| Fiddlers’ Bid is a Shetland group which was formed in the autumn of 1991. During their years at the Anderson High School in Lerwick, Maurice, Christopher, Kevin, Davie Keith and the late Michael Ferrie would get together in the music room whenever possible and play the tunes they were learning as pupils of Trevor Hunter, Arthur Scott Robertson and the late Willie Hunter. The boys had great enthusiasm for their music and, as a school project, decided to make a recording along with two other groups. It was at this time that Steve was introduced to the group to produce the recording, which subsequently proved very popular. |
| In May 1992 Fiddlers’ Bid played at their first Shetland Folk Festival and in 1993 David joined as bass player for their second Folk Festival appearance. Early in 1994, Fiddlers’ Bid were invited to appear at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient, Brittany and the group had its first test in front of an international audience. Their appearance at the festival proved to be very successful and they became Trophée “La Bolée des Korrigans” winners 1994, and generally had a great time playing their music to a new and very enthusiastic audience. Their international exposure continued during a series of concerts in various Norwegian venues where each appearance received a rousing reception from packed houses. |
| In 1996, the line-up changed a little - Davie Keith is absent from the line up, and the piano part has been very ably taken over by Christopher. Very sadly, earlier in 1996, Michael Ferrie died. His composing and playing skills will be greatly missed not only by the band, but by his many friends and fellow musicians. Examples of Michaels’ work are played tremendously on this album by his colleagues in the band. In the last week of his life, he wrote “Michael’s Mazurka”, beautifully interpreted and played here for the first time by Maurice and the band. |
| The boys have a lot more up their sleeve, so watch out for further helpings of the distinctive sound of Fiddlers Bid on Veesik Records |
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Track 1