Our Grampy

Our grandfather, Clarence Langen, was born in 1911 into a family of musicians of Irish and Scottish heritage in South Tilley, New Brunswick, Canada, on the edge of the Tobique Reserve. He first picked up the fiddle around age ten, learning to play traditional tunes from family friend Oliver LaFrance as well as by going to weekend dances. His musical influences at that time ranged from Irish-Canadian and Scottish-Canadian to Maliseet and even the Vaudeville circuit, where LaFrance used to play.

By 1930, the Great Depression had engulfed Canada. Like others from New Brunswick, Clarence hopped the freight trains in search of work. The first act of Clarence’s life as a traveling musician of the Americas took place from 1930 to 1934 as he hoboed his way across the continent. In town after town, although jobs were scarce, he discovered that musicians were always welcome and work would be found for him. Clarence crossed the great prairies of Canada doing farm labor, mechanical repairs and playing at the local dances. We believe you can hear a traveling musician influence in Clarence’s style- there’s a wink and sparkle that shines through and an open welcomeness to participate with the music- whether by dancing or just tapping your foot.

After a long hiatus due to war and work in Canada and New England, the second act of Grampy’s life as a traveling musician began in 1965 in Arizona and continued until his death in 1990. The musical relationships he forged during this period—with local musicians like Big Jim Griffith and Tom and Martha Jennings, as well as international musicians whom he met performing at folk festivals—connected his Canadian music to the traditions of Texas, Oklahoma, Scotland, Ireland, Arizona and Mexico.

One of Grampy’s greatest desires was to pass along the musical tradition that he inherited. His grandson Tim was a toddler when he first saw Grampy play the fiddle. Totally enraptured, he started learning at age five. Grampy’s younger grandson, Jesse, also took up the fiddle and learned Grampy’s music before becoming a professional guitarist.

Grampy's Tunes is available whereever you stream your music.

Link to BandCamp to buy digital download.

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