Angus Chisholm - Early Recordings of Angus Chisholm

This album consists of all the commercial recordings made by Angus Chisholm, the finest exponent of traditional Scottish fiddling ever to record. His playing is defined by the exciting perfection of his brisk, articulate phrasing, each note shaped with total control and exquisite tone, the product of bowing almost too good to be believed. And too, the feeling, the rare eloquence of his music is without peer. Angus Chisholm's playing is the standard all Cape Breton fiddling is measured by. And more, it is esteemed now around the world for its artistry and beauty. [source Richard Nevins]

Personnel:
Angus Chisholm, fiddle;
Maybelle Chisholm, piano;
Bess Sidall MacDonald, piano;
Elizabeth Mellett, piano;
Mickey McIntyre, guitar

1. Newcastle, President Grant (hornpipes)

2. Medley of Inverness Jigs

3. Mrs Murray / The 10 Pound Fiddle / The Baker

4. Miss Lyall / Brother's Letter

5. Miss Minnie Foster / Fred Wilson's Clog

6. Glengarry's Dirk / Bonnie Lass of Fisherow / Bird's Nest

7. Rothermurches Rant / Braes of Auchertyre / Braes of Glencoe

8. Moonlight Clog / Hennessey's Hornpipe

9. Miss Cambell's / Jordie Jig

10. Lochaber Gathering / Bob Johnson's March & Reel

11. Tea Gardens / Mrs McGee

12. Irish Hornpipe / Marguirite McNeill / Joan McDonald

link to the free album

Angus Chisholm - Early Recordings of Angus Chisholm

Dwayne Côté - Introduction

Fiddler and composer Dwayne Côté was raised in a family deeply rooted in all aspects of Cape Breton, Irish and Scottish music traditions--his mother being a renowned dancer, instructor, and performer and his father, the late Gordon Côté, a celebrated Celtic fiddler and teacher. Dwayne has been performing since he was four years old and has played all over the world with artists like John Allan Cameron, Graham Townsend, Sean McGuire, Buddy MacMaster, Jerry Holland and Dave MacIsaac. A composer with more than 200 tunes registered with SOCAN, Dwayne is recognized as one of the most unique violinists and fiddlers in Atlantic Canada. This was his first release which came out on tape only in 1991.

 01-Top Of Cork Road

02-Blue Stocking Clog

03-Bog An Lochan

04-Dean Brig O'Edinburgh

05-Loch Earn Reel

06-The High Bridge Jig

07-Mrs. Ferguson Of Rath March

08-Ledy From Cavan Reel

09-Auld Robin Grey

10-Christie Campbell

link to the free album

Dwayne Côté - Introduction

Angus Chisholm - Early Recordings of Angus Chisholm

The Early Recordings of Angus Chisholm: Legendary performances of traditional Scottish Fiddling, Shanachie Records, 1978. Angus Chisholm was one of the first fiddlers from Cape Breton to record a commercially available album. Decca released the recording 14004 on November 18, 1934: Rothermarches Rant, Braes of Auchertyre, Moonlight Clog & Hennessey Hornpipes. This album consists of all the commercial recordings made by Angus Chisholm, the finest exponent of traditional Scottish fiddling ever to record. His playing is defined by the exciting perfection of his brisk, articulate phrasing, each note shaped with total control and exquisite tone, the product of bowing almost too good to be believed. And too, the feeling, the rare eloquence of his music is without peer. Angus Chisholm's playing is the standard all Cape Breton fiddling is measured by. And more, it is esteemed now around the world for its artistry and beauty.

Players:
Angus Chisholm, fiddle;
Maybelle Chisholm, piano;
Bess Sidall MacDonald, piano;
Elizabeth Mellett, piano;
Mickey McIntyre, guitar

1. Newcastle, President Grant (hornpipes)

2. Medley of Inverness Jigs

3. Mrs Murray / The 10 Pound Fiddle / The Baker

4. Miss Lyall / Brother's Letter

5. Miss Minnie Foster / Fred Wilson's Clog

6. Glengarry's Dirk / Bonnie Lass of Fisherow / Bird's Nest

7. Rothermurches Rant / Braes of Auchertyre / Braes of Glencoe

8. Moonlight Clog / Hennessey's Hornpipe

9. Miss Cambell's / Jordie Jig

10. Lochaber Gathering / Bob Johnson's March & Reel

11. Tea Gardens / Mrs McGee

12. Irish Hornpipe / Marguirite McNeill / Joan McDonald

link to the free album

Angus Chisholm - Early Recordings of Angus Chisholm

Colin J. Boyd - Pioneer Scottish Fiddler

Colin J. Boyd was born in West Lakevale, Antigonish Country, Nova Scotia on January 1, 1891. He took a great interest in the violin at age three and would listen intently to his uncle Hughie MacGillivary. When Hughie died his fiddle was given to Colin who was then twelve years old. He was kept busy playing for concerts, dances and weddings.

The economy in Nova Scotia hit a slump and in 1909 Colin went to work in Ontario. Then he spent from 1911 to 1916 working in Boston where he studied violin and learned to read music. It was during this time he composed his most famous fiddle tune "The Little Burnt Potato".  Colin was the first Nova Scotian in the old time or country field to make commercial recordings. He first recorded in Montreal for Brunswick on March 19, 1932. He also recorded 78's on the Columbia and Celtic labels. He last recorded an LP in 1963 at the age of 72. His old 78's were re-issued on LP in 1979.

Although Colin did not make a lot of money on music, he got much enjoyment from playing and entertaining. His home was always open to anyone wanting to hear a tune and he never refused to play.

01-The Little Burnt Potato
02-Casey's Pig
03-Tarbolton Lodge
04-Sterling Castle
05-The Flowers Of May
06-Medley Of Highland Flings
07-Medley Of Strathspeys & Reels
08-Medley Of Scottish Reels
09-Medley Of Scottish Jigs
10-Paddy On The Turnpike
11-Domhnull Tailear; Brochan Lom
12-Heather On The Hill; Bonnie Annie; Cabar Feidh
13-Little John's Hame; This Is No My Ain Lassie; Jamie Hardie
14-The Mist On The Loch; Bonnie Lass O' Fisher Row

link to the free album

Colin J. Boyd - Pioneer Scottish Fiddler

Johnny Mooring - Fiddlin' Fun With Johnny Mooring

Johnny Mooring, was the only fiddler in the long history of the North American Fiddling Championship to win the title 3 years in a row.  1964, 1965 and 1966 saw Johnny sweep to victory over stiff competition, an achievement which will be hard to equal. Mooring learned the rudiments of playing the fiddle from his mother - and from the time he first picked up the instrument it became an extension of the man for the rest of his life. At the age of 12, Mooring started playing the fiddle for parties. He remembered his early beginnings and humble ancestry by carrying with him throughout his life the first payment he ever received... 35 cents. He became one of the most respected fiddle players in North America. No such happy ending to the story as Johnny Mooring was beaten to death by a jealous Husband on March 28, 1974 aged 47.

Pembroke Reel

Blind Man’s Reel

Draggin’ The Bow

Dauphin Waltz

Wild Colonial Boy

Duke And Duchess Of Edinburgh Reel

Fiddlin’ Red Waltz

Black Velvet Waltz

Chateauguay Reel

Rockin’ Alone In An Old Rocking Chair

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Johnny Mooring - Fiddlin' Fun With Johnny Mooring

Bill Sawyer - Fiddling For Fun

Bill Sawyer started out in his musical career playing for local jamborees and dances in and around his home town of Carlisle, Quebec. what is perhaps remarkable about this, is that at this time in his life he wasn’t as yet even in his teens! Whenever word went out that “Little Billy Sawyer” was appearing, people from miles around the community would gather to see and hear this fiddle playing boy wonder. This 1973 album will more than satisfy fiddle fans everywhere.

1 Soldier’s Joy
2 Blue Water Hornpipe
3 Kevin’s Jig
4 Flowers Of Edinburgh
5 Faded Love
6 Sawyer’s Hornpipe
7 Daryl’s Hornpipe
8 Smash The Window
9 Joys of Québec
10 St. Anne’s Reel
11 Rippling Water Jig
12 Rubber Dolly

link to the free album

Bill Sawyer - Fiddling For Fun

Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - A Selection of new Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys, Hornpipes & Waltzes

Winston 'Scotty' Fitzgerald was a renowned Cape Breton fiddler. He was a pioneer in recorded performances of the music, and has heavily influenced the style and repertoire of later generations of players. Both his father and older brother played the violin, and Winston began to take an interest in playing at age eight. His first public performance was at a picnic at age twelve. The Fitzgeralds worked as fishermen in the summer, and in the 1930s Winston also worked at the shipyards in Halifax in the winter. During this time, Winston played radio shows and tours with Hank Snow for about two and a half years. Winston formed a group called the "Radio Entertainers" with Beattie Wallace (piano) and Estwood Davidson (guitar). The group recorded numerous 78s, as well as four LPs. As he became better known, Winston also got exposure playing on the 'Cliff MacKay' and 'Don Messer' shows. Later, he played as part of the Cape Breton Symphony on The John Allan Cameron Show. Never a full-time musician, he worked at a variety of jobs, including cooking, carpentry, and aluminum work.

1-Clan Munro Strathspey

2-Clay Pipe

3-Quay Side

4-Old Southern Waltz

5-The Laird O'Dumblair

6-McNabb's Hornpipe

7-Medley Of Antigonish Polkas

8-Salute To Boston

9-Mrs. MacAulay's

10-Mrs. J. Walker

11-Crossing To Ireland

12-Stirling Militia March

link to the free album

Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - A Selection of new Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys, Hornpipes & Waltzes

Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - Canada's Outstanding Scottish Fiddler

Winston 'Scotty' Fitzgerald was a renowned Cape Breton fiddler. He was a pioneer in recorded performances of the music, and has heavily influenced the style and repertoire of later generations of players. Both his father and older brother played the violin, and Winston began to take an interest in playing at age eight. His first public performance was at a picnic at age twelve. The Fitzgeralds worked as fishermen in the summer, and in the 1930s Winston also worked at the shipyards in Halifax in the winter. During this time, Winston played radio shows and tours with Hank Snow for about two and a half years. Winston formed a group called the "Radio Entertainers" with Beattie Wallace (piano) and Estwood Davidson (guitar). The group recorded numerous 78s, as well as four LPs. As he became better known, Winston also got exposure playing on the 'Cliff MacKay' and 'Don Messer' shows. Later, he played as part of the Cape Breton Symphony on The John Allan Cameron Show. Never a full-time musician, he worked at a variety of jobs, including cooking, carpentry, and aluminum work.

1. The Iron Man/Riddrie/Mrs. Douglas Of Ednam 
2. Gan Ainm/So I’m Off With The Good St. Nicholas Boat 
3. Archie Menzie/Fisher’s 
4. Little John’s Hame/Jamie Hardie 
5. The Wonder/The Newcastle/President Garfield 
6. Miss Ann MacCormack/Sleepy Maggie 
7. The Marchioness Of Huntley/Miss Maule/Lady Glenorchy 
8. Teviot Bridge/The Stool Of Repentance 
9. Hiawatha/Jimmy Linn’s/The College 
10. St. Kilda Wedding/Trip To Windsor 
11. Mist On The Loch/Bonnie Kate 

link to the free album

Winston Scotty Fitzgerald - Canada's Outstanding Scottish Fiddler

Ricky Cormier - Canadian Junior Fiddle Champion

Ricky Cormier was a mere 15 year old when this fine album was released in 1974. Ricky, who has been helped immensely by his father Ed Cormier, already had begun to gather a list of achievements - he won the 12 and under class in Perth in 1971 and 1973, the 16  and under class in Marmora in 1973 and 1974, 3rd in the 12 and under in Shelburne in 1971 and second in the 12 and under class in Petrolia in 1974 and 1st in the 12 and under class in Cayuga in 1974, among other accomplishments.

Big John McNeil
Andy's Jig
Waylon's Breakdown
Shannon Waltz
Ole French Reel
Angus Campbell
Jacket Trimmed in Blue
Joys of Wedlock
Whiskey Before Breakfast
Black Velvet Waltz
Way Down Yonder
Honest John

link to the free album

Ricky Cormier - Canadian Junior Fiddle Champion

Various Artists - 16 Great Jigs and Reels by Canada's Top Fiddlers

A heady blend of Cape Breton, Scottish & Irish fiddle tunes brought to you by some of Canada's Top Fiddlers. This is the first volume of a two volume set [second to follow shortly]


01-Don Messer & His Islanders-Buckwheat Batter
02-Jimmie MacLellan-Humours Of Boston & Democratic Rage Hornpipe
03-Johnny Mooring-Carl's Favourite Jig
04-Joe Murphy Band-Little Judique Reel
05-June Eikhard-Highland Jig
06-Graham Townsend-Don Tremaine's Reel
07-Bernie Leigh & Joe MacDougall-Jimmy's Favourite Jig
08-The Rodgers Bros.-St. Ann's Reel
09-Jimmie MacLellan-Dusty Bob's Jig & Old Red Barn Jig
10-Don Messer & His Islanders-Riley's Favourite Reel
11-Joe Murphy Band-The Champion Jig
12-June Eikhard-Rodeo Reel
13-Ed Gyurki-Smash The Window
14-Bernie Leigh & Joe MacDougall-Fiddle Head Reel
15-Graham Townsend-East Coast Jig
16-Joe Murphy Band-Parry Sound Reel

link to the free album
Various Artists - 16 Great Jigs and Reels by Canada's Top Fiddlers

Jerry Holland - Fiddlesticks Collection

20 tracks, 64 tunes [18 are Jerry Holland compositions] of recordings by Jerry Holland released between 1982 and 1992, including five tracks not released before. Accompanied by the terrific piano playing talents of Hilda Chiasson, John Morris Rankin and Allan Dewar. The spirited honky tonk playing these three produce provides the perfect foil for the exuberant fiddle of Jerry Holland. Cape Breton fiddlers generally go flat out but Jerry goes hell for leather and the piano players mentioned give as good as they get. Dave MacIssac puts in some solid work on the guitar on most of the tracks but the show is really stolen by the feud between the fiddle and the piano.

There's also a fantastic live track closing the album: "Sheehan's Reel/The Flowers of Edinburgh/Miss MacLeod's Reel" featuring Holland, Ralph Dillon on piano, Bruce Timmons on guitar and Berkley Lamey on bass.

1. Reichswall Forest, Easter Elachies, Winston In The ’50s, Mrs Gordon Of Knockespoch
2. Andy DeJarlis', Ingonish Jig, Mrs. McGhee
3. Cutting Ferns, Alex Dan MacIssac's, Brenda Stubbert’s, Mutt’s Favorite, Bernadette’s, Lady Gordon Of Gordonstown
4. Jenny's Wedding, Drowsy Maggie, The Shaskeen Reel
5. The Hearty Boys Of Ballymote/Dan Collins' Fathers
6. Cranking Out, Lifely Steps, Garmont Smiddy's Reel
7. Reel For Carl
8. Beautiful Lake Ainsliel Miss Grace Menzie's, Mr. Bernard.
9. Arthur Muise, Buddy In Big Pond, Mary Cotter's
10. Souter Johnny, Irvine Steeple, O'Corse
11. Alex Menzie's, Lad O'Bryne's, Dublin Porter
12. The Ashokan Farewell
13. The MacDonalds Of Hamilton, Danny Big Alec MacDonald, Big Alec’s
14. The Old Boar, My Old Fiddle, Fiddle On Fire
15. Fr. John Angus Rankin, Trip To Dublin, Aoife’s, Harry Bradshaw’s, Johnny Muise’s
16. Sweet Journeys
17. Mrs. Crawford, Over The Moor Among The Heather, Kiss The Lass Ye Like The Best, Uist Lasses, Sir David Davidson Of Cantry, Celtic Ceilidh
18. Memories Of Elmer Briand, Hughie Johnny Angus Of West Mabou, An Old Inverness County, The Cross Of Inverness
19. Drummond Castle, What'll Be King But Charlie, Jerry’s Pipe
20. Sheehan's Reel, The Flowers Of Edinburgh, Miss MacLeod’s

link to the free album

Jerry Holland Fiddlesticks Collection

Johnny Wilmot - Another Side of Cape Breton

Another Side of Cape Breton presents Johnny Wilmot's early recordings [1951-64]. Johnny was a true master of both Cape Breton Irish and Cape Breton Scottish traditional styles. In addition to fiddle and piano selections [with Margaret MacPhee or Mildred Leadbeater] there are tracks with tin whistle [Chris Langan] and others with harmonica [Tommy Basker]. These extraordinary examples of Cape Breton fiddle tradition are rooted in the house parties and dances of Cape Breton’s Northside. Wilmot’s music is driving, emotional, and absolutely unbeatable. These cuts are a rare and terrific find.

Artists
Johnny Wilmot ~ fiddle
Mildred Leadbeater ~ piano
Margaret MacPhee ~ piano
Tommy Basker ~ harmonica
Chris Langan ~ whistle
Bill Legere ~ upright bass
Bill MacDonald ~ guitar
John Angus Kennedy ~ guitar

01-Tom Ward's Downfall, Jackson's Reel

02-Baddeck Gathering Medley

03-Dr. Gilbert's Reel, The Queen Of May

04-Jug Of Punch Medley

05-Lord Gordon's Reel

06-An Inverness Jig.

07-Basker's Rambles

08-Maid Behind The Bar, Flax In Bloom

09-Maids Of Tramore

10-Orange And Blue, Kitty Of Oulart

11-Jackson's Polka

12-King's Jig, An Irish Jig

13-Boys Of The Loch Medley

14-Geese In The Bog

15-Woman Of The House

16-Old Grey Goose, The Clay Pipe

17-Nova Scotia Barn Dance Medley

18-Frost Is All Over, Lark In The Morning

19-Bird In The Tree, The Mourne Mountains

20-Devine's Favourite, The Rambler

21-Flannel Jacket

22-Cape Breton Favourite, Whiskey Jig

23-Hughie Shorty's Reel, Walker Street Reel

link to the free album

Johnny Wilmot - Another Side of Cape Breton

Eddy Poirier - Fiddling In The Irish, Scottish And Cape Breton Style

Eddie Poirier, born and raised in the Maritimes is well acquainted with the regional music of the area. The proof of which lies within this 1970;s album. On the album, you'll find Eddy Poirier at his fiddlin' best. A truly fine selection of tunes including one of Eddy's own compositions "Lord Albert Jig" written especially for this album.

01-Pet Of The Piper, Harper's Fancy
02-Donigal Hornpipe, Sandhill Hornpipe
03-Seige Of Innis
04-Lord Albert Jig
05-Moon Coin, Paddy Cronin's Reel
06-Hughie Shortie's Reel, Walker St. Reel
07-Sheehan's Reel, Patty On The Turnpike
08-French Reel
09-Reeve's Reel
10-When The Kettle Boils Over, The Lark In The Morning
11-The Tea Tottler Reel
12-Mora Shein Reel, Capre Phe

link to the free album

Eddy Poirier - Fiddling In The Irish, Scottish And Cape Breton Style

 

Joe MacLean - Old Time Scottish Fiddle Music From Cape Breton Island

In the '50s and '60s Joe MacLean made a number of influential recordings. This album was recorded in 1977, but has only recently been released. As with all of Joe's recordings, the repertoire is inspiring. . His bowing seems to cut and slide across the strings with frolicking abandon, while his left hand fingering is precise and flowing. The result is a collection of 11 tracks, played in MacLean's distinctive style, which demonstrates the vibrant community into which today's fiddlers were born. It comes as no surprise that we now have the likes of Natalie MacMaster. Accompaniment is provided by Lila Hashem on Piano and Peter Dominic on drums, All the musicians work well together, recapturing on record some of the tunes Joe MacLean had learned throughout his life. "When you have a great gift," says MacLean, "you have a responsibility to share it with others to make their lives a little better if you can.".

1.  Nancy

2.  i. Inverness Strathspey (by Wm.Morrison)

    ii. Margaret MacDonald's Delight Reel

    iii. Atholian Hills

    iv. Miss Proud

3.  i. Mabou Jig

    ii. Orange and Blue

    iii. Annie Golletti ... Little Judique Donald

4.  i.Duke of Gordon's Birthday

    ii. Green Grow the Rushes

    iii. King of the Clans

5.  i. Memories of Joe MacInnis

    ii. Untitled strathspey

    iii. Reel

    iv. Stephanie Marie MacLean (Dan. R. MacDonald)

    v. Foxie Mary (aka Roaring Mary)

6.  i. Captain Campbell of Melford

    ii. Mrs. MacDonald

    iii. Untitled Jig (Maybe Dan R.)

7.  i. The Bonnie Lass of Headlake (Gordon MacQuarrie) march

    ii. Miss Stewart Menzies

    iii. ??? dancing strathspey (maybe composed by Joe)

    iv. Miss Gordon's Reel

    v. ...traditional

    vi. Dolmar Reel (Dan R. MacDonald)

8.  i. Mr. Able Banks

    ii. The Tweedale Club (Nathaniel Gow)

    iii. Lady Gordon of Gordonstown

    iv. Miss Jean Aberdeen

    v. Mrs Campbell of Lochnell (Robert MacIntosh)

    vi. traditional

    vii. Kelvack (sometimes high bass)

    viii. traditional

    ix. The Old Bog Hole

9.  i.Fiddlers Joy

    ii. Charlie Hunter (Bobby MacLeod)

    iii. Joe's Favourite Jig

10. i. The Headlands March (Ronnie Cooper)

    ii. Miller of Camserney

    iii. Killravock

    iv. Visits With Joe MacLean

    v. Old Bog Hole

11. Kitchen Party Medley

    i. traditional slow strathspey

    ii. strathspey ...Mr. MacAndrew

    iii. Jenny Pippin

    iv. trad reel

    v. The Trussel Reel

    vi. Wedderburn House, (Abraham MacIntosh)

    vii. General Stewart

    viii. Uist Lasses

    ix. Sir David Davidson (Lowe)

    x. Your Welcome Charlie

        xi. MacKenzie Fraser (Skinner) Scottish Maker

        xii Donald MacGuigan

        xiii Steer Gill

link to the free album

Joe MacLean - Old Time Scottish Fiddle Music From Cape Breton Island

Various Artists - Jigs & Reels

Some of Cape Breton's finest musicians featured here serving up a delicious blend of Celtic Traditional music on this fine a,bum Jigs & Reels. The tracks originate from Cape Breton, Ireland & Scotland. Very little info is available on line regarding this album other than it was released on the small Canadian Cavalcade label, who were active in the 1970's. Otherwise it's a mighty good Cèilidh Cape Breton style.

01-Johnny Mooring-Pembroke Reel
02-Reg Hill-Kiddy Car Reel
03-Graham Townsend-East York Jig
04-Cye Steele-Blind Man's Reel
05-Reg Hill-Logger's Jig
06-Reg Hill-Musty Muldoon's Irish Jig
07-John Woods-Ploughboy's Reel
08-Reg Hill-Sleigh Ride Reel
09-Reg Hill-Short Grass Jig
10-Johnny Mooring-Trapper's Jig
11-Reg Hill-Timber Raft Jig
12-Graham Townsend-Rippling Water Jig
13-Joe MacIsaac-Big John McNeill
14-Graham Townsend-Buckingham Reel
15-Graham Townsend-Sunset Jig
16-Rodgers Brothers-St. Ann's Reel
17-Johnny Mooring-Clayton Poirier Reel
18-Jimmy Chapman-Todd's Island Breakdown
19-Jim Mayhew-Nellie's Jig
20-June Eikhard-Journeyman's Jig
21-Graham Townsend-Prince County Jig

link to the free album

Various Artists - Jigs & Reels

Eleanor Townsend - Lark Of The Morning

Eleanor Townsend studied classical violin from age 8 to 18 before turning to Celtic Traditional fiddling. She won the women's class of the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddlers' Contest in 1967, 1969, 1970, and 1974, and in 1979 became the first woman to win the open class; she remained the only female champion until 1998. Eleanor made several excellent albums and Lark Of The Morning released in 1976 remains my favourite.

01-Road To Lake Dore, Ridgeway Merchant, Tuck Your Shirt In
02-Cornhusker's Reel, White House Reel, The Lone Fiddler
03-Montgomery's Farewell
04-Rosebud Of Avondale
05-Social Sixty, Peeler's Jacket, The Lame Fisherman
06-Bayview Reel
07-Route To Ripley
08-Lakes Of Kildare, Lark Of The Morning
09-Toronto Waltz
10-Spirit Of Springhill, Port Severn Breakdown,Coldwater Reel

link to the free album

Eleanor Townsend - Lark Of The Morning

Graham Townsend - Classics of Irish, Scottish, and French Canadian Fiddling

A quality blend of Irish jigs with Scots Strathspeys and the usual diverse local arrangements is what most attracts me to the Cape Breton Traditional genre. Here Graham Townsend, fiddle ably accompanied by Glenn Paul, piano provide selections from this entire musical spectrum, Renowned Irish fiddlers Billy Crawford taught Townsend many of the Irish tunes on offer here. Although Graham is a prolific and talented composer  Le two-step d’Armand is the only Townsend original to appear on this album which leaves room for him to pay tribute to the classic fiddle repertoire that has always been his first love in music.


Bob’s Double Clog / Jackie Coleman’s / Ballinaslow Fair;
Plymouth Lasses / Maggie Brown’s Fancy / Buttermilk Mary;
Stacks of Barley / The Galway / The Golden Eagle;
Trouble Among the Yearlings;
Partie de lancier / Marche Carolino;
Indian Reel;
Bonnie Kate / Pigeon on the Pier; Le two-step d’Armand;
 Reel Pointe Au Pic;
Crowley’s Reel / Teetotallers;
Eugene Straton / The Arthur Seat / Banks Hornpipe;
The Rakes of Kildare / Dan the Cobbler / Geese in the Bog;
Lucy Campbell / Walker Street;
The Iron Man / Jamie Hardie;
Reel de mon grandpere / La Belle Catherinette;
The Judique Jig Medley

link to the free album

Graham Townsend - Classics of Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadian Fiddling