Bruce Molsky is returning to Shetland to play his much acclaimed solo show in the Baltasound Hall (15 May), Muckle Roe Hall (16 May) and Mareel (17 May). The gigs, presented by Shetland Arts in conjunction with Atlantic Edge Music Services, will be performed in collaboration with a number of local musicians and will continue to explore the commonality between the North American and Shetland traditions. Further details of these special guest slots will follow shortly.
Bruce Molsky is internationally recognised as possibly the world’s most influential old-time fiddle player, a virtuoso of North America’s (Appalachia’s in particular) timeless folk music traditions.
In addition to a prolific solo career, performing on fiddle, guitar, banjo and vocals, Molsky frequently joins genre-busting groups such as the Grammy-nominated ‘Fiddlers Four’, ‘Mozaik’ and Ireland’s Donal Lunny. He featured on Nickel Creek's farewell tour, and performs in a trio with Shetland fiddler Aly Bain and Sweden's Ale Molle - not to mention being a regular contributor to Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas hugely successful ‘Trans-Atlantic Sessions’ concerts and television programmes.
The Appalachian music tradition deeply informs Bruce’s music – but his influences and skills reach out much wider than that. Whether performing an ancient reel from Virginia, a Swedish waltz or a loping cowboy ballad, Molsky presents himself as exactly who he is personality wise, and that’s perhaps the key to his enormous and enduring appeal as a live performer. His unique blend of musical virtuoso and humble, all-round nice guy has proved a winning combination on a global basis.
“I’m so looking forward to this latest visit” says Molsky. “The common elements between our two musical heritages and traditions are there for all to see and this factor has attracted me for some time, so I think it will be a very exciting and rewarding visit and I’m especially looking forward to working with and alongside your great Shetland musicians. Who knows where the music will take us – but I’m certain it will be a very exciting journey for all concerned”.
Davie Gardener, Atlantic Edge Music Services, said: “I'm delighted that Bruce is set to come back to Shetland again as part of his UK tour. His previous visits here proved to be hugely successful, not only because of his own terrific and diverse musical talents and warm, engaging personality, but also due to the wonderful musical collaborations those visits created in conjunction with our own local musicians, exploring the commonality between his roots and traditions and our own. His primary reason for returning again is to continue that musical association with Shetland. I very much look forward to what will happen in that respect this time around”.
Tickets for both gigs will be on sale via Shetland Box Office in the coming week and can be booked at Mareel and Isleburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at shetlandboxoffice.org or mareel.org. For more information about supporting acts please visit www.shetlandarts.org.
