Description
Brilliant solo album from Wolfstone's fiddler, a local and regular visitor to our shop in Beauly. First class fiddling with tasteful, sympathetic backing from top musicians such as Phil Cunningham, Ivan Drever & Andy Thorburn. Atmospheric, moody, lively, sophisticated.. one of the best fiddle albums ever!
"Not only has grand technique and obvious skill, he also plays with great feeling." Living Tradition Magazine.
Duncan Chisholm was born in Inverness in 1968. He began to study the fiddle at the age of 8 under the tutelage of the renowned Highland fiddle player Donald Riddell. He studied with Donald for around 8 years learning a particular style of Highland fiddle music. The playing of pipe marches, Scott Skinner compositions and a love for playing slow airs formed the basis of his style and technique. Along with many players of his generation, he was inspired and influenced during his teenage years by groups such as The Bothy Band and Planxty who were constantly pushing out the boundaries of traditional Irish music. Other major influences were fiddle players such as Johnny Cunningham, Aly Bain, Cathal Hayden and bands such as Silly Wizard.
In 1987, Duncan recorded his debut solo album 'Wind on the Heath'. Unfortunately due to legal complications it is now unavailable, but the recording of the album was to make a significant impact on his life. It was during this time that Duncan made the acquaintance of bass player David Foster and together they started work on a studio project outwith Duncan's solo venture mixing traditional Highland music with rock music. This was eventually to become the first Wolfstone album.
With the formation and subsequent spiraling popularity of Wolfstone, Duncan turned professional in 1990 at the age of 21. This led to demanding tour schedules taking him across Europe, North America and as far afield as the Middle East and Asia.
In 1996 Duncan started work on this critically acclaimed solo album 'Redpoint'. It was recorded with the help of fellow Wolfstone members Stuart Eaglesham, Ivan Drever and long-term friends Phil Cunningham, Andy Thorburn and Graham Willoughby. Alistair Clark writing for The Scotsman described the album as a 'triumph' and Chisholm as a phenomenally gifted musician. This album was also the first release on Chisholm's independent label, Copperfish Records.
Over recent years Duncan has been a much sought after session musician playing with recording artists such as Donnie Munro, Blair Douglas, Connie Dover, The Lush Rollers and regularly does session work for television.
Duncan was a founding member of Blazin Fiddles, a group of six Highland fiddle players, dynamically bringing together many different styles of playing. He left the group due to pressure of other commitments.
Duncan is currently continuing to tour and record with Wolfstone whilst enjoying various tours and commitments with long-term friend and colleague Ivan Drever, an act that brings out the more traditional and emotive side of his playing.
Tracks: The Rose Of St Magnus; The Congress Set; Lady Ramsay; Asleep At The Wheel; Leaving Stoer; Kirkhill; Moonlight On Loch Ness; Marnie Swanson Set; The Lady Of Ardross.
See all of the Duncan Chisholm Fiddle CDs we stock at the Old School Beauly. And our complete Scottish Fiddle Music CD collection.