Music Teacher Raves At Fusion Of West African & Classical Fiddling Methods

Brian Eliason, Owner, Eliason School of Music, commended violinist Sudan Archives for her flexibility and creativity in integrating West African fiddling method to classical styles.

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Sudan Archives held a concert at the Wonder Ballroom in northeast Portland, Oregon last February 25 that left fans in the audience stunned with her unique brand of music.

"It’s safe to say Sudan Archives is going to be a big name in the years to come," Eliason exclaimed.

Cincinnati-born Sudan Archives, whose real name is Brittney Denise Parks, first took few lessons in Western classical styles and playing Irish jigs in fiddle club.

The 23-year old violinist-singer-songwriter later experimented with West African fiddling styles, which deviate from the strict posture and smooth playing found in classical styles. Instead musicians pluck, strum, and slap the instrument in between bowing.

There is a much more informal relationship with the instruments, and the style is much more candid and playful in West African fiddling than classical styles. In some recordings, it comes through as an almost industrial or full-texture sound.

"Sudan never lost sight of her interest in holding true to these African inspired sounds and as a result was able to masterfully blends electric beats across a broad spectrum of influences," Eliason observed.