Clarence Johnson's Polka

My version.

Source version sample: Leonard Finseth.


The sample is taken off on of the 2 great Leonard Finseth albums that really should be back in print.  Even has a little bluegrass banjo in the backround.  This is another one I wanted to get on the Minnesota disc, but will have to wait for vol. 2.

Ranger's Waltz

My version.

Source version sample: Erskine Old-Timers.

This tune was played by a lot of the old bands up in Northern Minnesota.  Here is a guy playing it on the accordion.

Swedish Schottische

My version.

Source version sample: Westad / Selvaag.


I have heard a bunch of swedish schottische's and they all sound like different tunes.  This is the name they gave it befor they started it on the recording.  A catchy little tune that I thought Roe Family Singers would do well on with their carnival approach to old-time and they did not disappoint.  You will be able to hear it soon on the MN Fiddle Tunes Project CD.

Uncle Sam Sorenson's Waltz

My version.

Source version sample: Harold Sorenson.


Harold seemed to get a lot of his good waltzes from his uncles.   This one is very haunting and sparse.  I wish this one could have got on the disc, but there is always vol. #2.

Knute's Waltz

My version.

Source version sample: Harold Sorenson.

Most of Harold's waltzes are lovely if not a little bit spooky.  This one is no different.  This one comes from his uncle Knute.  Pam Longetine and Lynn Dixon do a nice job trading off melody and harmony on their version of this song for the upcoming Minnesota Fiddle Tunes Project CD.

Henry Storoff's Schottische

My Version.

Source Version Sample: Bill Sherburne.

It would not be a proper Bill Sherburne tune unless it changed keys in the middle like this one. I went down to visit one of Sherburne's best students, Beth Rotto, and it ends up her band plays this tune on a Folkways record.

Minnesota Waltz

My version.

Source version sample: Westad / Selvaag.


How could we not include the Minnesota Waltz.  Just like when Christine Breen emailed and said that we had to let Banjo Billy Matthews play the Saint Paul Waltz for the Minnesota Fiddle Tunes Project disk.  My band has put this wonderful waltz into our regular set for both dances and shows.