Fèis Rois commissioned fiddler Iain Fraser to record an album, Gneiss, to celebrate their 30th anniversary
Fèis Rois commissioned fiddler Iain Fraser to record an album, Gneiss, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fèis Rois nan Inbheach (Adult Fèis Rois). Iain, one of the original tutors at the very first Adult Fèis Rois, took his inspiration for this new album from not only his time spent teaching at the Adult Fèis over the last 30 years but also the landscape, and in the particular the geological features, of the three places the Adult Fèis has been held in; Dingwall, Gairloch and Ullapool.
Based in Ross-Shire and founded in 1986, Fèis Rois provides opportunities for people of all ages to come together to access, participate in and enjoy traditional music and Gaelic cultural activities.
Iain Fraser commented: “The inspiration for this music is drawn from two main sources. The first came from delving into my own memories of the Adult Fèis. I feel very honoured indeed to have been asked to teach there many times, including the very first one. Since then, I’ve had so many great memories, some of them profound and possibly life changing and others erring towards the totally ridiculous, that trying to distil a few of them into a piece of music has been a challenge, albeit a rewarding one.
This performance will contain visuals by multi-media artist Somhaire MacDonald.
Iain Fraser: Fiddle
Gordon Gunn: Fiddle – (Session A9)
Graeme Armstrong: Guitar – (Talisk)
Wendy Weatherby: Cello
Wendy Stewart: Harp/clarsach
James Ross: Piano
Signy Jakobsdottir: Drums/percussion
Calum-Alex MacMillan: Gaelic song, whistle and Pipes. (previously Daimh)