Tommy Jarrell--Drunken Hiccups

Rare footage of Tommy Jarrell from the Robert Garfias Archives!
Legendary ethnomusicologist and friend of the Old-Time Tiki Parlour, Dr. Robert Garfias, has granted us permission to share his rare footage of several Old-Time, Cajun and Blues greats.

[dmongosa]

My 3rd great grandfather, John "Bull" Mon-go-sia, was the last of the Miami Indian war chiefs and later became a great fiddler. This was one of his favorites to play.

[OneOfManyOfOne]

I discovered him about 5 years ago and he quickly became my favorite old-time fiddler. My grandfather agreed.

[jeremyreagan]

I saw a fiddler does this style in East Texas and I am now going to get me a fiddle and learn to sing and play it is the best musical art form know. I love Tommy he is so powerful.

[KennethWilliamElkington]

Oh my yes: so pure... "If the ocean was whiskey and i was duck... swim to the bottom and never come up"... the yearnings of those living a hardscrabble life. Tommy's a jewel. Thanks for sharing!

[recnamorcen]

This music speaks to my soul! Thank you for posting this!!!!

[lackdog]

Wow. I feel like time travel does exist. I’ve been wanting to SEE Tommy play the whole tune. Now I can. I like to see he plays that sustained note on both an up bow and a down bow, same as I do.

[AmerikiDork]

American classic. I hope more footage turns up!

[garycowger]

I just love this old time fiddling My kind of style

[ramblinmartin]

Awesome footage!! Thanks!! Love this man!

[donnierakes]

Wish I could play half as good as ol Tommy!🎻

[josiahfreep]

You're doing God's work here

[joedohn]

Second best fiddler to have done it, behind Pagganini 🙌

[TModel]

Great recording and performance by Tommy. Does anyone know what tuning he used on this recording?

[jackmehoff]

Takes talent to play 1 instrument all by yourself and make a hell of a good song.