Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle (1938–2020) was Métis fiddler from Ebb and Flow, Manitoba. He started to play at an early age, reportedly teaching himself to play "Red River Valley" on one string.[1] Houle went on to become an influential fiddler and vocalist,[2] recording a number of albums and maintaining an active performance schedule.
Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lawrence Houle |
| Also known as | Tay-basse-gay-inin |
| Born | 1938 Ebb and Flow, Manitoba, Canada |
| Origin | Canadian |
| Died | 2020 |
| Genres | Folk, Métis fiddling |
| Instrument(s) | Fiddle, vocals, jig |
| Labels | Sunshine Sound Studios |
Houle was of Anishinaabe ancestry and had a challenging childhood. His father was absent from his life and his step-father did not value his musical talents.[1]
As a part of the folk revival movement of the 1960s, Houle performed at festivals such as the Mariposa Folk Festival[3] He has also appeared as a fiddler in several films, including "Spirit rider" and "Medicine Fiddler."[4]
In keeping with Métis fiddling style Houle often jigs while playing.[5] His musical style follows in the Métis and indigenous traditions and he has been devoted to a recovery of his Anishinabe heritage in the last twenty years. He has taken on deliberate projects aimed at recovery and renewal of the Ojibway language, including releasing several recordings of Ojibway music. He was an Elder and cultural resource person at Métis Calgary Family Service Society where he facilitated a variety of workshops.[6]
Discography
edit- Old Native And Métis Fiddling in Manitoba, Vols 1 & 2, Falcon FP – 187 and 287 – 1987
- Houle, L. T. B., Houle, L. T. B., & Manitoba Association for Native Languages. (n.d.). Anishinaabe Christmas. Winnipeg, MB: Sunshine Sound Studios.
- Benitez, J. E., Lorenzano, A., Silva, M., Silva, M., Nayap, P., Xal, M. M., Coc, C., ... Lee Cremo Trio,. (1997). Wood that sings : Indian Fiddle Music of the Americas.
References
edit- ^ a b "Lawrence Houle". ArtsLink. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- ^ Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen (14 July 2006). "Canadian fiddler set to thrill audiences at NAFCo 2006". University of Aberdeen. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- ^ Mariposa Folk Festival 1987 program. Toronto: Mariposa Folk Foundation. 1987. p. 10.
- ^ Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2016, from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2801122/
- ^ Watrous, Peter (6 December 1990). "Review/Folk; Embracing Indian Culture With Music and Dance". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- ^ "Cultural Teachings". Metis Calgary Family Services Society. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
See also
edit- Lederman, Anne. "Native and Métis Fiddling: Portrait of a People," Fiddler Magazine Vol. 8, Winter 2001
- Haigh, Chris. "Canadian Fiddle". Fiddling around the World. Retrieved 7 October 2016.