The Music
In reviewing the many hundreds of dances and dance tunes appropriate for a recording in honor of Sally Dee, we soon realized that not only would there be several hours worth of material, but that the coordination of all the copyright issues applying to newly-devised dances and newly-composed tunes would lead to a protracted bureaucratic undertaking. In addition, we wished to have a CD that was both useful for dance classes as well as an interesting musical listening experience by itself. By using only older music of the best Scottish composers in the arrangements, and many tunes that have not become strictly associated with specific Scottish Country Dances, we felt this CD would reach a wide dancing and listening audience.
The Soloists
Lissa Schneckenburger is one of the most outstanding fiddlers of her generation. Based in Boston, Lissa maintains a busy concert, dance and recording career, both as a soloist and with her band Halali. Having studied with Alasdair Fraser and Mimi Rabson, Lissa is much adored for her inventive passionate fiddling, in a variety of styles. A prolific recording artist, Lissa has two solo CDs in addition to a variety of ensemble projects to her credit. Visit her web site to see her complete curriculum vitae and recording catalog.
Tom Pixton is active in a variety of musical endeavours as accordion and keyboard player, band leader, recording producer and music publisher. Based in Boston, he specializes in Scottish and southeastern European dance music. His mentors have been Kolio Kolev, Benoit Bourque, and Tatiana Srbinska. As a folk dance band director, he has worked with
many of the best-known dance teachers, and has collaborated with numerous organizations to present dance music for both recreational, concert, theater, and recording venues. This is his sixth recording in which filled roles of performer, arranger, and producer. Visit his web site to learn more about Tom's various activities.
Assisting Artists
Howard Lasnik is well-known for his enthusiastic Scottish Country Dance teaching style and mentoring, as well as his drumming. A member of several Boston-area dance bands, Howard is in widespread demand as a teacher, and also prepares potential new SCD teachers for their advanced certification from the RSCDS. When not involved with Scottish Country Dancing, Howard is a world-renowned linguist.
Paul Henle is an innovative percussionist and marimba player from New Hampshire. He recently released a solo CD of traditional Celtic music featuring himself and colleagues on marimba and various other percussion instruments. Paul plays in the SCD band Tullochgorum, and has been on staff at Pinewoods and Ramblewoods dance camps.
Barbara Pixton plays in several Boston-area dance bands on bass, accordion, and a vairety of other instruments. She is a founding member of the renown dance band Flying Tomatoes, and leads monthly classes in band ensemble for the Folk Arts Center of New England.
The Composers
The composers and sources of the tunes on our CD represent a selection of the finest Scottish fiddling masters of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century. Niel Gow, William Marshall, Robert Mackintosh, Joseph Lowe, and J. Scott Skinner are well-represented. In addition to suites for eight rounds of two sets of jigs, three sets of reels, and three strathspeys, we have included three contrasting tunes, two for listening and one that can be waltzed: Niel Gow's famous Lament on the Death of His Second Wife, one of the finest Scottish compositions of any era, William Marshall's Marchioness of Cornwallis, arguably his most heart-felt Strathspey, here rendered as a solo piano air, and to end the recording, one of Sally Dee's favorite tunes, Blue Bonnets o'er the Border, here arranged as a slow waltz.
The Tracks
The CD contains the following tracks. Click on the highlighted titles to hear a sound preview.
1. Jig Set, 8x32: Grace Hay's Delight, 4:43
2. Sauchie Haugh, Strathspey 8x32, 8:24
3. Caber Feidh, Reel 8x32, 4:48
4. Jig Set, 8x32: The Athole Volunteers, 4:43
5. John McAlpin, Strathspey, 8x32, 8:32
6. Air: The Marchioness of Cornwallis, 2:45
7. Reel Set, 8x32: The Left-handed Fiddler, 4:53
8. Strathspey Set, 8x32: The Marquis of Huntly's Farewell, 8:43
9 . Air: Niel Gow's Lament on the Death of His Second Wife, 4:31
10. Reel of the 51st, Reel 8x32, 4:43
11. Waltzing Air: Blue Bonnets, 3:27
Total playing time: 1:01
A Tribute to Sally Dee
