"This recording of mostly West Virginia and Kentucky fiddle music represents my contribution, a small slice, to the rich old-time music pie. Fiddling sometimes shines best with just a guitar or banjo playing along to make a duo; at other times the twists and turns of rhythm and melody require no accompaniment whatsoever. Both approaches are heard here. I was very fortunate to be introduced to old-time music early on by my Dad, Clarke Prouty (1932 – 2008), who always provided gentle encouragement and plenty of musical instruments to try out. At age 15, I experienced an epiphany one weekend after being exposed to a group of West Virginia musicians visiting the Washington, DC area. Many adventures followed, including fondly remembered musical road trips with my Dad as well as six summers spent at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, WV. At West Virginia events, I met musicians of all ages and backgrounds (including several of the friends named below) but was most affected by encounters with old-time master fiddlers Melvin Wine, Wilson Douglas, and Leland Hall. Their music had a strong pull that drew me deep into central West Virginia musical traditions. Each one shared an ability to make common tunes their own and all had repertoire that included rare pieces. I also heard the music of even older generations of musicians on older commercial and field recordings. All of these elements are reflected in this recording. For starting me down this path, this recording is dedicated to my parents, Clarke and Sheila Prouty."