Graeme Stephen

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

Forthcoming album by Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen ‘Esotero’

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Fraser Fifield

Scottish multi- instrumentalist Fraser Fifield has teamed up once again with Greame Stephen for another delightful instrumental album called Esotero. Release date in unconfirmed but it will be soon. They’re like the Starsky and Hutch of Scottish instrumental music. I have listened to two tracks which Fraser posted on soundcloud and facebook and I say they are fab! Of course you will be expecting these things: haunting tunes, abstract melodies, traditional instruments, jazz and rock influences and traditional Scottish flavour. So it is going to be a buffet! Can’t wait for it.

Fraser Fifield’s career stretches back to more than a decade comprising of albums and collaborations with other artists. What’s more fascinating is that he welcomes all types of genres and he isn’t afraid to experiment. I recall one of the reviews I read where the journalist remarks that he plays the traditional instrument like a jazz musician and the jazz instruments like a Celtic musician. He has the best of both worlds. You can hear more of these things in my interview which will be aired this Saturday October 12 4pm German time. We had a great time doing that interview and he even played a tune on the spot. Yes no rehearsal. I will also be playing the title track Esotero this Saturday.

I am looking forward to the release of Esotero and anything from the Fraser Fifield and Graeme Stephen collaboration is always a work of magic!

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Lament is my favorite track from ‘Honest Water’, released in 2002… A tune dedicated to his Grandmother, Minnie Davidson of Garlogie, Aberdeenshire. This is a work of genius in my opinion.