By Stevie Connor.
Fraser Fifield, is a multi-instrumentalist and composer from Scotland, performing on low whistle, saxophone, and bagpipes. His distinctive instrumental voice has many sources; Scottish folk is obviously present but also Jazz, Indian, Balkan and more. He is currently Traditional Artist in Residence at University of Edinburgh.
A healthy musical curiosity is evident throughout Fraser's albums; some place his wind instruments alongside such virtuosi as Sabir Khan on sarangi (In Mumbai, 2020), bandoneonist, Walther Castro (In Buenos Aires, 2015) or Nedyalko Nedyalkov on kaval (Traces of Thrace, 2008). Scottish guitarist, Graeme Stephen, is a long-term musical collaborator (Esotero / Slow Stream / Stereocanto / Honest Water.
Photo Credit: Archie MacFarlane.
Since the mid-1990’s Fraser has worked with many artists in the Scottish folk scene and beyond, including, Old Blind Dogs, Salsa Celtica, Capercaillie, Karen Matheson, Zakir Hussein, Afro-Celt Sound-System, Balkanopolis (Srb), Nordanians (Nl). In 2014 his low whistle featured on Montenegro’s Eurovision entry song, followed in 2015 with an award from Hands Up for Trad for Innovation in Scottish Traditional Music. Celtic Connections Festival 2020 commissioned, ‘Secret Histories’, performed in its opening concert, by the 70-strong Grit Orchestra.
Fifield’s 2021 album release, Piobaireachd / Pipe Music, (2021) re-imagined that ancient Scottish piping style - juxtaposing old pieces with innovative new compositions, winning praise from aficionados and general music press alike.
'Secret Path', a new collection of 8 Fifield originals performed by a trio of whistle, wurlizter and drums, featuring Paul Harrison and Tom Bancroft, is released on 30th June 2023.
Website: fraserfifield.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fraserfifieldmusic
Twitter: twitter.com/fraserfifield
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fraserfifield