Sometimes called “Porter’s Two Step,” this perky dance tune in the key of D is attributed to fiddler Stafford Harris of Nacogdoches, Texas. The tune gained traction in the greater old-time scene when the marvelous fiddling duo of Tricia Spencer and Howard Rains started playing it and then included it on their album The Old Texas Fiddle Vol. III. As Evie explains, her approach to most tunes is rarely a rigorous translation of the fiddle melody, but rather a melding of key melody phrases, some hints of harmony, and a whole lot of rhythmic drive. “Porter’s Reel” is no exception, and she encourages you to “get the big picture, and fill in the details from there.” In this video, Evie shows you the A part of “Porter’s Reel.” Watch out for some alternate string hammer-ons in the first few bars and some drop-thumb work at the end of the part.
