First outing for the long standing fiddle collective, Blazin’ Fiddles, without founder Bruce MacGregor.

GOING FULL PELT

Lets face it; it is seldom good news when the founder, and last original member, of a band leaves. I’m sure we can all think of many examples of sad shadows staggering onwards as effectively an official covers act. When Bruce MacGregor decided after 26 years to quit Blazin’ and concentrate on his expanding booze-and-music business, it might have been the end of one of Scotland’s most loved fiddle bands.

However anyone who has seen them live in the last year will know that Blazin’ Fiddles are the exception which firmly proves the rule. Blazin’ gigs used to have a fairly fixed structure, where a couple of jig-and-reel sets were followed by a solo demonstration of the local fiddle style of each of the members, and this then repeated until they had all had their showcase. This is now firmly out the window, with the remaining three fiddlers (joined by Anna Massie on one set) just going full pelt for the whole gig, pausing briefly for breath with an occasional air. Anna has taken over from Bruce as MC, and her between-songs patter is worthy of any stand up.

Live, the band seem reinvigorated by the changes and freedom they provide. Now, for the first time since Bruce left, they have gone into the studio to record a new set of tunes.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

On record, the changes you see live are less obvious; this album fits into the pantheon of Blazin’ Fiddles albums seamlessly. Mostly sets of ensemble tunes, with three fiddles of FARA‘s Kristan Harvey, Rua Macmillan and Jenna Reid driven by Anna’s guitar and Angus Lyon’s piano, they combine self-penned numbers with ones picked up on their travels. Bruce may be gone, but he is not forgotten, contributing a couple of tunes to sets.

They kick off with an ebullient Sid; a classic Blazin’ Fiddles number with the fiddles picking out joyful tunes from Eilidh Shaw, Natalie MacMaster and their own Jenna. The it’s to the trad tune books for a similarly bouncy Athole. Perhonjoki, penned by Angus, misses its hilarious live intro and takes the pace down with its lovely melody.

It doesn’t last though. Fiddles sees Anna put down her guitar and join the fiddlers for a brisk set returning things to the usual Blazin’ pace, then a set of Canadian tunes entitled Father Angus led by Rua continues the upbeat theme. A Hogmanay Engagement, a beautiful air by Paul Anderson, then has another go at slowing them down.

TOUR DE FORCE OF UPBEAT SETS

Ricky and June is another classic Blazin’ Fiddles ensemble set, followed by the lovely tune of Tiny Nanna’s led by Kirstan. The theme of Take the Floor gets a reworking in Kate, before things take a different direction with Lähtö, a simpler piano and solo fiddle tune taken from Finnish band JPP and executed wonderfully by Jenna and Angus.

Finally, Cashen’s Gap returns the core Blazin’ Fiddles tour-de-force of upbeat sets with a trio of fiddles to the fore, steady building in speed and intensity until ending up with the Mec Lir stomper of the title.

Bruce may be gone, but Incendo proves that Blazin’ Fiddles have re-invented themselves for a bright future without him.

Blazin’ Fiddles are on tour in England, Wales and Scotland in March.

Blazin’ Fiddles: Website

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