News:
The latest for the former farm boy
Third CD begins production
Lee sat down (but never still) for a long weekend of recording sessions in August 2008 with Paul Anastasio, Rich Levine and Matt Sircely for a new CD of twin fiddles, guitar and mandolin. The album, which is predominately Stripling Brothers tunes, is being produced by Rus Davis. Watch “My Isle of Golden Dreams” for a sample.
Fiddle Tunes a rousing success
In the famous words of Lee Edwin Stripling, the participation of Lee, W.B. Reid, and Bonnie Zahnow drew "more accolades than ever before" at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes at Fort Worden held in July near Port Townsend, Wash. Lee was previously a faculty member with his brother Robert in 2000. In addition to workshops, concerts and a preview of the upcoming documentary, there was a Fourth of July highlight when the Alabama contingent pitted inspirational Dixie tunes against darned Yankee fiddle numbers on the front porch of a century-old officer's home. Fireworks erupting in the bay paled compared to those on the porch.
Waves of affection in Portland
The Lee Stripling Band, which added base player Tony Mates to the Trio, was nearly washed away by affection at the 2008 Portland Old-Time Music Festival in January, as Lee reports it. Audience response for the Main Stage performance was the best reception yet (see below). Tony also plays with Lee's Six Footed Boys. He toured with the Lee Stripling Trio in Alabama in 2007.
Standing ovation in Berkeley
A knowledgeable, sold-out crowd poured appreciation toward Lee and the The Lee Stripling Trio after a featured performance in mid September at the Freight House in Berkeley, Calif., for the Old Time Music Convention. Some -- well, one of his daughters -- felt his fiddling was so inspired he must be channeling Charlie. The original Stripling Brothers music was mentioned and played throughout the weekend. More details here.
Lee's website launches
Lee's website launched May 15, 2007 at an event for Lee's groupies and the partners of FirstandUnion.com, which built his site for fun. As usual, Lee had to work while everyone else celebrated.