The Time Jumpers

 

The Time Jumpers

In 2012, The National Fiddler Hall of Fame decided to establish a new award. The National Fiddler Hall of Fame Special Recognition Award. The purpose of this award to be given annually, is "to recognize individuals, organizations and groups who, because of their outstanding talent and dedication, have made a significant impact in honoring, promoting and perpetuating the art of fiddling".

The award was presented for the first time at The National Fiddler Hall of Fame Induction Gala held February 6, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to The Time Jumpers, "For keeping traditional fiddling in country and western music alive and well through extraordinary musicianship, worldwide, popularity, selfless dedication and outstanding live performances".

The Time Jumpers can trace their roots all the way back to the early days of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry is known for featuring the best musicians in Nashville. Moreover, it has been a long-standing tradition among those musicians to jam together backstage between shows. These jam sessions are legendary and often go on for hours at a time. They give the best of the best a chance to play with their peers and to play the classic country tunes they all love. Eventually, someone had the idea to take this tradition and make it available for everyone to enjoy.... on any given Monday night. And The Time Jumpers were born. That was 14 years ago.

Starting out at the legendary Station Inn in Nashville, The Time Jumpers decided to focus on the music they loved best - traditional country favorites and Western Swing. This made a strong fiddle section an absolute must. To quote band member Vince Gill "the fiddlers of The Time Jumpers are the most essential part of the band; they give it its real flavor for Western Swing".

The Time Jumpers are known for featuring the very best musicians in Nashville and their triple fiddle section today is no exception. But it wasn't just their talents that earned The Time Jumpers the honor of being the first Special Recognition Award recipient; it was also for what they did to promote the art of fiddling around the world in 2012. Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe travel to Nashville just to see some of the worlds best fiddle players perform live together with some of the worlds best musicians. Their album, The Time Jumpers, received worldwide recognition as well when the London Times listed it as one of their Top Ten Records of The Year for 2012. Also, in 2012, The Time Jumpers were nominated for two Grammy Awards - Best Country Album and Best Performance By a Group or Duo.

Today, the group tours a little more than they used to, the band has changed members a few times, and the venue has moved to 3rd & Lindsley - but for the most part, The Time Jumpers haven't changed much since that first Monday night at the Station Inn. The "Jumpers", as they are affectionately called, are still eleven of Nashville's finest musicians, they still play the fiddle strong classics and they still love every minute of what they do. Ask any one of the band members why they choose to spend their night off "working", and you will likely get the same answer from each and every one of them - "this is the most fun we have all week".

The Time Jumpers National Fiddler Hall Of Fame Special Recognition Award Recipients: Brad Albin (Upright Bass), Larry Franklin (Fiddle, Vocals), Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar), Vince Gill (Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars), "Ranger Doug" Green (Vocals, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar), Andy Reiss (Electric Guitar), Dawn Sears (Vocals), Kenny Sears (Vocals, Fiddle), Joe Spivey (Fiddle, Vocals), Jeff Taylor (Accordion, Piano), Billy Thomas (Drums, Vocals)

Three Fiddles. Dir. Lisa LaFortune. Perf. Brad Albin, Larry Franklin, Paul Franklin, Vince Gill, Douglas B. Green, Andy Reiss, Dawn Sears, Kenny Sears, Joe Spivey, Jeff Taylor, Billy Thomas. NationalFiddlerHallOfFame.org. National Fiddler Hall Of Fame, October. 2012. Web..