Deanie Richardson and Kimber Ludiker fiddle their way through No-See-Um Stomp
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
For those unfamiliar with the term, No- See-Um refers to a family of flies found worldwide that are so small you only know they are around once you’ve been bitten. The twin fiddle energy of Deanie Richardson and Kimber Ludiker musically depicts a swarm of these tiny insects, as the jittery melody flies through the dazzling arrangement. The girls kick the song off with 8 bars, spelling out the tune while soon joined by a stellar cast of acoustic players.
IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, Kristin Scott Benson takes the first solo deftly exploring the limits of the key of A. Mandolinist Tristan Scroggins (Missy Raines and Allegheny) follows the banjo with a traditional approach leading back into twin fiddles. Cody Kilby of the Travelin’ McCourys takes the next solo veering off into an interesting waterfall of notes towards the end of his ride. Underneath it all, Hassee Ciaccio holds down the bass in this blazing romp that manages to make room for a breakdown and masterful reharmonization behind both of the tune’s parts before skittering to a close.
“I wrote No-See-Um Stomp after meeting a flock of them for the first time on the east coast,” explains Ludiker. “As a Pacific Northwest girl, I was mortified by their existence and the one billion bites I suffered. The tune came out of me very quickly. The first part is the swarm and the second part . . . human agony. We took a mild, controlled chaos approach to this, which fits the tune perfectly. Instead of linear twin fiddle parts, we depart here and there, swarming around each other just like the little critters this tune was written for.”
Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed, Sister Sadie’s, Deanie Richardson and Della Mae’s, Kimber Ludiker are powerhouses in the world of fiddling. Richardson, a two time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year winner has a lengthy resume including countless Nashville sessions, staff fiddler on the Grand Ole Opry and work with Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and Bob Seger. Kimber Ludiker, a three time National Fiddle Champion has also played on sessions with legendary Roland White and Jim Lauderdale.
No- See-Um Stomp is the latest single on Mountain Home Music Company. As label A&R Director, Jon Weisberger stated, “My enthusiasm has only grown since the signing. Their artistic vision and ability to execute are an unbeatable combination. I’ve been an admirer of their individual artistry for a long time and I know that fans will enjoy the music they make together as much as I do.”