In the Moment

Alasdair Fraser

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: October 8, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Culburnie Records
• ASIN: B000VT2N1O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,547 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Music > Folk > Traditional British & Celtic Folk > Scottish Folk
  #26 in	Music > World Music > Europe > British Isles > Scotland
  #82 in	Music > World Music > Celtic

Editorial Reviews

Review
....So the idea of pairing a master fiddler such as Alasdair Fraser with the sublime cello playing of Natalie Haas might seem like a stroke of brilliance, something bold and new. But according to Fraser, it's a pairing that has deep roots in Celtic tradition. 'People may be familiar with the gorgeous, melodic cello sound,' Fraser says, 'but they're surprised to learn that the cello used to comprise the rhythm section in Scottish dance bands.'

Fraser is unquestionably one of the finest fiddle players in the world, both in performance and his tireless promotion of Scottish music. His repertoire spans centuries of Scottish music with a willingness to push those forms in new directions.

Haas, now in her early 20s, first came to Fraser's attention at age 11 while attending one of his Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School camps. Encouraged by Fraser, she began to investigate the cello's potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes.

In 2004, the musicians joined forces for Fire & Grace, an award-winning album that showcases a wide range of styles, from sizzling reels and airs to the lush melancholic pieces that are also a hallmark of Celtic music. The album is well balanced, with Fraser and Haas sharing the spotlight and complementing each other with effortless grace. Fraser's fiery fiddle is matched and mellowed perfectly by Haas's rich, sonorous cello. --John Ginn, Eugene Weekly

Product Description
This CD follows on from their award winning album Fire & Grace, winner of 'Scots Trad Album of the Year' for 2004. The music on this album is highly original, with most of the pieces written by Alasdair Fraser and also including a wonderful new composition by Natalie Haas.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Album, Fantastic Musicians, get it today!, April 22, 2008

By	Jim B (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In The Moment (MP3 Download)

This album, is now my favorite, they perform Celtic music in a most eloquent fashion. The duo is basically half of a string quartet, and this is apparent in the styling of the music, which adds a dimension to traditional Scottish music. I have been a fan of Alisdar for several years, and own several of his albums, solo, and with Paul Machlis. They play so passionately, it is hard to describe here, so listen for yourself.

Also, I had the pleasure of seeing them live in concert several days ago when they came to town. It was an experience I will cherish. They played many songs from this album. If they are playing in your town, by all means, go see them. And prepare to get up and dance during the encore!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In the moment, December 30, 2007

By	emily dickenson - See all my reviews

Excellent fresh new sound for this duo and for scottish fiddle music. I like the updated Scottish /jazz fusion. I would definitely recommend this cd.Natalie Haas is amazing; her technique on the cello is innovative, and exciting. She and Alisdar complement each other perfectly with a clear, in sync virtuosity that makes the music so vivacious and satisfying to listen to.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD, February 28, 2008

By	Judson Roberts (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great CD. I'd be hard put to know how to describe the music--it's not really Celtic, or classical, though there are occasional elements of both in some of the songs. It's very easy and enjoyable to listen to, though, and makes great background music.