No one told me that Alasdair Fraser was such a charismatic and dynamic performer, and when I saw him perform for the first time at the Scottish Highland Games in San Diego, I was glad that at least I found out for myself. A world-renowned fiddler extraordinaire, Fraser makes it look so easy as he plays one song after another, prodding the audience to participate as he walks around and even sits on one of the chairs "taking a rest" among everyone else.

People jumped up and danced to his music while the rest clapped their hands. Fraser engages each and every one of his audience as if he were playing just for that person alone. His music is filled with that Scottish vibrancy and vigor, and when he plays a haunting lament, you feel it, too.

Fraser has released 5 albums to date and one concert on video. Besides playing centuries-old Scottish tunes, Fraser also composes his own music, many of which are featured in his latest releases like Skyedance. One can hear the unmistakable music of his solo violin on such blockbusters as Titanic and Last of the Mohicans.

The first album to feature his own compositions, Dawndance, earned Fraser the NAIRD Indie Award for Best Celtic Album of the Year. These days, Fraser is busy with his band called Skyedance.

Aside from his live performances, Fraser is also Director of the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School. Located in the Northern California redwood area, the school offers a program for intense study of fiddling as well as recreation.

Among Skyedance's latest releases are Labyrinth, and Way Out To Hope Street.

Click on the links on the left to go to Fraser's Discography page and order his CD's.

All images on this page by Velvet Durano