Classic virtuosity with the spirit of Scottish fiddle
Elizabeth Delaquess
Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Entertainment
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The cello has often been employed in Scottish folk dances as a backup instrument, but Fraser and Haas combine the sounds of violin and cello to create more varied and complex pieces creating sounds that wouldn't normally be heard at an Irish or Scottish dance. With a few exceptions, the cello and fiddle are the sole instruments on both albums, and take fiddle music to a level of grace and complexity that I've never heard anywhere else.
Fraser and Haas released their second album, "In the Moment" (Culburnie Records, 2007), just three years after their first recording, "Fire and Grace" (Culburnie Records, 2004).
They have grown as a duo in the three years between their two albums; sounding more confident and creative on their second recording. However, on both albums Fraser and Haas weave together a rich and varied collection of tunes that soar on the high notes of Fraser's fiddle and bounce under Haas' smooth, rhythmic cello.
Each tune shifts under constantly changing melodies and harmonies and Fraser and Haas seamlessly switch between lead melody and backup, keeping each tune interesting.
Haas' cello gives already bouncy tunes like "St. Kilda Wedding" an even stronger beat, while slower pieces like "Josefin's Waltz" and "John MacDonald's" have a sonorous and haunting quality, floating on the cello's low harmonies and the fiddle's high ring.
Every tune is a tour de force of these two talented musicians, who can take a simple melody and bring out a wide range of harmonies and rhythms, making each tune gorgeous and vibrant.
They may only have two instruments, but Fraser and Haas have the skill and creativity to create lush and innovative arrangements that bring out the elegance and spirit of Scottish fiddle music and draw the music out to its full potential.
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