NEW! Previously Unreleased Music Video
Feb 25th, 2025
Bonaparte’s Retreat - NEW Full-Length YouTube Video
This is one of the most popular traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes, and y’all might recognize it from various Broadway and television placements over the past century. The tune was incorporated into Aaron Copeland’s “Hoedown” composition, published in 1942 in his ‘Rodeo’ ballet. I remember hearing the tune as a kid in the early 2000’s in the “Beef, It’s what’s for dinner” commercial. The tune was also featured in the Titanic soundtrack and was also used for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics.
I grew up playing Bonaparte’s Retreat at local jam sessions and square dances around Middle Tennessee, and I recorded it on my debut album, which I released in 2018.
I filmed this music video in summer 2019 in London, UK during a European tour. I never edited or released this footage until this past week. I never had the time or wherewithal until now.
I’ve been working on my recording and editing skills lately, and I learned a lot from the process of editing this video. I recorded the sound of my footwork onto the audio track, which I originally published without the sound of my feet. I learned how to use ProTools and my microphone and interface, and I danced in foam sandals on chipboard in order to achieve a sound that fits the music and the video. Let me know what y’all think. I’m still learning, and I’ll continue to hone my skills, but I’m proud of my progress thus far.
I edited the video footage using Final Cut Pro software. I only had two shots to edit together, and neither shot was a complete keeper take. I had to work some magic in order to piece together the most useable footage. I had fun though, and I can’t wait to edit the next video!
The Bonaparte’s Retreat audio track (minus the sounds of my footwork) is available for listening wherever y’all stream music. The tune can also be found on my debut album (2018) which is available for purchase from my website.
YouTube Revamp
This previously unreleased video is part of my goal to revamp my YouTube channel and become a full-time YouTuber. I always wanted to be a full-time YouTuber, but I never had the time or skills or wherewithal. I have suddenly found myself with plenty of time since my tour with Cirque ended so quickly and suddenly (I had a two year contract, but they closed the show after only four months of touring). I’m now developing my recording and editing skills, and I just so happen to have these unreleased videos to practice editing and gain experience.
I have more previously unreleased videos that I’ll continue to edit and release over the coming weeks and months. Eventually, I want to start filming new videos to edit and release regularly. Please subscribe to my YouTube channels and stay tuned for more YouTube videos. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think!
YouTube Award!
In the midst of revamping my YouTube channels, I’ve received my second YouTube award, and it just came in the mail yesterday!! I’m so excited! Thank y’all so much for watching and subscribing! It’s such an honor and completely unexpected! I can’t wait to share my award with my friends who were a part on my videos! I’m going to film an unboxing video, and I want to make it special. Stay tuned and let me know if y’all have any suggestions!
Bluegrass Today Article
This week, Bluegrass Today published an article about my new single, “Black Eyed Susie,” and the music video I filmed with Bronwyn and Victor! Thanks so much to John Lawless for writing and publishing the article!
Thomas Maupin, My Dance Mentor in the News
My dance mentor was featured in a news story this week, and I’m honored to be a part of it. The video is so sweet when Thomas talks about passing his legacy on. He gets choked up talking about seeing my dance and how proud he is of me. I’m proud of him too. I'm actually dedicating my upcoming Dancing Fiddler album to him. He’s made a huge impact on my life, and I’m so thankful for our relationship. Although we’re not related, he and his wife have been like grandparents to me.
In this news story, he discusses his stroke he had 6 years ago. He was so scared thinking he’d never be able to dance again. He told me, “If I can’t dance, I’m gonna die.” And I made it my mission to get him dancing again. I brought my fiddle to his physical therapy sessions, and I danced with him. I was honored to be able to give back to him after he’d given so much to me.
YOUR WEEKLY HOWDY-DO
Subscribe to my newsletter! As a bonus, I include an exclusive Q&A video in every newsletter! Join in our ongoing conversation and stay connected as I answer your questions in a weekly Q&A video delivered directly to your inbox!
Thank y’all so much for taking the time to listen to my new single "Black Eyed Susie", which was released Feb 7th
!
"Black Eyed Susie" is the first single from my upcoming album, Dancing Fiddler, which y'all helped me create last year through my crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Thank y’all again for your help making this music a reality. I’m honored to feature Grammy-nominated artist Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on fiddle & vocals on this track.
If you haven’t heard it yet, you can listen for free by clicking the
link below.