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 riveting 1995 documentary that immerses viewers in the captivating world of Appalachian music and culture at its finest. This outstanding film features the legendary American fiddler and banjo player, Tommy Jarrell, and his relative Julie Jarrell Lyons, as they journey through the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains sharing their remarkable heritage and unmatched musical prowess.

Legendary for his fiddling and banjo-playing skills, Tommy Jarrell is the perfect protagonist for this voyage into the heartland of traditional American music. Born in 1901 in the Round Peak area of Surry County, North Carolina, Tommy learned to play the fiddle from his father, Ben Jarrell, also a famed musician of his time. He imbibed the nuances of old-time music directly from the source and spent his life refining and perfecting the craft. This film cherishes his craft, voice and wisdom, all of which he generously shares over the course of the documentary.

The film is more than just a musical journey; it delineates the daily life, customs, and the amazingly rich culture of the people of Blue Ridge, as well as their ties to music. We witness the authentic Appalachia: its landscapes, its people, its hardships, and its soulful music that resonates throughout the hills and valleys. Throughout the film, the viewers get an opportunity to explore, and almost savor, this vibrant culture through the eyes of the incredibly charismatic Tommy. The director uses the musical tradition not only as the core theme but also as a metaphor, linking it to the continuity of life, family, and regional identity in the region.

Tommy's relative, Julie Jarrell Lyons, stars alongside him, adding depth to their family’s musical history, and a fresh, vibrant female perspective to the narrative. Her family anecdotes, personal experiences, and insights into the world of traditional music add further texture to the film.

Director Les Blank is known for his deft handling of subjects like music and culture. He magnificently captures the spirit of the vibrant mountain community through beautiful cinematography that brings to life the rolling Blue Ridge landscape. The intimate style of direction pulls the audience into the narrative, making them a part of the unfolding musical journey. Blank shines a tender, respectful light on the Appalachian culture and, most specifically, its local music, giving viewers a chance to delve into the essence of its sound and rhythms.

Every scene in the movie serves a dual purpose, narrating a story and playing a song. The music in the documentary is indeed a major character in itself: a blend of old-time tunes, ballads, and folktales echoing through the mountains. This music is transformational, embedding itself into the viewer’s psyche long after the documentary is over. Its depth and rawness can make you cry, dance, or simply sit in quiet introspection, contemplating the beautiful simplicity of life in the mountains.

While the film documents the everyday comings and goings, it leaves space for a deeper exploration of relationships, mortality, and the changing landscape of the Appalachian world. It is also a warm, gently humorous tribute to Tommy Jarrell himself, a man who is revealed to not only be a master musician but a vibrant storyteller, raconteur, and repository of local history and culture.

The sincerity of the narrative combined with the sublime music and the breathtaking scenic beauty makes My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge a must-watch, not only for music lovers but also for those who relish a deep dive into a unique cultural setting. It offers a nostalgic yet significant look into a rapidly disappearing way of life, shining a charmingly intimate light on the transformative beauty and silent strength of the Blue Ridge people.

Overall, My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge is much more than a documentary. It is a tribute, a journey, a music concert, and a heartfelt letter to a time, a place, and a culture. It celebrates the living legacy of a musical tradition carried forward by extraordinary people like Tommy Jarrell. It is as beautiful and riveting as the music it so deftly puts on center stage. This film is a magical experience and a true testament to the power, relevance, and charm of traditional music in our contemporary world.