Michael Cleveland interviewed by Peter Anick (July 2023)

Interview with fiddler Michael Cleveland at the Ossipee Valley Music Festival in July 2023.
Michael had recently released “Lovin’ of the Game” and was touring with both his own band Flamekeeper and with Bela Fleck’s “My Bluegrass Heart.” We cover some early highlights, his branching out musically, playing with Bela, tunes on his new recording, and the story of his fiddle. Portions of this interview appear in the Fall 2023 issue of Fiddler Magazine.

0:00 Cassettes from music historian Dave Samuelson
4:05 Playing on the Grand Ole Opry at 13
6:59 School days in Kentucky
8:50 Early gigs and playing backup
12:55 Michael’s fiddle style
15:22 Wood bows vs. carbon fiber
17:00 Working on new licks
24:23 Branching out musically
30:57 Playing with Bela Fleck’s “My Bluegrass Heart”
35:20 Dealing with the pandemic
38:11 Tunes on “Lovin’ of the Game”
41:42 Practicing and studio recording
45:30 The story of Michael’s fiddle