The Music of Legendary Newfoundland Fiddlers

Rufus Guinchard & Emile Benoit

The Classic Newfoundland Stories of Pigeon Inlet

by Ted Russell

Renowned fiddler, multi-instrumentalist and veteran of pioneering bands Figgy Duff, Wonderful Grand Band, The Planks and The Irish Descendants, performs the classic Tales of Pigeon Inlet by his Dad, Ted Russell, plus authentic Newfoundland music of legendary fiddlers Rufus Guinchard & Emile Benoit.

The Tales

Kelly recreates the character of Uncle Mose, reciting the stories of the imaginary but typical Newfoundland community of Pigeon Inlet as written & told by his father, Ted Russell. The audience is brought back in time to the early 1950’s as Uncle Mose relates with gentle humour the goings on between Grampa Walcott, Aunt Sophy, Jethro Noddy, Skipper Lige Bartle and other residents of this small outport community. These Tales of Pigeon Inlet were a regular feature on CBC Radio’s Fisherman’s Broadcast throughout the 1950’s and continue to be popular today ; published in numerous books, released on LP, Cassette & CD and even inspired a local TV Series during the 1980’s. These stories not only entertain but provide a rare glimpse into rural Newfoundland life over 50 years ago.

The Tunes

Kelly spent many years traveling and performing with legendary Newfoundland fiddlers Rufus Guinchard & Emile Benoit, learning and transcribing their music as well as recording and promoting their CDs. His inherited legacy is one of both labour & love as these fiddlers were both his mentors & friends. Their music, and that of many other Nfld fiddlers, has been published in the 2 volume Kelly Russell’s Collection – The Fiddle Music of Newfoundland & Labrador. Audiences will enjoy a variety of authentic Newfoundland fiddle music while gaining some insight through stories and anecdotes about the lives and times of these Fathers of the Newfoundland Fiddle.

Contact Kelly at (709) 488-3821 or kellyrussell@nf.sympatico.ca www.pigeoninlet.com