Greentrax Recordings

Alasdair Fraser & Paul Machlis - Legacy Of The Scottish Fiddle vol 1 (CD)

CUL118D (released May 2001)

category: Culburnie Records

Alasdair Fraser (fiddle, viola) and Paul Machlis (piano, synthesizers) with Natalie Haas (cello) and Todd Phillips (bass).

The first of a series dedicated to Scotland's fiddle heritage, this album features classic favorites which Alasdair and Paul have performed over the many years of their partnership, including compositions from the pens of J. Scott Skinner, Simon Fraser, Nathaniel and Niel Gow, William Marshall and others.

This music is richly elegant and the playing is full of fire and grace. Alasdair says: 'In many ways this is the music dearest to my heart.'

The duo began collaborating in 1983, first recording their acclaimed album Skyedance, and more recently two albums with their Celtic supergroup Skyedance. Fraser has gained international fame as a performer and musical contributor to such hit films as The Last of the Mohicans and Titanic.

He has been featured on TV and radio programs worldwide, including US national broadcasts of CBS Sunday Morning, Kennedy Center Honors, A Prairie Home Companion and NPR's Morning Edition. His many recordings include Dawn Dance, which earned a 1995 Indie Award for Best Celtic Album.

Paul Machlis is highly regarded for the lyricism which he brings to the Celtic repertoire and to his original compositions on three solo albums.

'kickstarted the Celtic-New Age fusion that exploded in popularity in the 90s'

'the best Scottish fiddler of this generation, accompanied on piano in music that inspires' (Bill Compton, Sacramento News and Review)

'Absolutely brilliant! The best yet, it really demonstrates Alasdair's undiluted full range of talents.' (Ted McGraw, Irish Radio WWWG)

'The best Alasdair recording I've heard in a long time, if not ever ... Great to hear him playing good old Scots tunes' (Ed Miller, KUT FM)