Stirling Observer

Blazin’ Fiddles to team up with singer Karen

- Albert Halls

A top Scottish fiddle band will join forces with talented vocalist Karen Matheson for a stirring performanc­e in Stirling later this year.

Blazin’ Fiddles will take to the stage with the singer, who has enjoyed a stellar career with Celtic band Capercaill­ie, at the Albert Halls on August 31. The show is part of a one-off Scottish tour they will be embarking on later this year. Blazin’ Fiddles are celebratin­g 20 years of touring and recording and the shows are designed to honour this milestone. The outfit comprises fiddlers Jenna Reid, Bruce MacGregor, Rua Macmillan and Kristan Harvey, Anna Massie on guitar and fiddle and Angus Lyon on piano.

Each member is said to draw the distinct flavour of music from their own part of the Highlands and Islands before sharing with audiences.

They blend solo and ensemble sets with the occasional insightful tale before coming together in a fiery blend sure to please fans of live music.

Matheson, who hails from Argyll, has herself enjoyed great success in a career which has spanned decades.

With Capercaill­ie, who were described by Billboard as “the most exciting and vibrant band” in Celtic music, she sold more than a million albums and performed in more than 30 countries.

She has also written and starred in blockbuste­r movie Rob Roy, in which Matheson performed a solo rendition of a Gaelic lament.

As a solo performer she has been involved in various projects across the globe – working with the likes of James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, the McGarrigle Sisters, Nanci Griffith and a whole host of respected Scottish musicians.

She has also collaborat­ed with Algerian singer Idir, guitarist Dan Ar Braz and Portuguese star Dulce Pontes.

Her acclaimed solo albums The Dreaming Sea, Time to Fall, Downriver and Urram feature a collection of timeless Gaelic songs which are said to evoke the character and atmosphere of island life.

Tickets for the Blazin’ Fiddles and Karen Matheson show at the Albert Halls are priced at £22, and doors open at 7.30pm.

For more informatio­n go to culturesti­rling.org.

Blazin’ Fiddles also have a string of festival appearance­s lined up for this summer, with a special appearance at Killin Music Festival on June 15.

 ??  ?? Stirling show Blazin’ Fiddles are set to play at the Albert Halls with Karen Matheson, inset
Stirling show Blazin’ Fiddles are set to play at the Albert Halls with Karen Matheson, inset

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