The Fiddle/Sticks Project, Pt. 1: Casey Driessen Meets Kenny Malone
4,095 views · Published 19 October 2012 · 16:50 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: Strings Magazine · 2012 · Music
"I've been playing fiddle since I was five years old, and I never wanted to play it like anybody else."—Casey Driessen, fiddler "I've been caught in a groove before where you can't get out of it—you just have to ride it as long as it lasts."—Kenny Malone, drummer Listen to "Five and a Fiddle" on Bandcamp: http://caseydriessen.bandcamp.com/track/five-and-a-fiddle-pre-release-feat-kenny-malone Fiddle/Sticks is a collaborative exploration of rhythm that pairs Grammy-nominated fiddler Casey Driessen—a leading voice in percussive fiddle/violin technique (known as the chop)—with a list of the landmark drummers and percussionists of our time. Cutting across all genres and traditions, the project documents these rhythmic explorations through recordings, videos, photos and journals. It serves as an inspirational and instructional resource for drummers, percussionists, fiddlers and everyone in the music community interested in pushing the boundaries of their instruments and their music. Episode No. 1 of Fiddle/Sticks features a collaboration with celebrated Nashville session player Kenny Malone. With a background in jazz, classical and military bands, Malone quickly became known as Nashville's "musical" drummer, and was hired for his ability not just to pound away, but also to lay back and infuse heart into a recording. Since the 1970's, he has been one of the most called upon drummers in country, bluegrass, and roots music. He has played on albums by Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Waylon Jennings, the late John Hartford, and literally hundreds of others. As country music expanded to include more Americana, folk, and jazz players, Casey and Kenny connected on the road and in the studio. The deeper connection lies in the unique approach they bring to their instruments and, of course, signature fashion pieces: Casey's red shoes, Kenny's headbands. "Five and a Fiddle" (referring to Kenny's five djembes) turns the typical studio process of prepared perfection into a true collaborative and experimental musical experience. Kenny taps a miked standalone fiddle with a single chopstick, then switches over to Casey's fiddle, dancing around his fingers. They discuss finding the right key, djembe resonance, emotion, phrasing; Casey chats with Kenny about his history, and why he asks for lyrics. A musical conversation unfolds and a rare window into the creative process opens. Fiddler Casey Driessen is a bold genre crosser who listens for inspiration from Tennessee to Tibet. A Grammy Award nominee, he regularly tours as a solo performer and with banjoist Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Casey has released two albums and his new fiddle/percussion video project, Fiddle/Sticks, sponsored by "Strings" magazine, successfully raised $15,000 through a Kickstartercampaign in June 2012.
