James Anderson was born in Makkovik, Labrador, on April 21, 1919. His grandfather, one of the early settlers to this remote northern community, came from Norway. A fisherman and trapper, Jim learned the fiddle from his father and brother at a very young age. 

Collector’s Note: I traveled to Makkovik by seaplane in 1979, having heard from someone that Jim Anderson played the fiddle. Jim hadn’t played much in recent years, but we spent an evening together at Suzie’s Boarding House, operated by Jim’s wife, and I recorded three delightful tunes I hadn’t heard elsewhere. Jim also played Redwing, Trip to Boston.