ALASDAIR FRASER and NATALIE HAAS
Item Posted: Monday 13th October , 2008
FIDDLE WEEKEND
Free ‘Come and Try’ sessions are on offer in Lochgoilhead and Strachur on Saturday 11th August, followed by a very special concert at Lochgoilhead on Sunday 12th.
Most of you will have heard the internationally renowned fiddler, Alasdair Fraser, even if you do not know it! He was the solo fiddler on the sound track of The Last of the Mohicans and Titanic, as well as many other major films. Given that he has featured in over 100 TV shows in the UK and US, and been involved in more than 50 albums, with over two million in sales, Cowal is particularly lucky to catch him for a concert during his 2007 tour with cellist Natalie Haas, particularly as most of their gigs will be in big venues such as the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow
Amongst traditional music aficionados world wide, Fraser is considered to be a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling. A consummate exponent of the best of the old and the most interesting of the new, his dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created international demand for his concerts.
Through two summer programs that he founded - the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California and a week-long course on the Isle of Skye - Alasdair has inspired hundreds of aspiring and accomplished musicians, including being influential in developing Glasgow Fiddle Workshop and inspiring the founders of Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop. Several of his tunes are now standard in the repertoire for Scottish, Irish, and contra dancing, and can be heard in sessions from Edinburgh to Canberra. As he says himself: "Scotland's music is so rich. It can speak to every mood and emotion, from wild, raucous dance tunes to plaintive airs. But it's crucial that it not be regarded as a museum piece, or finished product. What keeps the music alive is that each player puts a personal spin on it. You have to make the music your own."
His album with the very talented young American cellist, Natalie Haas, Fire and Grace, was album of the year at The Scots Trad Awards in 2004. .People may be familiar with the gorgeous, melodic cello sound, but they're surprised to learn that the cello used to comprise the rhythm section in Scottish dance bands. ‘Natalie Haas unleashes textures and deep, powerful rhythms that drive fiddle tunes. She has a great sense of exploration and excitement for the music.’ Haas can switch just as effortlessly as Fraser from a gentle singing tone to driving, dancing melody; and more than once she shows rock'n'roll influences bordering on the sinful! As BBC Radio Scotland commented on their performance at Celtic Connections: "With the fiddle taking the lead melody, Natalie's funky, syncopated rhythm accompaniment had the audience enthralled, then the cello swung into action with Alasdair providing harmonies. The ability of both musicians to compliment the other's playing was fluent, varied, and highly entertaining."
On Saturday 11th Cowal adult residents and visitors have the opportunity of a FREE come and try the fiddle session with the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop’s new tutor, Skye’s Sarah Naylor, who has won the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship and was the Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2005. Despite her youth she has already established an enviable reputation as a fine and encouraging tutor, and has recently produced training DVDs.
Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop will provide the fiddles-all you have to do is come along. It’s not going to be at all serious-we guarantee lots of good humour and laughs, and perhaps you’ll find something to love…Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop will be starting a new Beginners’ class in the autumn, so this is the easiest way to find out if you have an interest. Sessions run for about an hour and a half. If you know anyone who might want to have a go, please ask them to contact us on 01301 703504. Although free, places should preferably be booked, as we need to provide fiddles, and numbers are limited.
Saturday 11th 10.00 a.m FREE adult come and try at Strachur Memorial Hall
Saturday 11th 2.00 p.m. FREE adult come and try at Lochgoilhead Village Hall
Sunday 12th 3.00 p.m. Concert at Lochgoilhead Village Hall (Adults £8.00, schoolchildren FREE)
More info on www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk. Bookings 01301 703504)