Scots Fiddle Old And New ... Alastair Savage

Описание: Sunday 20th August 2023 Scots Fiddle Old And New
Canongate Kirk
Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Alastair Savage (Fiddle)
Euan Drysdale (Guitar and Piano)
Iain Crawford (Double Bass)

Filmed Allan McMillan

Set List

1 Chapel Keithack William Marshall (1748-1833)
The Marquis Of Huntly’s Farewell William Marshall
Milladen James Scott Skinner (1843-1927)
The Devil In The Kitchen William Ross (1822-1891)
The Devil And The Dirk James Scott Skinner

To open the concert a selection of famous melodies from the Scots tradition, featuring William Marshall and James Scott Skinner, two of history’s great fiddle composers. Also a melody by William Ross, he was piper to Queen Victoria and a close colleague of Skinner. All of these musicians alongside Niel Gow were celebrated on the trio’s 2018 album ‘When Barley Reaches Shore’.

2 St. Kilda Dances Trad.

The trio learnt these melodies from their great friend Eddie McGuire of the
Whistlebinkies band. These tunes are many centuries old and are part of an ancient collection from the St. Kilda islands.

3 Finlaggan’s Farewell Alastair Savage

Written by Alastair as part of a selection of tunes entitled ‘Islay Wedding Music’. This melody was composed after his marriage to Fiona in 2016 before they left Islay for their honeymoon on the island of Jura.


4 Jerusalem Ridge Bill Monroe (1911-1996)

This famous Bill Monroe classic was the opening track on the trio’s first recording ‘Closer To Home’ made in 2004. Known as the father of bluegrass, Monroe has influenced playing styles on both sides of the Atlantic.

5 Lost Jumper Alastair Savage
Say Old Man (can you play the fiddle?) Trad.

The first melody was written after the loss of an old Marks and Spencer sweater! Nothing profound! The second tune is a bluegrass fiddle classic that the trio arranged into their own progressive version.

6 Pockets Of Silence Alastair Savage

From the trio’s 2007 album ‘Fool For A time’. This melody is inspired by the stage play ‘Kes’ based on Barry Hines book ‘A Kestrel For A Knave’ which was first published in 1968.

7 Farewell To Whisky Niel Gow (1727-1807)
Highland Whisky Niel Gow
Miss Stewart Of Grandtully Niel Gow

A return to traditional Scotland with melodies by one of Scottish fiddle’s most famous composers. A slow air written during a barley shortage late 18th century followed by a great strathspey and a powerful reel. Much of Niel Gow’s music has survived in print thanks to the tireless work of his son Nathaniel in the publishing industry.


8 Trusty Fiere Alastair Savage
Bottles And Friends Alastair Savage

The final tracks on both ‘Fool for A Time’ (2007) and ‘Secrets From The
Kitty’ (2012) feature Robert Burns related themes. The first melody takes its name from words in Burns’ verses for Auld Lang Syne. The second is inspired by a picture seen by Alastair in his native Ayrshire homeland of Burns enjoying the company of his friends in a local tavern.

9 Da Bonxie Gideon Stove (1874-1954)

To complete the concert a brilliant reel by a great fiddler from the Shetland Isles glorious long history of notable exponents. Gideon Stove was a committed player and teacher over many decades, helping young players on the island to develop. He performed not just in folk concerts but was also accomplished in classical music too. Da bonxie is the local name for the great skua, a fearsome sea bird, sometimes known as the ‘pirate of the seas’.

Encore ... A Vanishing Way Of Life Alastair Savage

From the album ‘Secrets From The Kitty’ (2012). This track is inspired by a film shown on BBC Alba which tells the story of Kitty Ann MacQueen who returned to Eilean nan Ròn - Island of Seals - after 70 years exile. The island was evacuated in December 1938. The documentary tells the story through Kitty's memories, whose evocative and atmospheric narrative documents the island, its people and their ways, prior to the evacuation.

For all further info please visit www.alastairsavage.co.uk @Scotsfiddler