On the Air

I have acquired a sizable collection of Shetland CD's. Recently I presented a program of Shetland fiddle music on my local radio station (WMUA FM, 91.1, out of Amherst MA), with a good word or two about the Fiddle Frenzy. How the time did fly! I could have filled 24 hrs, but, in the 1.5 hr program, had to settle for a small sample of Tom Anderson, Aly Bain, Catriona MacDonald, Willie Hunter, Debbie Scott and Chris Stout, Fiddlers Bid and Blazin' Fiddles.

I recently purchased Debbie Scott's "The Selkie's Song", newly released on CD. Love it, especially her composition, 'Naomi Jane's Reel.'

Janet and I are considering a visit to Cape Breton for Celtic Colours in October, 2009. While this year's edition will feature Irish fiddlers, Chris Stout and Catriona McKay will be there, too, upholding Shetland tradition.

Mareel 2010

I am excited to learn that construction of Mareel, the new performance arts venue in Shetland, is about to begin, with opening planned for 2010. Descriptions and artist's renderings may be viewed at http://www.myspace.com/mareelshetland.

Unfortunately the dates of the Fiddle Frenzy do not work for either of the 2 ladies in 2009.
We hope to catch up with Mareel and the Frenzy in 2010.

The improved book of 'Frenzy' photos

Book Preview

The new, improved version of 'Keep Fiddling' is now available through the publisher, at the 'Blurb' web site. By clicking on the above book photo you will go to the site, where you may preview the book and order, if you wish. The soft cover version, 62 pages, is US$29.95.

The photos are identical to the previous version, except for the map of Shetland. I obtained official permission from Google to use their map and had to enlarge it to incorporate their logo. Beyond that, there are punctuation changes and minor changes in formatting of captions. The title is sligtly altered from Keep Fiddlin' to Keep Fiddling (too complicated to explain why).

While the 2 ladies appear as subjects in 7 of the photos, the remainder of the 80+ photos are scenic or relate to 'Frenzy' activities. The photo links at this web site contain my photos used in the book. There are additional photos in the book by Richard Wemyss of Shetland Arts.

Hope you'll take a look and enjoy.

New Year, New Book

I have created a book, Keep Fiddlin', from the photographs linked to on this page. I rushed copies for Christmas presents. I am quite pleased with the appearance, but feel a need to do some minor editing. So, I have removed the book link from this page. I hope to make it available again in 4-6 weeks. (Title from Catriona MacDonald - see post of Nov.17). Meanwhile, do as it suggests!

Camped out at the mailbox

I have ordered and eagerly await arrival of the new album by Bryan Gear with Violet Tulloch. Kebister Head was released on Dec. 3.

Island culture

Janet came across an academic journal online which features essays on island cultures, Shima: The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures. The journal originates in Australia, but a couple of articles deal with Shetland topics. Of most interest, in Vol.1, No. 2, Reinventing Springs, a discourse on Shetland fiddle styles and outside influences. Debbie Scott, Catriona MacDonald and Chris Stout are discussed. Vol. 2, No. 2 has an article on Fetlar, which will be one of the sites planned for the 2009 'Frenzy.' Jane

The music plays on

Before last year's 'Frenzy' , music was sent to all registrants to prepare for the final concert. Among the pieces were two - 'Fiddle' and 'Eileen's Waltz' - by Debbie Scott. Unfortunately Debbie did not attend the ' Frenzy', but I loved playing the pieces and became an instant fan. In Lerwick I bought Debbie's one and only album, 'Debbie Scott', a compilation released in 1999. This has become one of my favorites.

I also came home with a new album by Catriona MacDonald, 'Over the Moon.' I greatly admire her lush tone and phrasing, adding new insight to traditional tunes and infusing warmth to her own lovely compositions. Her beautiful rendition of an air by Tom Anderson on the album, 'Ian Robertson', displays Tom's great gift for melody as well as Catriona's great skills. [At a 'Frenzy' concert, Brian Gear played another unpublished Anderson air, 'Daybreak', further proof of Tom's gift. This tune is due to be published in the coming months, in Vol. 3 of his collected works.] Catriona's own lovely air, 'Wonderland', is on the new album.

When I bought Catriona's album , 'Bold' , a few years ago, she autographed it with the inscription, 'Keep Fiddling', which I have. In her new album she wrote, 'Come back soon' , which I intend. At this date it seems like August 2009 will involve family events in the USA for both Janet and myself. Maybe 'Celtic Colors' next fall, maybe back to Shetland in 2010. In the meantime, I keep it going via CD's with Catriona and Debbie, Willie Hunter, Chris Stout, Aly Bain, and Tom Anderson. Good company!