October 15, 2007
Thomas Fraser memomrial
One of Scotland’s greatest undiscovered talents is honoured with a festival in his memory next month.
Thomas Fraser of Burra Isle, Shetland, passed away in 1978 aged only 50. Thomas had been a fisherman and crofter by trade, but amazingly left a stunning legacy: 1000s of songs recorded at home in his small croft house using a reel-to-reel recorder. His music wasn’t the usual fare one would hear in the northern isles, more akin to the old time Country blues style of Jimmie Rodgers than Aly Bain! Nearing his death, Thomas quietly observed that maybe someday, his music may see the light of day. The release of 'Long Gone Lonesome Blues' ,five years ago, gave Thomas Fraser the recognition he so richly deserved. The critics have called it "one of the most remarkable stories in recording history" and "some of the greatest American music you will hear".
What is startling about the collection is it's authenticity and the sheer passion poured ‘sinto each track. There has now been 3 CD’s released , the most recent,'Treasure Untold', released in 2005, featured a further 25 stunning tracks, unearthed during the previous two years. The amazing story continued with the release by Moon Guitars of the Thomas Fraser Commemorative Guitar Plans include a fourth CD release (due in November 2008) and an American 'best of' volume. A Memorial Festival will be held in his native Burra Island from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th November. John Lilly is making a return from West Virginia. Reknown Shetland group The Wisharts are in the line up, as is popular Shetland singer Freda Leask who will join Thomas's granddaughter Rhonda as a duo. Fiddler Gemma Donald, John William Ward, Martin Pottinger, Eddie Williamson, Arthur Pottinger, Robbie Cumming, Allan Tulloch and The Pottinger Bros are welcomed once more while Thomas's daughter May completes the bill John Lilley will also play dates in Kirkcaldy (Acoustic Music Club, Nov 1st), Ullapool, Inverness and Huntly.
Thomas Fraser of Burra Isle, Shetland, passed away in 1978 aged only 50. Thomas had been a fisherman and crofter by trade, but amazingly left a stunning legacy: 1000s of songs recorded at home in his small croft house using a reel-to-reel recorder. His music wasn’t the usual fare one would hear in the northern isles, more akin to the old time Country blues style of Jimmie Rodgers than Aly Bain! Nearing his death, Thomas quietly observed that maybe someday, his music may see the light of day. The release of 'Long Gone Lonesome Blues' ,five years ago, gave Thomas Fraser the recognition he so richly deserved. The critics have called it "one of the most remarkable stories in recording history" and "some of the greatest American music you will hear".
What is startling about the collection is it's authenticity and the sheer passion poured ‘sinto each track. There has now been 3 CD’s released , the most recent,'Treasure Untold', released in 2005, featured a further 25 stunning tracks, unearthed during the previous two years. The amazing story continued with the release by Moon Guitars of the Thomas Fraser Commemorative Guitar Plans include a fourth CD release (due in November 2008) and an American 'best of' volume. A Memorial Festival will be held in his native Burra Island from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th November. John Lilly is making a return from West Virginia. Reknown Shetland group The Wisharts are in the line up, as is popular Shetland singer Freda Leask who will join Thomas's granddaughter Rhonda as a duo. Fiddler Gemma Donald, John William Ward, Martin Pottinger, Eddie Williamson, Arthur Pottinger, Robbie Cumming, Allan Tulloch and The Pottinger Bros are welcomed once more while Thomas's daughter May completes the bill John Lilley will also play dates in Kirkcaldy (Acoustic Music Club, Nov 1st), Ullapool, Inverness and Huntly.
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