I love Cape Breton music, among other types. The thing is, there is always a fiddle and a piano, and that’s that. Are there traditionally ANY other instruments? (such as flute) I always feel strange playing Cape Breton tunes when I’m not playing them in the style (i.e. not on the fiddle). Does anyone have any pointers on playing good Cape Breton music?
In Cape Breton your question would be more of a rhetorical one: as in: do you really need other instruments?" The only other very prominent instrument in Cape Breton music would be the GHB. Since Cape Breton music is very focused on step-dancing, fiddle with piano accompaniment is really all that was needed. I think flute and whistle and especially accordion would be great in Cape Breton music. The music is really a carry over of 19th and 18th century music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland so fiddle and pipes are the dominant instruments.
Slainte!
Aaron