This is an excerpt from the print edition of Dirty Linen magazine #100 (June/July 2002). the magazine is available on newsstands and by subscription.

A Guide to American Fiddling
by Andrew A. Carlson
Mel Bay MB99128BCD; ISBN
0-7866-0733-5 (2001); $17.95; incl. CD

This modest little book sets out to make fiddlers of violinists. The author, born a Missouri fiddler but trained as a classical violinist, has put together a very detailed and methodical guide to show violinists what it is that makes fiddling sound like fiddling and not violining. Carlson starts with historical background and a theoretical discussion of the differences, and then moves through basic bowing, more complicated bow work such as string crossings, and eventually into the subtleties of drones, melodic ornaments, and slides. In all these sections, he does a good job of explaining in great technical detail what fiddlers are doing and how it contributes to the authentic fiddling sound. It won't seem like much to fiddlers, but to classical would-be fiddlers, it is sure to be a revelation on every page. The book concludes with transcriptions of 23 starter tunes drawn out of the broad Missouri repertoire. Carlson also plays the tunes on an accompanying compact disc. I foresee great things for this little book. I can imagine lots of fiddlers picking it up and discreetly sliding it into the fiddle cases of violinists who come to jam sessions. This book, and a couple of drinks, could make a fiddler out of even the stuffiest violinist.
— Bruce E. Baker (Chapel Hill, NC)