The mighty Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers celebrated their 20th anniversary last year by bringing their unique take on Scottish music back home. The fiddlers have just released the CD “Homecoming” following the tour, and it includes an intriguing collaboration with Shetland fiddle legend Chris Stout, who sings (yes sings!) with another (former Silly) Wizard, guitarist Neil Adam. The song “where Cold Night” is a highlight of the album, which can be heard here: https://melbournescottishfiddleclub.bandcamp.com/
Those who saw the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers in the mainland and on Shetland last September were blown away by their humour and energy. Not resting on their laurels, the 50 strong group is celebrating their 21st year by collaborating with Alasdair Fraser to create a new trad music camp, Stringmania!
The camp will be held in the beautiful Yarra ranges in the southern spring time, and will be a celebration of trad music built around not only the tried and true teaching and playing of Alasdair Fraser with Natalie Haas, with guests Catriona Macdonald (Shetland) and Timo Alakotila (Finland) but will also bring to the fore the songs and language of Australia – through the teaching of indigenous singer , philosopher and writer Gina Williams, the playing and singing of Jenny M Thomas, and many other fine Oz performers.
Find out more about the camp by visiting these sites:
www.stringmaniacamp.com;
www.melbournescottishfiddlers.com
By Judy Turner, May 13 2016