Fraser’s music will live on
A TRUST has been set up in memory of an Islay musician who died this year, with the aim of producing a CD and book of his work.
Piper Fraser Shaw, from Port Charlotte, was a lively presence on the island, organising music sessions until he passed away in May at the age of 34, having suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The Fraser Shaw Trust was set up by Gráinne Brady, Fraser’s partner, and his brother Greg Shaw.
The main aim of the project is to collect all of Fraser’s compositions, publish them as a tune book and record a high quality CD on which his closest friends play arrangements of his tunes, and tunes and songs written for him.
Fiddle player and composer Gráinne explained she didn’t realise how big the project would become. ‘What started as a project to produce a tune book and CD of Fraser’s tunes has turned into something much bigger,’ she said.
‘Fraser was a very unique character with a wonderful personality who seemed to make fast friends at every turn.
‘He was also such a talented musician and lovely to play music with. He had a vast Scottish and Irish tune repertoire and was an avid composer.
‘ When he was sick, all of his many friends rallied round, wanting to see him and to help in any way possible.
‘His musician friends started bringing in their instruments and playing music to him, to help him relax and remember good times.
‘After Fraser passed away we had a few nights in his honour. Although it was a devastating time, it was remarkable how many people were there, brought together in the wake of something tragic, to remember Fraser, his lovely personality, talent and spirit. This was also relived at the memorial on Islay
in July, which was a very special weekend.’
The trust has already received some generous donations from the general public and from Bruichladdich distillery on the island and will continue its own fundraising activities.
Fraser’s mum, Margaret Rice, said the project would help his music live on.
‘It’s good that his close friends have got together to do this,’ she said.
‘They want the book and CD produced properly and professionally, because Fraser really was a perfectionist. To do that will cost quite a lot of money which is why they’ve started the fundraising.’
The CD will be songs Fraser wrote, performed by his friends. The money raised from sales will be donated to the MS Centre in Lochgilphead, where Fraser received treatment.
Margaret continued: ‘It was Fraser’s ambition to do something for the centre, and he had already started this idea but unfortunately never managed to see it through.
‘I’m really grateful to the people who have come together to do this so Fraser is not forgotten, and his music lives on.’
The trust’s next fundraising activity will be in St Peter’s Hall, Partick, Glasgow, on September 12 and 13, and has been named ‘Shawfest’.
The hall is booked from 4pm, with fun activities for all ages including pottery lessons, whistle lessons, face painting, jewellery, home baking stalls, and various live musical acts.
For more information, visit: www.frasershawtrust.com
It’s good his close friends have got together to do this ”
Margaret Rice
Fraser’s mum