Friday, November 23, 2012

Remembering Claude "Fiddler" Williams


I wasn't terribly concerned about my legal right to purchase alcohol in Kansas and Missouri when I turned 21.  Instead, I was relieved that I could show up at barroom performances by living legends Jay McShann and Claude "Fiddler" Williams without the risk of getting turned away.  The violinist's performances served as life-affirming experiences.  Williams' sprightly demeanor and phenomenal playing never failed to inspire me.

2 comments:

Rick in PV said...

Amen, brother!

Bob McWilliams said...

I have great memories of turning 21 and being able to see Jay and Claude at Paul Gray's Jazz Place in Lawrence, Kansas in the mid 70's.