Fiddler Feature: J.T. Perkins

Fiddler J.T. Perkins plays a tune. Image Credit: Spring Fed Records

In the notes app of my phone, I keep a long running list of fiddlers I’d like to get more familiar with. J.T. Perkins has been on that list for a long time, and recently, I sat down and enjoyed a couple of his albums. A fiddler from Alabama, Perkins was heavily influenced by one of my favorite fiddlers, Howdy Forrester. You can hear that influence in J.T.’s solid, driving rhythm; his occasional old-timey modal slant, his rich tone, and in his repertoire selections. Here’s a link where you can check out one of J.T.’s albums for yourself.

It’s been a little tough to find much information on J.T., but in my search, I’ve come across a few gems. The first is this video of J.T. Perkins competing at the Grand Masters Fiddle Championships (GMFC) in 1988. I was surprised and delighted to find contest footage like this, with clear audio and a great view of J.T.’s technique. Within his round, Perkins plays “Soppin’ the Gravy,” “Rose of Sharon” (aka “Rose of Avenmore”), and “Cotton Patch Rag.” In all three tunes, Perkins’ originality as a fiddler is clear. In “Soppin’ the Gravy,” he includes some pretty unconventional variations that push the boundaries of what you’d normally hear in a contest. “Rose of Sharon” features a little twist in the ending where Perkins create tension with a quick F chord, then resolves to A. His “Cotton Patch Rag” buzzes with energy and features lots of complex variations that seems to suggest that Perkins could go on forever coming up with original licks. Both his waltz and tune of choice feature beautiful, challenging double stops that showcase Perkins’ mastery and finesse, all while he maintains a classic rugged sound reminiscent of Howdy Forrester. His pace is quick throughout the round and he plays very forward on the beat.

The next treat I discovered when learning more about Perkins is this video of him warming up for the GMFC in 1977. He and his two guitarists play a gorgeous version of “Martin’s Waltz,” complete with more buttery double stops. Just as they finish the tune, a train chugs by on the adjacent track, full of passengers spending their day at Opryland USA, the theme park where the GMFC was held for 25 years.

Records of GMFC contest results from the ‘70s and ‘80s show Perkins’ repeated placement in the top ten lineup, alongside a who’s who of other fiddling greats. To read more about J.T. and his playing, check out the informative liner notes that accompany his album Fiddle Favorites Like You Never Head ‘Em Before.