Buffalo Gal by Brad Leftwich & Linda Higginbotham

"4-Stars"--Billboard Magazine

"Brad Leftwich represents the best of the new breed of old-time fiddlers; he not only respects and adheres to the tradition, but also instills it with freshness and vitality"--Come for to Sing

"Brad Leftwich, through his earlier recordings with the Plank Road Stringband, has already been recognized as one of the leading figures in this current renaissance of fiddling. The present recording, with its greater emphasis on Brad's talent, will surely enhance his reputation all the more. Indeed it may be said that Brad Leftwich's music represents state-of-the-art old-time fiddling. Brad has made it his business to learn at first hand from several of the authentic masters. He has patiently fathomed and absorbed the subtle complexities of the fiddler's art and has practiced these nuances until they flow effortlessly from his bow. Yet Brad's fiddling, while thoroughly schooled, is not merely imitative. His music stands out for its faithfulness to tradition, but beyond that, Brad plays with vitality, sensitivity and naturalness that identify him as one of the most gifted fiddlers active today.
Brad's partner, Linda Higginbotham, adds much to the realization of Brad's music. Whether socking out an infectious beat on the banjo uke or providing the driving rhythms of the clawhammer banjo that are essential for Appalachian dance music, Linda ably fulfills the responsibility of a backup banjo player. Her clawhammer style is particularly effective with its light touch, strong beat and carefully tailored melodic lines that so well match the contours of Brad's fiddling."
--Miles Krassen, 1983, author of Appalachian Fiddle, Clawhammer Banjo, O'Neil's Irish Music Revised, and Masters of Old-Time Fiddling, Oak Publications.

Brad is a traditional old-time fiddler, banjo player and singer, highly regarded both as a player and teacher. He grew up in Oklahoma, taking up the banjo and fiddle as a teenager after hearing the banjo/fiddle duets of his grandfather and great-uncle as a child. He learned directly from such masters as Tommy Jarrell & Melvin Wine. He and his wife, Linda, live in Bloomington, Indiana.

bradleftwich.net