Customer Reviews

Portrait of a Scottish Fiddler

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Alisdair Fraser's playing is notable for its dynamic shading, purity of pitch, and overall tender and gentle sound. He has a refined technique that sounds almost classical at times. Fraser is at his best on the slow laments and airs. On this CD the fiddle is set against an imaginative variety of accompanying instruments, harp and flute being prominent. If you know the playing of Bonnie Rideout, I would say her playing reminds me more of morning mists and the smell of moss and lakes, whereas Fraser appeals to me just because of a good violin sound. Highly recommended.

We've enjoyed meeting & hearing Alasdair several times at Stone Mtn. Scottish Festival in Atlanta, GA, when he appeared at the Sounds of Scotland concert with Alex Beaton. He can make a fiddle talk & sing, believe me! Some pieces will have you itching to dance - others will tug at your heartstrings & bring a lump in your throat! Enjoy!

My understanding is that this was one of his first recordings. Ironically, I actually bought this one last in my collection of his music. Regardless of that, I have decided that it is equally matched with the rest of his music. The old Scottish tunes at their best. As always he brings such life and emotion to whatever he plays.