In 2001, the Elphinstone Institute of Aberdeen University held an event called “The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention”, which featured traditional fiddle players from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and the Scandinavian countries. They intend to repeat this event next year from the 26th to the 30th July, 2006. As far as I know, it’s only at the initial planning stage at the moment, but they might appreciate a few suggestions for possible participants. The Irish contingent on that occasion were Connie & Aine O’Connell, John Carty and Johnny McCarthy. Which fiddlers – from any of the above traditions – would you think would make for a good event ? [ I don’t know the budget for the event, but funds are not unlimited, so please bear this in mind. ]
I've been thinking Scottish fiddler Patsy Reid should gain more recognition. She is a very promissing young player and plays traditional music of Cape Breton and Shetland as well as Scotland and Ireland.
As for Irish fiddlers, James Kelly, Tommy Peoples, Kevin O'Reilly, Jesse Smith
Brenda Stubbert should come along with Jerry Holland.
Well, is there any wooden flute convention anywhere in the world?
Brenda Stubbart came to the Fiddle Festival in 1996?, I think. Apparently, she wasn't the most sociable. There was a story of a late night session in The West End Hotel featuring Alastair Fraser and others with Brenda coming downstairs to the bar in her dressing gown to complain about the noise.
I would correct the above mention of Jerry Holland to read, "from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"--we in New England are proud of our own, whatever tradition they play in.
From Norway : Ånon Egeland, as he plays in the Agder-tradition.(Agder are the counties that face the Shetlands from the south of Norway) There is a strong relationship between this tradition and the celtic North Atlantic tradition. Many of his tunes (esp. the Norwegian reels) may have travelled across the drink.
Get two musical traditions, Irish and Danish, for the price of one in fiddler Peter Gorm Sorensen from Copenhagen. He was also one of the best banjo players I ever heard before he took up fiddle. He's a session workhorse and great crack too. No danger of him coming down to the bar to complain. Getting him out of the bar might be another question.
I'm sure I'll get very different opinions for this one, but Eileen Ivers and Natalie MacMaster are undoubtedly (in my humble opinion) two of the best fidders EVER! I know they are both a bit unconventional/untraditional at times, but to hear these women play the traditional music straight, well, they are two of the best that I've ever heard.
Aberdeen? Johnny Hardy from Old Blind Dogs, I believe still a local Aberdeenean. Alisdaire Fraser is a nice, larger than life personality and excellent fiddle player (even if his name is hard to spell). Kevin Burke of Patrick Street has my eternal loyalty from "If the Cap Fits" and "Sweeney's Dream," his solo fiddle work that he calls "naked fiddle." My current captivation is Oisin Mac Diarmada and Teada. I'm sure I'm leaving many good fiddle players off my list. I will be happy to read the other posts. Best Wishes.
Nope, I don't think Buddy MacMaster is in the best of health right now. What about Howie MacDonald? Calum MacKinnon is also great for the Scottish style. Yes, Annbjorg and Alasdiar are fantastic!
typical of your ilk you display your lack of depth and knowledge when it comes to IRISH fiddlers no list could be complete without paddy glackin frankie gavin sean keane have any of you ever heard of paul mcnevin michelle o brien maeve donnelly brendan mulvihill etcetc
Kinnon Beaton, Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin, Catriona MacDonald, Jennifer Wrigley, Paul Bradley, Kevin Glackin, Paul O'Shaughnessy, Maeve Donnelly, Mary Custy, etc. etc.
From the other side of the 'pond', I'd suggest Liz Carrol, Pierre Schryer and Jerry Holland. However, what about some of the younger Scottish based players e.g. Clare McGlaughlin, Archie McAllister etc, etc. Also one of the many up and coming Shetland players e.g. Jenna Reid. As for the Irish contingent - where does one start - there are so many great fiddle players? However, how about Oisin Mac Diarmada, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh - possibly even a return visit by Connie & Aine O'Connell.
choose your fiddlers
choose your fiddlers
In 2001, the Elphinstone Institute of Aberdeen University held an event called “The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention”, which featured traditional fiddle players from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and the Scandinavian countries. They intend to repeat this event next year from the 26th to the 30th July, 2006. As far as I know, it’s only at the initial planning stage at the moment, but they might appreciate a few suggestions for possible participants. The Irish contingent on that occasion were Connie & Aine O’Connell, John Carty and Johnny McCarthy. Which fiddlers – from any of the above traditions – would you think would make for a good event ? [ I don’t know the budget for the event, but funds are not unlimited, so please bear this in mind. ]
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Kenny
Re: choose your fiddlers
From Scandinivia, we could have Harald Haugaard(Denmark), Annabjorg Lien(Norway). Also a good nykleharpe exponent from Sweden eg Ditte Andersen.
From Shetland-Catriona MacDonald and Chris Stout.
From Scotland. Alastair Fraser, Pete Clark but we have so many these days.
From Ireland or Irish music Kevin Burke, John Carty, Liz Carroll.
From Cape Breton Jerry Holland
Have I broken the bank?
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Johannes J
Re: choose your fiddlers
I've been thinking Scottish fiddler Patsy Reid should gain more recognition. She is a very promissing young player and plays traditional music of Cape Breton and Shetland as well as Scotland and Ireland.
As for Irish fiddlers, James Kelly, Tommy Peoples, Kevin O'Reilly, Jesse Smith
Brenda Stubbert should come along with Jerry Holland.
Well, is there any wooden flute convention anywhere in the world?
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by slainte
Re: choose your fiddlers
Brenda Stubbart came to the Fiddle Festival in 1996?, I think. Apparently, she wasn't the most sociable. There was a story of a late night session in The West End Hotel featuring Alastair Fraser and others with Brenda coming downstairs to the bar in her dressing gown to complain about the noise.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Johannes J
Re: choose your fiddlers
So, I gave up Brenda. How about Buddy MacMaster?
I think I forgot to mention Alan Henderson.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by slainte
Re: choose your fiddlers
I would correct the above mention of Jerry Holland to read, "from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"--we in New England are proud of our own, whatever tradition they play in.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by AlBrown
Re: choose your fiddlers
Of course
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Johannes J
Re: choose your fiddlers
From Norway : Ånon Egeland, as he plays in the Agder-tradition.(Agder are the counties that face the Shetlands from the south of Norway) There is a strong relationship between this tradition and the celtic North Atlantic tradition. Many of his tunes (esp. the Norwegian reels) may have travelled across the drink.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by snorre
Re: choose your fiddlers
Debbie Scott from Shetland
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Cath
Re: choose your fiddlers
Get two musical traditions, Irish and Danish, for the price of one in fiddler Peter Gorm Sorensen from Copenhagen. He was also one of the best banjo players I ever heard before he took up fiddle. He's a session workhorse and great crack too. No danger of him coming down to the bar to complain. Getting him out of the bar might be another question.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by LongNote
Re: choose your fiddlers
Annbjorg Lien from Norway, or the guys from the Swedish group Vasen - they are excellent.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: choose your fiddlers
I'm sure I'll get very different opinions for this one, but Eileen Ivers and Natalie MacMaster are undoubtedly (in my humble opinion) two of the best fidders EVER! I know they are both a bit unconventional/untraditional at times, but to hear these women play the traditional music straight, well, they are two of the best that I've ever heard.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by irishfiddler32
Re: choose your fiddlers
Aberdeen? Johnny Hardy from Old Blind Dogs, I believe still a local Aberdeenean. Alisdaire Fraser is a nice, larger than life personality and excellent fiddle player (even if his name is hard to spell). Kevin Burke of Patrick Street has my eternal loyalty from "If the Cap Fits" and "Sweeney's Dream," his solo fiddle work that he calls "naked fiddle." My current captivation is Oisin Mac Diarmada and Teada. I'm sure I'm leaving many good fiddle players off my list. I will be happy to read the other posts. Best Wishes.
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: choose your fiddlers
Mark Donnellan from Feakle ought to be a candidate for Ireland - he can swing a tune right over the top and back again.
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by ragaman
Re: choose your fiddlers
Nope, I don't think Buddy MacMaster is in the best of health right now. What about Howie MacDonald? Calum MacKinnon is also great for the Scottish style. Yes, Annbjorg and Alasdiar are fantastic!
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by esfiddle
Re: choose your fiddlers
typical of your ilk you display your lack of depth and knowledge when it comes to IRISH fiddlers no list could be complete without paddy glackin frankie gavin sean keane have any of you ever heard of paul mcnevin michelle o brien maeve donnelly brendan mulvihill etcetc
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by whistlehead
Re: choose your fiddlers
Kinnon Beaton, Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin, Catriona MacDonald, Jennifer Wrigley, Paul Bradley, Kevin Glackin, Paul O'Shaughnessy, Maeve Donnelly, Mary Custy, etc. etc.
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by slainte
Re: choose your fiddlers
Seamus Creagh.
Kari Reiman of Finland.
# Posted on March 17th 2005 by joesmith
Re: choose your fiddlers
Roisin Dillon, Paddy Glackin, and James Kelly. I also really like the guy from Danu's "Think Before you Think"
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Hickory6
Re: choose your fiddlers
From the other side of the 'pond', I'd suggest Liz Carrol, Pierre Schryer and Jerry Holland. However, what about some of the younger Scottish based players e.g. Clare McGlaughlin, Archie McAllister etc, etc. Also one of the many up and coming Shetland players e.g. Jenna Reid. As for the Irish contingent - where does one start - there are so many great fiddle players? However, how about Oisin Mac Diarmada, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh - possibly even a return visit by Connie & Aine O'Connell.
# Posted on April 2nd 2005 by Ron P
Re: choose your fiddlers
PS I know the budget's probably relatively limited - even if only one of the more expensive players was booked, that would be great.
# Posted on April 2nd 2005 by Ron P
Re: choose your fiddlers
Latest news, including the programme of concerts is here:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone/events/nafco06/news.shtml
# Posted on May 29th 2006 by Kenny