Chris Duncan, Scottish fiddle music

Subject: Chris Duncan, Scottish fiddle music
From: Helen
Date: 02 Oct 99 - 10:00 PM

Hi all, I just wanted to tell you about a fiddler from the Newcastle, Oz area who was featured on a TV show this week called Australian Story. This is a summary of what the show was about:

The Fiddler

Chris Duncan is a motor mechanic from Medowie, a laconic Aussie bloke who just happens to be one of the finest Scottish fiddlers in the world. While well known overseas, he's only recently been discovered in Australia.

Chris has been playing the fiddle for nearly 30 years. He fell in love with it when his mum sent him to Scottish dancing classes at the age of eleven.

Traditionally, people think of the fiddle as an instrument which is dragged out in a pub for people to dance to. But Chris has lifted this music to a form of high art. Amazingly he has attained this world class standard while still working full time as a mechanic and indulging his love for motorbikes. http://www.abc.net.au/austory/series4/9933.htm

He has released a CD through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): Fyvie's Embrace - Chris Duncan (CD) Australian Broadcasting Corporation Stirring slow airs and lively reels from Scotland's musical heritage and performed by one of the world's most acclaimed fiddlers.

I was surprised to learn that Chris is world renowned, but not at all surprised at how talented he is or that his talent has been recognised. He used to play at the Newcastle Folk Club every now and then when I was a regular member from about 20 years ago. He was always very down-to-earth about his playing, a very unassuming type of person, but his playing could keep everyone mesmerised.

Most of his stuff was Scottish dance music, and I think that that is still his main focus, but he does play slow airs etc as well.

I have no personal or financial interest in posting this message, except to express pleasure that such a talented man has been recognised, and to let you know about him if you are interested in Scottish fiddle music.

Helen

Subject: RE: Chris Duncan, Scottish fiddle music
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Oct 99 - 08:11 PM

Thank you, Helen! I am very interested. Sounds like a great fiddler and person.

kat