Alasdair Fraser is one of the greatest carriers of the Scottish fiddle music tradition, a fiddler whose warmly expressive playing, mastery of his instrument and deep understanding of his native music as a venerable and continually evolving art is an inspiration to generations of musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. This master fiddler from the Scottish Lowlands, plays a major role on the world stage as a both a performer and proponent of the traditional arts.
While Fraser treasures the experimental spirit and the extensive web of artistic collaborations, he’s also an exacting master who draws inspiration from the tensions inherent in the Scottish fiddle tradition. A body of tunes played on bagpipes blossomed when an infusion of Italian culture in 18th-century Edinburgh led to a violinistic, almost chamber-music approach to folkloric melodies. At the same time, fiddlers evoke the tradition’s ancient, wild roots as ecstatic dance music for communal celebrations.
He has also guested with The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Itzhak Perlman and Los Angeles Master Chorale, appeared on innumerable broadcasts including A Prairie Home Companion and CBS TV’s Kennedy Center Honors and performed on film soundtracks including The Last of the Mohicans and Titanic. A performer, educator, and cultural activist, Fraser has nurtured several generations of string players, but his influence extends far beyond the bandstand. In kindling a revival of traditional music at home, he’s provided a rousing score for Scotland’s rediscovery of itself.
The Folk Project is honored to present this world-renowned, top class, and honored talent. We welcome Alasdair Fraser to The Acoustic Stayaway and invite you all to join us.