Darol Anger is the pre-eminent fiddler of our time! From his early work in the ground-breaking David Grisman Quintet (fifty years ago!) to his current group, Mr. Sun, Darol has collaborated with acoustic music’s finest. Our conversation begins with a discussion of the origins of “Diary of a Fidler Vol.1” which features collaborations with his contemporaries. Fiddlers like Vassar Clements, Richard Greene, Stuart Duncan from the bluegrass world to Natalie MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser and Martin Hayes from the celtic side; every tune is stellar. Darol has reprised this project with “Diary of a Fiddler Vol.2” that brings together several generations of young fiddlers who were mentored by Darol, either at Berklee School of Music, the many camps he’s taught at, and his online Artist Works platform.

The list of young fiddlers is comprehensive as it is impressive. Brittany Haas, Jenna Moynihan, Kathleen Parks, Bronwyn Keith Hynes along with Alex Hargreaves, Avery Merritt and Mike Barnett; just to name a few! The project began during the 2020 pandemic to give these incredible musicians a creative outlet and the two disc set is jam-packed with Darol’s students playing his original material.

Our conversation covers over sixty years of performances and projects including the David Grisman Quintet, Turtle Island String Quartet, Republic of Strings, Montreux and Mr. Sun. Topics including Darol’s early decision to play fiddle during the Rock n Roll 70’s when guitar ruled the airwaves. Folks like David Lindley (on the Youngblood’s “Darkness, Darkness”) and Richard Greene’s work in Seatrain gave Darol the inspiration and role-models to follow the fiddle instead.

Darol has an opportunity to view his legacy over decades through the musicians he has mentored and whose early careers he has helped flourish. This self-described Valedictory address to the music world is a capstone to a musical legacy that few can match.

Darol Anger’s current project for the last dozen years is Mr. Sun who will be appearing at this year’s Freshgrass Festival, September 19-21 at North Adams’ Mass MOCA. Make sure to catch their set as well as Darol Anger’s collaborations with all the participants who will want to congratulate him on his lifetime of outsized contributions to the acoustic music world.

We include more the a half dozen of Darol Anger tunes in the segment. Give it a listen.