Andy Dejarlis
“Caribou Reel” is a fiddle tune written by Andy Dejarlis. Dejarlis was a Canadian Metis fiddle player and composer born in Woodridge, Manitoba in 1914.
The original Metis were mixed race children born to a First Nations mother and European father. Today’s Metis are descendants of those children and recognized as one of Canada’s indigenous peoples . Over generations, the Metis have developed a distinct culture. They’ve also developed their own unique fiddle style, just like Cape Breton fiddlers and French Canadian fiddlers have.
Although Andy has had a huge influence on the Metis fiddle style, his compositions and music remain an inspiration to all musicians. He’s credited with over 200 compositions including reels, jigs, waltzes and polkas. Some of my favourites include tunes like “Whiskey Before Breakfast“, “Caribou Reel“, “Sitting Bull”, “Buckskin Reel“, “Louis Riel” and “Rooster on a Fence”.
Andy Dejarlis died in 1975.
The Tune “Caribou Reel”
Although this tune is in the Key of Em, you’ll find a few “C-sharps” in the A section.
The recording I have (by Dejarlis) is played A-A-B-B, and the tune ends with the A-section. Although, I’ve heard other recordings that end with the B-section. Also, I should mention that I’ve seen the A-section and B-section switched around.
Of course, you can play it any way you like.
Listen to “Caribou Reel” for mandolin:
If you feel you can help support this site with the donation of a dollar or two, It would be very much appreciated…
If you don’t wish to donate at this time, I totally understand – Enjoy!
More of Andy
I would like to put a few more of Andy Dejarlis’ compositions on the website. So, if you’re interested, keep an eye out!
I hope you enjoy learning the tune “Caribou Reel”.
Cy…
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