Watch My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge

My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge is a poignant documentary film that takes you back in time to the rural mountain region of North Carolina, to learn from and be inspired by the life and music of legendary old-time fiddler, Tommy Jarrell. The film, released in 1995, follows filmmaker Les Blank and his crew on a journey to visit Tommy Jarrell in his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blank spent several days with Jarrell, capturing him in candid moments, talking about his life and teaching the art of old-time fiddling to his family and friends.

The film begins with a beautiful sequence of the Blue Ridge Mountains, accompanied by the haunting melody of Tommy's fiddle. We then see Tommy Jarrell, an old man with a twinkle in his eye, coming down the stairs of his humble home, ready to share his music with the world.

Throughout the film, we see Tommy playing the fiddle, singing old-time ballads, and telling stories about his life and the history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He is a master storyteller, and every tale he tells is filled with humor and heart.

We also meet Tommy's family members and friends, who are equally talented musicians, and who play together in the old-time band, the Hollow Rock String Band. We see them jamming in the kitchen, sharing meals and laughter, and passing down the tradition of old-time music to the next generation.

One of the most touching scenes in the film is when Tommy's granddaughter, Julie Jarrell Lyons, plays the fiddle alongside him. It's evident that Tommy is filled with pride and joy as he watches his granddaughter carry on the legacy and tradition of their family's music.

The film also touches on the social and cultural significance of old-time music in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We hear from historians and musicologists who explain the roots of this unique style of music, which is a blend of European, African, and Native American influences.

Overall, My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge is a beautifully crafted documentary that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in the old-time music scene. It's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and tap your feet to the toe-tapping melodies of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you're a fan of old-time music, or if you're interested in the rich history and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this film is a must-see. It's a timeless portrait of a master musician and the community that surrounded him, and it's a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create connections that endure for generations.

My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge is a 1994 documentary with a runtime of 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.