar players.
Hulda Quebe ????? You drunk? She and sisters are good but not in same stratosphere as Byron.
@@russellridge8623 I hear ya, but check out that Hulda Quebe playin' Sally Goodin backstage video - pretty fine esp. for a gal her age then.
3:26 is unbelievable. Great band. Interplay between Byron and Alan is wonderful and rare.
What a master of the fiddle!
RIP Byron Berline
Impeccable playing, timing, pure class all round,....wonderful.
Mighty fine, for a Jayhawker! GREAT VIDEO OF THE COUNTRY GAZZETE
Byron Berline, Alan Munde, Roland White and Roger Bush
Thanks for posting, it brings back memories!
Lousy, intrusive bass with crappy tone.Give me Vic Jordan- Byron is the only GOOD player.
Fiddle. Banjo. Great stuff. Bass? Meh... Less is more.
Great version of the best fiddle tune of all time!
I feel so fortunate to know Byron. He hosts an International Bluegrass fest the 1st week of October each year in Guthrie, Oklahoma. His playing is as brilliant as ever!!
Byron Berline---wow. A fiddle god.
I was listening to the Stones album Let It Bleed and I really liked the fiddle on "Country Honk." I looked up the player and wound up here. Great stuff.
I remember the time I met the Texas Fiddle Champion and mentioned Byron Berlin. The guy's cork almost came unscrewed! It was actually funny in hindsight. He started telling me he was just a showman and not a "real" fiddle player. I guess, now that I think back on it, it was actually wrong of me to start up a conversation with the Texas Fiddle champ and bring up another fiddlers name... but ah, what the hell! Anyway, love Byron, always a treat to hear him play.
Pure jealousy from the Texas guy.
@@joeosborn123 Yeah, he must not have liked Kansans who could play better than he could.
Texas style sounds like butt, anyway.
Sounds fishy to me. Only a couple of Texas champions with attitudes like that. And none that ever achieved what Berline did. Most have jammed and /or competed against him at one time or another.
Good God Almighty......!!
Step out the way, son and let the man play. fiddle g-d ~ Byron Berline~
Byron was a star athlete in his college days. His fiddling reflects his athleticism. Strong, solid, in control, and beautiful.
Excellent banjo break!!!
DAMN!!!!!!!
Holy CRAP is that strong!!! Wow. That’s about a year’s worth of woodsheddin’ for this Munde-ite banjo picker.
Good...🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I got into a conversation with Byron at Walnut valley ...i made HIM laugh :what the difference between a text message and a fiddle double stop? i understand a double stop" he liked that . make it look easy sir,RIP BB.
Great fiddling. Alan is good, too. すげー！！！
When i saw this performance the first time in the 70s i got hooked to bluegrass music for life and thought all my heroes had an eternal life...
Hey this takes me back when I played with my uncle Paul Costner he was one of the best I miss him so much playing in the Angeles now luv u .!!!
Alan Munde - Byron Berline - Roger Bush - Roland White
Country Gazette ca. early 1980's?
I'd play 'Sally Goodin' all day if I could, but the Lord and my wife wouldn't take it very good.
Alan has been around and played with a lot of greats met him at South Plains College would of loved to have learned from him great Banjo Picker 4 Sure
Three great musicians berline bush munde
you don't think Clarence White's brother Roland was a great musician!??
He died last Saturday guys. Get those angels movin boyo
Love Bluegrass, and this is some of the best.. Thanks for sharing.
What a great version of Sally Goodin. RIP, Byron
Can't believe I never heard of Byron Berline! Wow what talent!
Bad bad news, Byrons fiddle shop burned to the ground taking all vintage instruments with it, all life memorabilia upstairs now gone.
Everything from Bill Monroe to the Eagles.
Crying shame.
that is so sad
Audio is not in SYNC w Video.
Damn!!!!!! Hot stuff B!!
Mighty good..2.best..rj
Mercy!
Excellent!
🕯
Snap Jackson
great share...
BYRON'S RENDITION IS MY FAVORITE VERSION OF SALLY GOODIN'...
I agree... nobody does it better...
Best fiddler since Vassar Clements
RIP 😔🙏
bass playing sucks! Byron is amazing!
Best bass player ever
Michael "deaf as a post" Small, everybody - give him some help out the door.
banjo player?
Alan Munde