“Chirps and Williams” is a tune by Calvin Vollrath, a Canadian fiddler of Metis heritage known for his prolific tune writing. He composed it for three American friends he met at a fiddle camp in Montana — Lynn “Chirps” Smith, Stuart Williams, and Mike Williams — and recorded it on his 1999 album “Bonjour, Comment Ca Va.”
The piece is a reel, often played with a light swing in the eighth notes, and it is noted as much for its distinctive chord progression as for its melody. It has found a following among old-time and fiddle-camp players well beyond the circle of friends it was named for.
This recording features Vollrath himself on fiddle, performing his own tune with the easy command that has made him a favorite among fiddlers.
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