Fire and Grace: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
Celebrating the Rhythmic Soul of Scottish Music
Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
"A future classic of a Scots album". ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
Dazzling teamwork and driving, dancing rhythms mark the debut release by the duo of master Scottish fiddler and this brilliant young cellist.
Master fiddler Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as one of Scotland’s premier musical ambassadors, presents the rich Scottish fiddle tradition with unsurpassed eloquence, passion and energy. In his latest collaboration, with vibrant young cellist Natalie Haas, Alasdair continues his journey, exploring the dynamic and rhythmic soul of Scottish dance music together with lyrical, sensitive airs.
The duo’s debut CD, Fire & Grace displays the duo’s dazzling teamwork, virtuosic yet playful musicianship, and love for the driving, dancing rhythms of Scottish fiddle music.
“The cello was traditionally the back-up instrument to the fiddle in Scottish dance ensembles, into the 20th century,” says Fraser, “and it has long been one of my goals to put the cello right back there, at the rhythmic heart of Scottish music. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a sympathetic sparring partner in Natalie Haas—we can ‘duck and dive’ around each other, swap melody and harmony lines, or play off each other’s rhythmic riffs. We’re releasing the cello from its orchestral shackles, and unleashing its rhythmic power; it’s very exciting.”