AVAILABLE NOW
The new material is mostly original with influences from rock, pop, Latin and classical music featuring guest artists Rhiannon Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma & Brian Finnegan as well as their daughter Mary Frances Leahy on “Choo Choo”. Their live show which sells out performing arts centres across North America features all seven of their children playing instruments in addition to MacMaster & Leahy themselves. Listening to Canvas showcases the talent of both musicians who are admired by fans such Shania Twain & The Chieftains around the world from Sydney Nova Scotia to Sydney Australia.
- Canvas 1:03
- Colour Theory (ft Brian Finnegan) 3:43
- Dance Arnold Dance 3:37
- Woman of the House (ft Rhiannon Giddens) 3:42
- So You Love (ft Yo-Yo Ma) 5:46
- Galicia 5:38
- Choo Choo (ft Mary Frances Leahy) 2:20
- The Case of the Mysterious Squabbyquash (ft Elmer Ferrer) 3:26
- Caramelo (ft Josemi Carmona) 5:02
- East Neuk of Fife 3:59
- The Laird O’Bemersyde 4:06
- Wish You Were Near 4:12
- Voice Memo 3049 1:34
COMING SOON
March 17th, 2023
The new material is mostly original with influences from rock, pop, Latin and classical music featuring guest artists Rhiannon Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma & Brian Finnegan as well as their daughter Mary Frances Leahy on “Choo Choo”. Their live show which sells out performing arts centres across North America features all seven of their children playing instruments in addition to MacMaster & Leahy themselves. Listening to Canvas showcases the talent of both musicians who are admired by fans such Shania Twain & The Chieftains around the world from Sydney Nova Scotia to Sydney Australia.
- Canvas 1:03
- Colour Theory (ft Brian Finnegan) 3:43
- Dance Arnold Dance 3:37
- Woman of the House (ft Rhiannon Giddens) 3:42
- So You Love (ft Yo-Yo Ma) 5:46
- Galicia 5:38
- Choo Choo (ft Mary Frances Leahy) 2:20
- The Case of the Mysterious Squabbyquash (ft Elmer Ferrer) 3:26
- Caramelo (ft Josemi Carmona) 5:02
- East Neuk of Fife 3:59
- The Laird O’Bemersyde 4:06
- Wish You Were Near 4:12
- Voice Memo 3049 1:34
Release Date: 2016
Here we are celebrating another Christmas and isn’t each one so unique; from the magic and excitement of childhood, and the roaming and wonderment of the teens, to the arrival of adult hood and its independence and opportunity, to the married years of shared adventure and joy, and now on to parenthood and a new understanding of ourselves and the sweetness of children.
I always remind myself every year that Christmas doesn’t need to be what it once was, because as humans,
we are ever growing and evolving and so too will our experiences. But music has always been and always should be an important part of the season. For Donnell and I, Christmas has always given us beautiful moments and memories. And now as parents, we hope to help create the same for our children in our own way.
This record is a first for us.
I have never recorded a Christmas record before and Donnell was 14 the last time he recorded
Christmas with The Leahy Family! So for years it has been a hope, but now it is a reality.
We have even included a little moment from our children here to complete the family Christmas tradition!
We hope you enjoy our brand of holiday music. We absolutely had a glorious time creating it with our favoured musicians who did a delightful job. And as for this time of year, my hope for our family and yours is that we all get a moment to stay still long enough to feel the love, peace and joy that Christmas can bring.
May we recognize and cherish the treasures we have in this world and may we share our own abundant gifts.
And for us, that is the music you are about to hear.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Love Natalie and Donnell
1. Angels We Have Heard On High
2. White Christmas
3. The Christmas Medley
4. Up On The House Top
5. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
6. Twelve Days Of Christmas
7. Little Drummer Boy
8. What Child Is This
9. Ding Dong Merrily On High
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
11. Silent Night
Release date: April 28, 2015
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Join forces on “ONE”.
Bob Ezrin produced the debut album set for worldwide release April 28, 2015
Natalie MacMaster is the globally acclaimed Cape Breton fiddle player who has appeared on numerous CBC, CTV and PBS TV shows and sold over 200,000 albums. Donnell Leahy is the incendiary musical leader of Double Platinum selling, festival headlining Celtic family group Leahy. The two musical prodigies met as teenagers, found individual massive career success, and eventually reconnected and were married, becoming the first couple of Celtic music. Today the famous couple have six children, and perform together to sold out crowds in theatres across North America and the UK. They never, however, found the opportunity to record together – until now.
It was a chance meeting of Natalie with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple) at a session he was producing for Scottish born Canadian singing star Johnny Reid that led to the unlikely musical match between the star producer and the Celtic couple. Smitten with their sound, Bob recruited Justin Cortelyou (Taylor Swift, Ke$ha, Alan Jackson), to co-produce, and the two headed to Cape Breton to record the Celtic couple with ace session musicians Mark Kelso, Mac Morin, Tim Edey, Jamie Gatti, Rachel Aucoin and Sabin Jacques.
When asked about their experience recording with such an iconic producer, Natalie offered, “Bob Ezrin is so musical, truthful and honest in how he works. He heard the music the same way we did.” Donnell added “This album is far beyond anything we ever imagined it being.”
Bob Ezrin explains how exciting it is to work with people who are masters at their craft, “Both Natalie and Donnell are truly brilliant musicians whose instruments have become a natural extension of their bodies. They are such accomplished players that whatever they think of they can produce on their violins. It’s absolutely magical!”
There is energy and freshness, and unparalleled musicality on “ONE”, a completely instrumental album with creative medleys in the Celtic style mixed with originals, with the exception of one track, a deeply emotional vocal lament “Cagaran Gaolach” sung by Natalie – marking her first ever lead feature vocal to appear on an album. Some of the unconventional approaches used in the studio for this fiddle-centric album included distorted electric guitars on the driving up tempo “Fiddler’s Despair”, and two players on one piano on “Pastiche for Anne” and a drum kit made of paint cans and a cardboard box on “Joyous Waltz.”
Natalie and Donnell embark on the first leg of an expansive North American tour in February – the majority of dates sold out in advance – billed as “Visions From Cape Breton and Beyond”, a show which will feature many of the songs from “ONE”.
“We really can’t imagine ourselves doing anything else. All of this coming together was inevitable.” – Donnell Leahy
01. St. Nicks
02. The Chase
03. The Whistler of Rosslea
04. Pastiche for Anne
05. Fiddler’s Despair
06. Hector The Hero
07. Wedding Day Jig
08. Ellin Polka
09. Joyous Waltz
10. Tribute To Buddy
11. Clog Medley
12. Cagaran Gaolach
13. Bonus track: The Balkan Hills
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Recorded at Glen Gould Studios in Toronto, ‘Cape Breton Girl’ sees Natalie return to her roots with a traditionally based album which embodies the true Cape Breton sound.
Natalie explains: “While there are other instruments on the recording, it’s the piano and fiddle, the core instruments of Cape Breton music, that make up the bulk of the sound on this recording”.
1. F Medley
2. Butcher’s Jig Set
3. Stumpie
4. The Methlick Style
5. Christine Deagal’s Flight
6. Alex MacMaster’s Jig
7. Stoney Lake Reels
8. The Sister’s Reel
9. Jimmy MacKinnon of Smelt Brook
10. My Brother Kevin
11. Pretty Marion
12. Our Father
Release date Canada: October 3, 2006
Release date USA: October 10, 2006
Recorded in Halifax, Kingston, Toronto and Calgary, “Yours Truly” is Natalie’s 10th release, co-produced with husband Donnell Leahy.
It features a mix of traditional and contemporary numbers as well as several originals, including a rendition of “Danny Boy” sung by Doobie Brother Michael McDonald and “Farewell To Peter,” which MacMaster wrote to pay her respects to her friend, the late Canadian newsman, Peter Jennings. The traditional medley features Natalie’s aunt Betty Lou Beaton on piano.
The album also prominently features Natalie’s touring band and a variety of international musicians.
1. Volcanic Jig
2. NPG
3. Flea As A Bird
4. Farewell To Peter
5. Matt & Nat’s
6. David’s Jig
7. Danny Boy
8. Traditional Medley
9. Cape Classico
10. Julia’s Waltz
11. Mother Nature
12. Interlude
Release date: April 28, 2015
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Join forces on “ONE”.
Bob Ezrin produced the debut album set for worldwide release April 28, 2015
Natalie MacMaster is the globally acclaimed Cape Breton fiddle player who has appeared on numerous CBC, CTV and PBS TV shows and sold over 200,000 albums. Donnell Leahy is the incendiary musical leader of Double Platinum selling, festival headlining Celtic family group Leahy. The two musical prodigies met as teenagers, found individual massive career success, and eventually reconnected and were married, becoming the first couple of Celtic music. Today the famous couple have six children, and perform together to sold out crowds in theatres across North America and the UK. They never, however, found the opportunity to record together – until now.
It was a chance meeting of Natalie with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple) at a session he was producing for Scottish born Canadian singing star Johnny Reid that led to the unlikely musical match between the star producer and the Celtic couple. Smitten with their sound, Bob recruited Justin Cortelyou (Taylor Swift, Ke$ha, Alan Jackson), to co-produce, and the two headed to Cape Breton to record the Celtic couple with ace session musicians Mark Kelso, Mac Morin, Tim Edey, Jamie Gatti, Rachel Aucoin and Sabin Jacques.
When asked about their experience recording with such an iconic producer, Natalie offered, “Bob Ezrin is so musical, truthful and honest in how he works. He heard the music the same way we did.” Donnell added “This album is far beyond anything we ever imagined it being.”
Bob Ezrin explains how exciting it is to work with people who are masters at their craft, “Both Natalie and Donnell are truly brilliant musicians whose instruments have become a natural extension of their bodies. They are such accomplished players that whatever they think of they can produce on their violins. It’s absolutely magical!”
There is energy and freshness, and unparalleled musicality on “ONE”, a completely instrumental album with creative medleys in the Celtic style mixed with originals, with the exception of one track, a deeply emotional vocal lament “Cagaran Gaolach” sung by Natalie – marking her first ever lead feature vocal to appear on an album. Some of the unconventional approaches used in the studio for this fiddle-centric album included distorted electric guitars on the driving up tempo “Fiddler’s Despair”, and two players on one piano on “Pastiche for Anne” and a drum kit made of paint cans and a cardboard box on “Joyous Waltz.”
Natalie and Donnell embark on the first leg of an expansive North American tour in February – the majority of dates sold out in advance – billed as “Visions From Cape Breton and Beyond”, a show which will feature many of the songs from “ONE”.
“We really can’t imagine ourselves doing anything else. All of this coming together was inevitable.” – Donnell Leahy
1. Three Reels
2. The Golden Eagle
3. Morning Galliano
4. Professor Blackie
5. Patricia Kelso's
6. Barndances
7. Killiecrankie
8. Fill'er Up For A Set
9. Judy's Dance
10. West Bay Road
11. Tribute To John Alla...
12. I Can't Make You Love Me
Release date: August 18, 2005
There is a cassette tape I often listen to of uncle Buddy and John Morris Rankin at the firehall in Mabou in 1986.
It’s not of studio quality as it was recorded on an old cassette machine, but it is magic. I often play along with it.
It occurred to me one day that Buddy and I should record some of those tunes together in a studio, as we had never done so before. The music would be a keepsake for our family and we could have the option of using a track or two on one of our own future solo recordings.
After playing some of these great “Buddy tunes” together, we both felt quite good about the music and reached the conclusion that this recording should become its own CD – a permanent imprint of a family tradition passed down from uncle to niece. This tradition also includes my aunt (Buddy’s sister), Betty Lou Beaton on piano.
I have predominantly listened to Buddy’s fiddling throughout my life –on home recordings, at square dances and live at family gatherings and parties. He has influenced my fiddling immensely. This recording is a tribute to his music, our family traditions and to Cape Breton Island.
~ Natalie MacMaster
01. The King George Medley
King George the Fourth
The Old King’s Reel
The King’s Reel
Miss Lyle Reel
The Bridge of Bamore
02. The Little Pickle
Pet of the Pipers
The Little Pickle
The Rosewood Jig
The Road To Skye
Scotty’s Fitzgerald’s (Sandy MacIntyre)
03. Scourdiness
MacKenzie Hay
Scourdiness (Charles F. Sherritt)
Miss Baigrie
04. The Red Shoes
Welcome to the Trossachs (Wilfred Gillis)
Miller O Drone
Miss Lyle Strathspey
The Devil in the Kitchen
The Margaree Reel
The Yetts of Muckart
Mrs. Margaret MacDonald’s Delight
The Red Shoes (Dan R. MacDonald)
Bonnie Nellie
05. The Dougall Creature
Mom’s Jig
The Soldier’s Cloak
Come Haste to the Wedding
The Inverness Jig (J. D. Kennedy)
The Man on the Moon
Tipperty Jean
Miss Campbell’s
The Dougall Creature
06. Primrose Lasses
Niel Gow’s Lamentation for James Moray of Abercairny
Miss Ann Moir’s Birthday
The Duke of Gordon’s Birthday
The Primrose Lasses
The Bear in the Buckwheat
07. Iona House (Buddy Solo)
Iona House (Wilfred Gillis)
Daft Willie Dawson
Willie Fraser’s (Donald Angus Beaton)
Lady Mary Stopford
The Lasses of Stewarton
08. The Stage
The Stage Hornpipe
The Tarra Broach
Laybourn’s Hornpipe
Blind Nora O’Neill
The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow
09. The Leg Of The Duck
Jessie Ann’s Favorite (Gordon MacQuarrie)
The Rose Burn (Dan R. MacDonald)
Bain’s Jig
Mrs. A. MacGlashan
The Leg of the Duck
10. The Warlock
The Warlock
Bog an Lochan
Flora MacDonald
The Nine Point Coggie
Malcolm Finlay
Johnny Sullivan’s
11. The Bonnie Lass of Headlake
The Bonnie Lass of Head Lake (Gordon MacQuarrie)
12. Wilfred’s Fiddle
Wilfred’s Fiddle Jig (Dan R. MacDonald)
The Clay Pipe
Sandy McGaff
The Unfortunate Rake
The New Fiddle (Dan R. MacDonald)
13. The Ten Pound Fiddle (Natalie Solo)
The Bald Headed Bachelor
The Sunshine Hornpipe
The Ten Pound Fiddle
Mrs. Smyth of Methven’s
Release Date: 2003
CD OUT OF PRINT
Bluegrass and Celtic music are close cousins, with shared roots dating back several hundred years. Natalie has enlisted some of the world’s top bluegrass pickers-including Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer and Alison Brown for her latest album, BLUEPRINT. Also featured on the album are some of Natalie’s band members, Brad Davidge on Guitar and Matt MacIsaac on Bagpipes and Whistles, along with several fellow Cape Bretoners.
With Blueprint, Natalie is once again pushing the boundaries for traditional music, fusing her brilliant Cape Breton fiddling with the sounds of Banjo, Dobro and Mandolin, as played by the cream of America’s bluegrass community. “Alison Krauss was the artist who first got me listening to bluegrass music,” recalls MacMaster. “With this album, maybe I can do the same thing and attract people to traditional Cape Breton music.”
“MacMaster has reached a level of visibility and musical success that only a few of her traditional-music contemporaries have achieved… a confident bandleader, a versatile fiddler, an electrifying step dancer, and, above all, a performer who definitely knows who to work a crowd.” — Michael Parrish, Dirty Linen
01. A Blast
Bishop Faber MacDonald’s Strathspey (Natalie MacMaster)
Frank & Julie Leahy’s Strathspey (Natalie MacMaster)
Maggie Cameron’s Strathspey
Bill Burnett’s Reel (Natalie MacMaster)
Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran (G.S.MacLennan)
02. Appropriate Dipstick
Appropriate Dipstick (Phil Cunningham & Iain MacDonald)
03. Jig Party
Traditional Jig
The Butlers of Glen Avenue (Tony Sullivan)
Tee Tie Tum Tittle Tee (Natalie MacMaster & Matt MacIsaac)
Annette’s Chatter (Bruce Gandy)
04. Touch Of The Masters Hand
Myra Brooks Welch (Natalie MacMaster & Brad Davidge)
05. Eternal Friendship
Eternal Friendship (Phil Cunningham)
06. Gravel Shore
Gravel Shore (Darol Anger)
Reel for Carl (Jerry Holland)
The Street Player (Ed Reavy)
07. The Devil & The Dirk
The Carignan Clog (Jean Carignan)
The Devil and The Dirk
Lord Gordon’s Reel
Golden Lochs
08. Ewe With The Crooked Horn
The Ewie wi’ The Crookit Horn
The Ashplant
09. Josefin’s Waltz
Josefin’s Waltz (Roger Tallroth)
10. Bela’s Tune
Bela’s Tune (Bela Fleck)
11. Silver Spear
The Silver Spear
The Glen Road to Carrick
Lad O’ Beirne’s Reel (Lad O’Beirne)
12. Minnie & Alex’s Reel
Minnie & Alex’s Reel (Natalie MacMaster)
13. My Love, Cape Breton and Me
My Love, Cape Breton and Me (Bob Quinn)
Prayer For Peace Waltz (Natalie MacMaster)
Release date: 2002
CD OUT OF PRINT
LIVE is a double-CD, released in May 2002. It features the full-band sound as well as the traditional sounds of a Cape Breton square dance.
Disc one is representative of her high-powered, full band, musically progressive show, which has a reputation of bringing down houses no matter the venue. This collection was culled from the live recording of a concert at The Living Arts Center, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; which also served as the foundation for her nationally broadcast TV special.
Disc two features Natalie in her own “backyard” playing for a very traditional Cape Breton style square dance at the Glencoe Mills hall, on a long dirt road deep in the wooded foot hills of Cape Breton near her home of Troy. The CD is a window into the age-old traditions that were the foundation of everything Natalie has since become. Natalie’s double live CD packs a very well rounded and diverse musical punch, featuring something for everyone; not only fans of great fiddle playing but any fan of fantastic music.
“Whether she’s fronting a seven-piece show band or leading an acoustic trio, Natalie MacMaster stamps her authority on the music with a firm bow”
– Alex Monaghan, Folk World
“This new double CD captures both sides of the talented musician”
– Sandy MacDonald, Halifax Daily News
DISC 1 – Living Arts Centre, Ontario
01. The Farewell
The Golden Tooth
The Farewell March
Charlie Hardie’s Reel
Frank Gilruth Reel
McArthur Road Reel
02. The Fairy Dance
The Ferry Bridge Clog
A Salute To Angus Chisholm
The Maid of Castlebar
The Kylebrack Rambler
The Fairy Dance
03. Torna A Surriento
Torna A Surriento
Reel For Brenda
The Flamenco Fling
04. Bog an Lochan Steps
Bog an Lochan
Prince Charlie’s Reel
Gabe Arsenault
Grant’s Reel
05. Blue Bonnets
Blue Bonnets Over The Border
06. Welcome To The Trossachs
Welcome To The Trossachs
Memories of Winston
Highlander’s Farewell To Ireland
The Gravel Walk
Colonel Thorton
The Hurricane
07. David’s Jig
David’s Jig
Valerie Pringle’s Reel
08. Tullochgorum
Coilsfield House
Mary Scott
Tullochgorum
Primrose Lasses
Seán sa Chó
The Dublin Reel
09. The A Medley
Memories of Paddy LeBlanc
Sandy Cameron Strathspey
Lucy Campbell Strathspey
The Picnic Reel
Old King’s Reel
Miss Lyle Reel
The Contradiction
10. The Encore
Last Night’s Fun
Lord Seaforth’s Reel
A Winston Jig
The Olympic Reel
DISC 2 – Glencoe Mills, Cape Breton
01. Intro
02. Opening Figure
The Knights Of St. Patrick
Jerry’s Beaver Hat
The Montana Jig
Paddy O’Rafferty
03. Second Figure
The Two Mile Bridge
The Champion Jig
Little Jack’s Jig
Jackson’s Fancy
04. Lively Steps Medley
Master McDermott’s
Lord Gordon’s Reel
Lively Steps
The Fourth Bridge
Master McDermott¹s
Tammy Sullivan’s
The Holly Bush
Rannie MacLellan’s Reel
Angus Chisholm’s Style
05. Jerry Tunes
The Humors Of Castle Comer
The Stonehouse Jig
Malcolm’s New Fiddle
06. Pipe Jigs
Scotty Fitzgerald’s Jig
The Piper’s Whim
A Donald Angus Gem
The Weavor and His Wife
07. Grand Promenade
Lady Gordon of Gordonstown
The Fife Hunt
The Marquis of Queensbury
The Auld Stewards of Fothergill
The Bird’s Nest
Laybourn’s Hornpipe
You’re Welcome Charlie Stewart
Donald MacGugan’s Rant
Jenny Pippin’s
Steer The Gill
A John Campbell Reel
The Pitnacree Ferryman
08. The Stepdancers Queue
The Old Kings Strathspey
Lochiel’s Awa’ To France
The Gladstone
Miss Betty Ann Gordon
The Olive Branch
Dinkie Dorrian’s
The Muileann Dubh
The Maid of Castlebar
The Kylebrack Rambler
09. One Good Holler
Mouth of The Tobique
The Night We Had The Goats
The Gravel Walk
Release Date: 1999
CD OUT OF PRINT
With its innovative blend of old and new, In My Hands has been a big success and was the start of a new stage in Natalie’s career. Recorded in Nashville, Cape Breton, Toronto and Scotland during early 1999, Natalie is accompanied by a host of talented artists throughout the album. The album was entirely produced by fellow Cape Bretoner, Gordie Sampson.
Many stellar players are featured on the recording including: two tracks with Irish accordion player, Sharon Shannon recorded in Scotland in January, several tracks featuring the jazz overtones of Holly Cole’s band, a track featuring Mark O’Connor in a duet with Natalie on a number inspired by and dedicated to Natalie called “The Olympic Reel”, an exciting duet with Canadian Spanish style guitarist, Jesse Cook titled, “The Flamenco Fling” and a vocal-fiddle duet with Rounder Records own, Alison Krauss, on a ballad written by Gordie Sampson, “Get Me Through December”… AND Natalie MacMaster’s debut as a lead vocalist on her own innovative composition “In My Hands”.
“… Pure musical wizardry, the work of an attractive young artist filled with potential world
music star quality.” — The Los Angeles Times
” … This could easily be the musical event of the year” — The Irish Edition
“… Fabulous album. Admirers of Cape Breton fiddling may buy with confidence”
— Anja Beinroth, Folk World
1. In My Hands
The Drunken Landlady
2. Welcome To The Trossachs
Memories Of Winston
Highlanders Farewell To Ireland
Gravel Walks Reel
Colonel Thornton
The Hurricane
3. Gramma
Maudabawn Chappel
Frank’s Reel
4. Blue Bonnets Over The Border
Blue Bonnets Over The Border
5. New York Jig
The New York Jig
Mrs. Gordon Of Park
The Moll In The Wad
6. Flamenco Fling
Reel For Brenda
Flamenco Fling
7. Space Ceilidh
The Night We Had The Goats
The Fairy Dance
8. Olympic Reel
Olympic Reel
9. Father John MacLeod’s Jig
Father John MacLeod’s Jig
10. Get Me Through December
Based on the melody by Niel Gow:
“Niel Gow’s Lament For The Death Of His Second Wife”
11. The Farewell
Farewell March
Charlie Hardie Reel
Frank Gilruth Reel
McArthur Road Reel
12. Moxham Castle
Mr. Thomas Forbes
The Moving Cloud
Sheldon MacNeil’s
London Lasses
13. Mom’s Jig
The Northside Kitchen
Mom’s Jig
A Deanadh Im
14. Flora MacDonald
Flora MacDonald
Release date: 1998
CD OUT OF PRINT
Recorded at Lakewind Sound Studios, Point Aconi, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in December 1997 and produced by Natalie herself. Natalie goes back to her roots, playing the traditional music that first called her to pick up the bow.
The selections are divided up into surprisingly long sets of five to seven Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys, and Marches. Each set builds up an irresistible head of steam, climaxing to a breathless, pile driving conclusion. My Roots Are Showing is a terrific example of the strength of the Cape Breton fiddle tradition.
The cover pictures Natalie standing in front of a tree composed of photographs of members of her own musical family going back several generations. For the finale, one of the pictures comes to life, as she and her uncle, master fiddler Buddy MacMaster, join for a set recorded live at a Glencoe dance. The two inspire each other to new melodic heights. This is sweet and joyful music performed by a master of the style.
“… One should take the title of Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster’s album seriously: Her roots in the traditional fiddle music of Cape Breton Island are clearly highlighted here”
— Barnes & Noble
“… Backed by musicians on piano and acoustic guitar, her timing is impeccable and her energy infectious — it almost makes you want to get up and stepdance”
— Ottawa Citizen
“… My Roots Are Showing is a terrific example of the strength of the Cape Breton fiddle tradition, executed by one its foremost practitioners”
— Ron Foley MacDonald, Halifax Daily News
“… Definitely one for any fiddle collector, by a world leader in the craft.”
— Scots Magazine
01. Hey Johnny Cope!
Johnny Cope (with variations)
Dow’s Favorite
Paresis
The Peeler’s Jacket
Lady Georgina Campbell
02. Willie Fraser
Willie Fraser
Thomas MacDonell’s
Geordie MacLeish
The Maiden’s Dream
Traditional Reel
College Groves
03. The Boys Of The Lake
The Detroit Jig
The Mucking Of Geordie Byre
The Boys Of The Lake
04. The Wildcat
The Wildcat
Little Nipper’s Hornpipe
05. Balmoral Highlands
The Balmoral Highlanders
James F. Dickies
Glen Grant
Ann MacNamara
Delnadamph Lodge
The Fashion Which The Lasses Have
Old Sport
Return To India
Lochiel’s Away To France
The Baker
06. The Shakin’ O’ The Pocky
The Shakin’ O’ The Pocky
07. Captain Keeler
Miss Wharton Duff
Jimmy Linn’s Hornpipe
Miss Ann Carnegie
Miss Menzies Of Menzies
Captain Keeler
08. E Flat Set
The E Flat
The Recluse
James D. Law
09. Glad You made It, Howie!
Mary Scott
The Ewie wi’ the Crookit Horn
Crookit Horn
Lord Kelly
Sir Harry’s Welcome Home
The Dismissal Reel
Paddy On The Turnpike
The Yellow Tinker
10. Close To The Floor
Scotty Fitzgerald’s Jig
Close To The Floor
Ships Are Sailing
11. Queen Of The West
Ferry Bridge Clog
Queen Of The West
A Salute To Angus Chisolm
The Maid Of Castlebar
Kylebrack Rambler
12. A ‘ Chuthag (The Cuckoo)
A ‘ Chuthag (The Cuckoo)
13. A Glencoe Dance Set (Live)
The Castle Hornpipe
Sean Maguire’s Reel
Scotsville Reel
Timor The Tartar
Tom Rae
Sandy MacIntyre’s
Trip To Boston
Release date: 1996
CD OUT OF PRINT
Early in 1996, Natalie MacMaster signed recording contracts and distribution deals that saw her recordings made available worldwide. In anticipation of this new level of accessability, Natalie set about making a more progressive and varied recording than she had ever made before.
Included on this recording are guest vocalists, Bruce Guthro on “Fiddle and Bow”(which he wrote for Natalie); and Cookie Rankin (The Rankins) on “Drunken Piper” and also features the talents of Tracey Dares, Howie MacDonald, Dave MacIsaac and many more.
Three music videos were produced for tracks from this recording, including the high energy “Catharsis”, “Fiddle and Bow” and “Drunken Piper”.
This is a recording not only for fans of great fiddle music but for fans of any great listenable music. This recording earned Natalie MacMaster her first Juno nomination and has gone Gold in Canada. The repertoire chosen for this recording includes good old-time Cape Breton fiddle tunes as well as tunes gleaned from her extensive travels.
“…Most of the music is, in fact, quite traditional and all of it is traditional at root, bringing echoes of a culture long relegated to the fringes. It is good to hear it coming back with such vitality. At just 24 years of age, Natalie MacMaster has a talent far beyond her years and is well worth giving a listen”
— Sound Bytes
“… Kudos to Natalie for expanding her music while maintaining a wholesome traditional core. A fine album with good liner notes. Highly recommended.”
— Northern Journey
“… No Boundaries is a must-have for fans of the Celtic fiddle, and particularly those who love the Cape Breton style”
— Rambles
01. The Honeysuckle Set
Lad O’Beirne’s
The Honeysuckle
Tammy Sullivan’s
The Holly Bush
Rannie MacLellan’s
02. My Friend Buddy
Blue Bonnets Over The Border
Danny MacEachern’s Piano
Alex MacDonnell’s Favorite
My Friend Buddy
03. Fiddle & Bow
Fiddle & Bow
04. Reel Béatrice
Béatrice (Oggi Nevica)
Seán Sa Chéo
05. Paddy LeBlanc’s Set
Memories Of Paddy LeBlanc
Sandy Cameron
Devil In The Kitchen
The Bridge Of Bamore
Arthur Muise
The Rejected Suitor
06. Silverwell’s
Silverwell’s
07. The Drunken Piper
Primrose Lasses
Far Am Bi Fhin
Father John Angus Rankin
08. Catharsis
Catharsis
09. Where’s Howie?
Miss Stewart
Braes Of Tullymet
The Gillisdale Reel
We’ll Aye Gang Back To Yon Town
Break Yer Bass Drone
10. Bill Crawford Set
Gabriel’s Jig
Sir Wilfred Laurier’s
Bill Crawford’s Fiddle
11. The Beaumont Rag
The Beaumont Rag
12. The Autograph
The Autograph
The Bee’s Wing
Eugene Stratton
Memories Of Dan Beaton
Natalie MacMaster’s
13. Rev. Archie Beaton
Lament For The Death Of Reverend Archie Beaton
Release Date: 1996
CD OUT OF PRINT
In 1989, Natalie MacMaster, then only 16, recorded her first album entitled, “Four On The Floor”. This album was made available only on cassette, however, helped bring Natalie’s personal and dynamic fiddle style to the attention of a much wider audience and helped launch her new career in traditional music.
Just two years later, Natalie followed up by releasing her second album, “Road To The Isle”, also only on cassette. These two titles went on to sell over 12 000 copies respectively. This was accomplished without a record label or distribution company.
Finally in 1996, highlights from both of these early recordings were combined to form this remastered CD release, “A Compilation”. The repertoire is classic Cape Breton: traditional tunes learned from such masters as Winston Fitzgerald and her uncle Buddy MacMaster, alongside tunes by island composers such as Jerry Holland and Dan R. MacDonald. Solid accompaniiment is provided by pianist John Morris Rankin, Betty Lou Beaton and guitarist Dave MacIsaac. On some tracks her own step-dancing can also be heard, which will evoke a strong image for listeners who have seen her perform live.
This CD is an excellent indication of Natalie’s very traditional beginnings and a wonderful collection of traditional fiddle tunes.
“… Her stellar performance on this recording foretells the direction and maturating Natalie MacMaster will undergo, propelling her ascent and designation as one of today’s elite young traditional fiddlers” — Celtic Music Magazine
1. Spey In Spate
Spey In Spate
The Forth Bridge
The Fox Hunter
2. Mountain Road
The Earl Of Dalhousie’s Happy Return To Scotland
Back Of The Change House
Bob Steele’s
Mountain Road
3. Mahone Bay Jig
Mahone Bay
Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be
Traditional
Fraser’s
4. Amelia’s Waltz
Amelia’s Waltz
The Fir Tree
Athole Brose
The Pondville
5. Happy Go Lucky Clogs
Happy Go Lucky
Fred Wilson’s
Fisher’s
Carnie’s Canter
Saratoga
6. King Of The Clans
Traditional
King Of The Clans
Johnny’s Made a Wedding O’T
Cameron’s One Legged Hen
7. Buttermilk Mary Jigs
Traditional
Cronin’s Favorite
Buttermilk Mary
8. The King’s Set
The Headlands
Captain Campbell
Callum Breugach
King George
O’er The Isles To America
Sandy Cameron
Kings
The Cape Breton Fiddler’s Welcome To The Shetlands
9. Newcastle Hornpipes
Newcastle
The Second Star
Mrs Forbes Leith
Mary Claire
Jabe Meadow
10. One For The Record
The Eavesdropper
The Knight’s Of St-Patrick
One For The Record
Shandon Bells
11. Road To The Isle
Road To The Isle
Scourdiness
Homeward Bound
12. Capers Jigs
Doug MacPhee’s Visit
Traditional
Short Grass
13. Blackberry Blossom
Blackberry Blossom
The Red Haired Lass
Paddy O’Brien’s
The Dawn
14. A Buddy Jig
Jimmy’s
A Buddy MacMaster Jig
Connaughtman’s Rambles
15. Glen Of Thickets
Airidh nam badam
16. Johnny Wilmot’s Fiddles
To Daun’t On Me
Cameron Chisolm’s
Haughs Of Cromdale
Johnny Wilmot’s Fiddle
Mrs Kennedy Of Greenan
Fermoy Lasses
Release Date: 1993
CD OUT OF PRINT
Recorded at CBC Studio H., Halifax, May 1993. Produced by Glenn Meisner and Dave MacIsaac. This is Natalie’s first recording released on CD and is full of lively and fresh arrangements and includes many noteworthy musicians.
1993 saw Natalie back in the recording studio to update her sound and take it to another level. This is a traditionally based recording which has stood the test of time like few others.
Recorded before her recording contracts were in place and world wide touring schedules were in full flight, this is still Cape Breton fiddle music in a very basic but beautiful setting. The accompaniment is top-notch with Dave MacIsaac on Guitar, Tracey Dares and Howie MacDonald on Piano, Jamie MacInnis on Highland Bagpipes and Sandy Moore on Harp.
Featured prominently are Celtic guitarist extraordinaire, Dave MacIsaac and piano player Tracey Dares. Highlights include: the beautiful, “If Ever You Were Mine” and the ever popular, “Jean’s Reel”. The artwork was changed completely for this title in 1996. The recording was also remastered at that time.
“… Fit as a Fiddle is a brilliant album. 13 tracks, mostly sets of strathspeys and reels or jig sets with acouple of airs and a waltz thrown in, fairly jump off the CD with excitement and driving rhythms.”
– Northern Journey
“… Her playing does justice to those slow but methodical strathspeys with their sudden surprises of multiple triplets, and the jigs and reels are infectiously fun. Her snappy bow work adds bounce to the tunes. She knows how to “drive ’em” as they say down East”
– Gordon Fisch, Northern Journey
Track 1
John Campbell’s
Miss Ann Moirs Birthday
Lady Georgina Campbell
Angus On The Turnpike
Sheehan’s Reel
Track 2
My Dungannon Sweetheart
Scaffies Cairet
Juniper Jig
Track 3
Carnival March
Miller Of Drone
MacKinnon’s Brook
Lucy Campbell
Annie Is My Darling
Gordon Cote
Bird’s Nest
Maid Behind The Bar
Track 4
Nancy’s Waltz
Track 5
Compliments To Sean Maguire
President Garfield
Miss Watt
Casa Loma Castle
Track 6
O’r The Moor Among The Heather
Traditional
Lady Mary Ramsay
Jenny Dang The Weaver
The Lassies Of Stewarton
Garfield Vale
Track 7
Jean’s Reel
Track 8
I’ll Always Remember You
Track 9
The Girls At Martinfield
Bennett’s Favorite
The Green Fields Of Glentown
Track 10
Counselor’s
The Rakes Of Kildare
The Lark In The Morning
Track 11
The Lass Of Carrie Mills
Lennox’s Love To Blantyre
Archie Menzies
Reichwall Forest
Track 12
If Ever You Were Mine
Track 13
The MacNeils Of Ugadale
Maclaine Of Loch Buie
Colville’s Rant
Pibroch O’Donal Dhu
Recorded in October 2006 at the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton with Bela Fleck, Carlos Nunez and more.
View DVD Booklet (PDF)
01. Welcome to the Trossachs
02. The Silver Spear
03. Traditional Medley (with Bela Fleck)
04. Jig Party
05. Flea as a Bird
06. Ave Maria (with Hayley Westenra)
07. Tullochgorum
08. Anniversary Waltz (with Donnell Leahy)
09. G Medley
10. King George Medley (with Buddy MacMaster & Cape Breton Fiddler’s Association)
11. Pretty Mary Medley
Bonus Tracks:
12. Drum Dance
13. Step Dance Extravaganza
14. Bela Solo
15. Volcanic Jig
A FIDDLE LESSON: Intermediate Level is a 70 minute long DVD featuring:
– on-screen musical notation of grace notes and bowing
– close-up views of the fingerboard
– personal instruction of five tunes: a march, strathspey, reel, jig, clog
– performance of tunes at slow and regular tempos
– 8-page booklet includes musical notation for grace notes, bowing and eight traditional tunes
Reissue of the original Fiddle Lesson video on VHS
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