Fraser Fifield

The Warm Elegance of Fraser Fifield’s In Buenos Aires-Listen Today!

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Fraser-Fifield

Musician photo from his official website.

Jazz is not the popular culture. Jazz is in the same position in our culture as classical music. A very small minority of people really love it. John Corigliano

I think the same can be said about music that is not part of the mainstream like Celtic music. I have followed the musical career of Scottish musician Fraser Fifield and every album from him is an exquisite art meant to be savored!

There is that kind of alchemy that happens when you put two contradicting forces together: the clarity of the instruments against abstract melodies. If you want to know what I mean, try listening to ‘Lament” from  Honest Water. That tune still haunts me just like the day I first listened to it. In-Buenos-Aires-1.jpg

In Buenos Aires highlights the warm and playful side of his musical range. From the liner notes:

Beautiful album of original pieces, recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A unique combination and sound!

Featuring the composer’s soulful low whistle and bagpipes with bandoneon, guitar and double bass from three of the most highly regarded exponents of New Tango, Walther E. Castro, Quique Sinesi and Mono Hurtado.

Recorded & Mixed by Hernan Caratozzolo.

The album cover features an original art by Victoria Fifield.

In Buenos Aires has eleven original tracks. My personal favourite is Cordoba Canntaireachd due to the interesting pipe sound. There are other tunes not to be missed like As A Child, Gaita Y Bandoneon, Improvisation 3 and the rest.

This album is a good one to chill to. Especially when you are in a quiet coffee shop, munching oatmeal cookies and enjoying your espresso. Your fixed gear bike awaits outside, ready to tango with the wind. Yes just like this album. So beautiful and true.

You can buy a copy of  In Buenos Aires from his own website.

 

Repair by Fraser Fifield

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https://soundcloud.com/fraserfifield/7a-1

I was perusing my Soundcloud wheimagen I found that Scottish piper Fraser Fifield has a new tune out. It is called Repair and it is a gradual tune that has the same abstract beauty as his earlier releases. What I admire about Fifield is his ability to make timeless melodies. They don’t sound tired after repeated listens even for years. Part of me loves Jazz and this is the element that he introduces to his compositions. Repair evokes the calm of the Scottish countryside. The title speaks to me in a personal level in a sense that is what I am doing with my life. Slowly but surely. Somehow we have to get back to the loop of things but we do it in a phase that is right for us. I hope you enjoy this track and give the man a follow.

Escaping Reality with Esotero

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Fraser and Graeme

Traditional Scottish and Jazz. Those are the two styles that define the new album Esotero by Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen. It is a work layered in intricate textures. I encourage you to give it more than twenty spins before you say anything what the album.What I am saying here does not even define the whole album because, Esotero has MORE to offer as part of your listening experience. But we can agree that it is an impressive album with loads of surprises.

I like the how space is given emphasis between instruments and tracks. It is almost like stepping into this white room and seeing a few instruments on display. It is easy to get lost in the passion behind the making of tunes like the title track Esotero, The Bank of Time and Immigrant eyes among others.

These two artists go all the way back with an impressive  array of albums to celebrate. I would like to unlock the secrets to the melodic alchemy of Fraser Fifield but it is hard. His approach is always unique and sometimes the way he plays with scales is uncanny. His delivery gives a sense of atmosphere and mystical qualities to each track. And yes, the guitar works of Graeme Stephen completes the alchemy, giving Esotero a timeless and satisfying listening experience for all.

Buy Esotero here: http://www.fraserfifield.com/shop/

Esotero Sampler

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Listen t this sampler.

One of the most anticipated releases this year is out. Esotero is a joint project between two fantastic artists in the Celtic fusion scene. And this sampler will give you an idea what the album is all about. A few weeks ago, Fraser Fifield was a special guest on my weekly radio show and I really enjoyed that time with him. He even did an impromptu low whistle performance!

Esotero is a musical project between Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen. These two artist go all the way back and they already collaborated in many projects including Traces of Thrace and Slow Stream.  You will hear elements of Jazz, Prog rock and world ethnic influences. There is always something for everyone.This is a fun album that you will enjoy this holiday season.

http://www.fraserfifield.com/shop/esotero/

Celtic Music Fan Podcast # 7

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This is the podcast version of my radio show last Saturday at http://www.radiohappy.eu. Yes just music without me talking. I have added links to the band page and yes you better listen to my fantastic interview with Fraser Fifield!

The Indulgers-Ceili Mor
Qristina Bachand; Quinn Bachand-Spootiskerry/High Road to Linton/Big John McNeil
Keltic Trancefusion-Abberance
Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen-Esotero
Interview with Fraser Fifield
Ensemble Eriu-Jurna
Irish Moutarde-Glasses to the Sky
Taran Celt-Taran
Kyle Carey-One Morning in May

www.radiohappy.eu