I forgot to mention that the warmup act for Lunasa was Fred & Phil, a young English pair of players (fiddle & guitar). They mostly play Celtic, plus a couple of Bluegrass numbers, and some Steeleye Span songs (e.g. Dance With Me) with a young singer Chloe doing the vocals.
The fiddler, Fred Smith, is 14, and plays with all the feeling, gusto, enthusiam and sheer enjoyment of a future master.
Anyone else heard of this boy yet? If not, keep your eyes and ears peeled, I think he’s going to become a big name in the next few years; you read it here first!
There is a debut CD out, Fred & Phil “Street Magic”, which I can heartily recommend. Just the fiddle, guitar and occasional double bass accompaniment, allowing the playing to sparkle without being drowned. Most of the tunes are trad Irish, Fairy Dance & Drowsy Maggie come to mind. Anyone who would like to hear more, e-mail me and I’ll drop you details of the tracks and where to get a copy, or I’ll post the details on this board (if that’s allowed, Dale & Rich?).
A young talented pair who deserve the encouragement and support they’re sure to get.