Created and performed by Julie Johnson on amplified flute and looping & effects pedals

Video editing by Tamara Ober: https://www.tamaraober.com/

“Métis” is a term at times loosely, at others strictly defined. Here, it is used to describe those of Native—both Canadian and American—and European descent who trace their roots to the Upper Midwest

Created and performed by Julie Johnson on amplified flute and looping & effects pedals

Video editing by Tamara Ober: https://www.tamaraober.com/

“Métis” is a term at times loosely, at others strictly defined. Here, it is used to describe those of Native—both Canadian and American—and European descent who trace their roots to the Upper Midwest or Canada. A traditional Métis jig includes both European (French, Scotch, and/or Irish) and Native influences; it is up-tempo, lively, and made for dancing. “Red River Jig,” one of the most popular Métis fiddle tunes from the mid-to-late 1700s, includes a common feature of the genre: irregular beats intended to challenge the quickness of a dancer’s feet.

I first arranged this tune for flute, acoustic guitar, and mandolin. I included it on The Banks of The Little Auplaine (https://julieflute.net/album/1702175/the-banks-of-the-little-auplaine), the 2011 album I recorded with my folk/roots trio Julie Johnson & The No-Accounts. In this solo version, I accompany the non-effected flute sound with a plucked electric guitar effect I create with the distortion pedal.

Upon purchase, you can download a PDF that contains a Vimeo link to the show.

Photo by Christine Rooney: https://www.therusticfoodie.com/about-me/

Julie Johnson is a fiscal year 2021 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.