Bonnie Rideout
Scotland's Fiddle Piobaireachd, vol. 1
Tulloch TM504, 2010
Bonnie Rideout is the leading performer and interpreter of fiddle pìobaireachd. This historical solo high-art music is related to the music of the Highland bagpipes and also to the medieval art music of the early Gaelic harp. Now commonly referred to as ‘ceòl mór’, or ‘great music’, the art form typically consists of a slow air followed by a series of increasingly complex figured variations.
This CD is the result of years of work by Bonnie as well as by her mentor John Purser, researching, playing and finally recording these technically complex and emotionally laden pieces. Each of the 9 tracks on the CD is a substantial, intense performance - Bonnie states elsewhere that she always prefers to record these pieces as single takes. Her bowing and ornamentation is exquisitely precise and creates some extraordinary consonant-like sounds from the fiddle. Her violins and viola are tuned in unusual scordatura tunings to bring out the resonances and drones that this music requires.
To add interest and variety, extra effects are included - one track is fabulously recorded in a thunderstorm, and another includes seaside sounds. On four of the tracks Bonnie is joined by another musician - Highland pipes on one, modern romantic lever harp on another, baroque flute on a 3rd, bronze age horns on the 4th - which to me detract from the spare beauty of her unacompanied fiddle and the huge architecture of this music.
This CD is essential listening for anyone interested in the old Gaelic arts.
£13 + £1.80 (UK only - select for overseas postage) £3.00 (Airmail within Europe) £4.00 (Airmail outside Europe)

Bonnie Rideout
Harlaw Scotland 1411
Tulloch TM505, 2011
This double CD presents music and song connected to the battle of Harlaw, which was fought in Aberdeenshire in 1411. Disc 1 presents a selection of music, while disc 2 is more like a radio documentary; narrated by John Purser, it tells the story of the battle and also includes interviews and readings, all interspersed and backed up with fragments of music.
The music is quite a wide selection in a number of different styles. For me the highlights are Bonnie's fiddle solo of the Battle of Harlaw from Dow (the same tune as is on my CD), and Allan MacDonald’s singing of the Harlaw Brosnachadh as well as his piping. Scots ballads are sung by tradition-bearer Elizabeth Steward, and also by ballad singer Andy Hunter, who is accompanied by Bill Taylor. There is also some piano playing, and modern lever harp.
£13 + £2.00 (UK only - select for overseas postage) £3.00 (Airmail within Europe) £4.50 (Airmail outside Europe)