Tracklist
1. As In Those Early Days 04:27
2. When Brother Ron Makes It 03:37
3. Grandmother’s Home 05:55
4. Red Wing 02:52
5. Ben the Mexican Cook 02:27
6. Down to Mexico 04:10
7. Backup & Push 02:27
8. Back to Them Depression Days 03:33
9. Windmill Keeps Turning 03:44
10. Flower On a Rocky Plain 03:11
Larry Long & Fiddlinâ Pete Watercottâs life story is something out of a John Steinbeck novel. Throughout their early twenties they hitchhiked and hopped freight-trains throughout the West passing the hat from bar to bar, performing most anywhere that people gather. In exchange for the hospitality and generosity shown by those who helped them out along the way, Larry would write a song in their honor. The lyrics were left pinned onto their refrigerator door with a magnet before Fiddlinâ Pete and Larry headed back on the road.
In the course of their travels they joined up with bassist Larry Dalton, who they met in the High Sierra Mountain Range town of Truckee, California in 1976.
The music they perform together is deeply rooted in the American song tradition of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Hank Williams, and Bob Wills. Their live performances are an equal measure of lyrical ballads, country-swing and old time fiddle tunes woven together with threads of explosive instrumental improvisation. As the legendary Jesse Ashlock, who performed with Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys remarked, âYou guys got an entirely different sound and I like it.â And then with a twinkle in his eye, replied, âAfter sitting and listening to you play Pete, looking back, I should have never picked up the fiddle.â
Now fifty-years later, Larry Long and Fiddlinâ Pete Watercott have come back together with bassist Larry Dalton to release this new live acoustic recording.
âAs In Those Early Daysâ was recorded along the banks of the Mississippi Rivers through the good graces of Brett Huus, Soundstrations Audio.
Larry’s music is available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, Bandcamp and select e-tailers
Released September 2, 2024
Larry Long (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica)
Fiddlinâ Pete Watercott (Vocals, Violin)
Larry Dalton (Upright Bass)
Brett Huus (Recording, Mixing, & Mastering Engineer)
Ed Croakley (Audio Tech)
Recorded live at Sound Strations Studio overlooking the Mississippi River.
Produced by Larry Long
Front Cover Photo: Pete Watercott
Back Cover Photo: Tony Nelson
Album Design: Kevin Brown (Smart Set Printing)
All songs by Larry Long, with the exception of Red Wing and Back Up & Push.
â © Larry Long 2024 | BMI
Larry Long and Fiddlinâ Pete Watercottâs 2024 album, As In Those Early Days, is a heartfelt reunion that captures the spirit of American folk music with authenticity and reverence. Recorded live along the Mississippi River, this acoustic collection is a testament to their enduring friendship and shared musical journey spanning over five decades.
The album opens with the title track, “As In Those Early Days,” setting the tone with vivid storytelling and evocative imagery. Long’s lyrics paint scenes of their youthful travelsâhitchhiking, hopping freight trains, and performing in bars across the Westâwhile Watercott’s fiddle adds a layer of emotional depth. The chorus, “Crack out that fiddle and them guitars / Donât really matter who you are,” invites listeners into their world of music and camaraderie.
Each song on the album serves as a narrative snapshot, honoring individuals and experiences from their past. “When Brother Ron Makes It” pays tribute to craftsmanship and the legacy of handmade artistry, while “Grandmotherâs Home” reflects on familial warmth and the nurturing spirit of matriarchs. “Ben the Mexican Cook” brings to life the vibrant character of a beloved cook, celebrating cultural diversity and the joy of shared meals.
The instrumentation throughout the album is both rich and restrained, allowing the stories to take center stage. Long’s vocals and guitar, Watercott’s expressive fiddle, and Larry Dalton’s upright bass create a cohesive sound that is both nostalgic and timeless. The live recording captures the intimacy of their performance, making listeners feel as though they are part of an intimate gathering.
“Back to Them Depression Days” and “Windmill Keeps Turning” delve into themes of economic hardship and resilience, drawing parallels between past and present struggles. These tracks resonate with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
The album concludes with “Flower On a Rocky Plain,” a poetic ode to enduring love and the beauty found in life’s rugged landscapes. This closing track encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of perseverance, connection, and the passage of time.(Larry Long)
As In Those Early Days is more than a musical collaboration; it’s a chronicle of lives lived in pursuit of art, community, and storytelling. Long and Watercott’s reunion is a celebration of their shared history and a gift to listeners who appreciate the rich tapestry of American folk traditions. The album stands as a poignant reminder of the power of music to preserve memories and connect generations.