Fiona plays with her other half accompanist Graham Simpson on guitar and drums. They are also members of The Lone Star Swing Band with Duncan McLean, Dick Levens and Iain Tait.
Check out their myspace, www.myspace.com/lonestarswing
Influences
Douglas Montgomery, Bryan Gear, Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, Graham Townsend, Rodney Miller, Trevor Hunter, Alasdair Fraser, Aly Bain (especially when I was a teenager - I was totally obsessed!) Maxim Vengerov, David Oistrakh, Zoe Conway, Stuart Duncan, the Highlands of Scotland, the Orkney Isles..... also old Scottish composers such as Skinner and Gow. Western Swing has been a big influence and especially Stuff Smith, Cliff Bruner, Buddy Ray, Joe Venuti, Bob Wills, Duncan Mclean....Cheers Dunc!
Sounds Like
A chorus of shrews and pine weevils who have been jolly well trained in how to play the fiddle. Hee hee! Seriously now, just listen using your ears, and your knees if your ears aren't working properly, it it will be up to you to judge...
One of Orkney’s top fiddlers and composers, Fiona has just launched her second solo CD “Orkney Fire” and has performed widely in the Northern Isles and beyond, as well as teaching fiddle to many students in Orkney.
Fiona was brought up on Hoy in a cottage by the edge of the sea and was home educated by her parents. She began playing at 14 after discovering her great grandfather’s fiddle and taught herself to play and read music, receiving some help from the local Strathspey and Reel Society and later from Shetland fiddler Trevor Hunter who she first met at the Orkney Summer School of Traditional Music in 1995.
At 15 she won the Orkney folk festival’s solo fiddle competition, and went on to win it again the next year before becoming Orkney’s Young Musician of the Year aged 16 and winning the Ronnie Aim Memorial Trophy for Composition twice, aged 19 and 21. She won the Orkney Folk Festival’s Open Stage in 2006 with her brother PM and was Highly Commended at the Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections in 2009.
At the age of 17 Fiona released her first CD “The Orkney Fiddler,” after playing for just 3 years. It features traditional material as well as 11 of Fiona’s own tunes.
“Fiona Driver’s Orkney Tune Book” was published in 2007, containing not only 70 of her pieces but a further 30 by 14 other local composers. Fiona’s tunes have travelled far and wide, having been played and recorded by musicians around the world.
The new CD “Orkney Fire” was launched in December 2008 and features 29 of Fiona’s tunes arranged and played by her and accompanied on guitar and percussion by Graham Simpson. It is a sparkling collection of new music played with fun, style and confidence, and has been receiving great reviews.
As well as working on the second book Fiona now teaches and plays full time. 12 of her students are in the group “Fiddletime” and they will be making their Orkney Folk Festival debut in 2009. Fiona and Graham are also appearing on Jo Philby’s debut CD, due to be launched at this year’s Orkney festival.
Check out her myspace: www.myspace.com/jophilby
Fiona also plays a blue five string electric Skyinbow fiddle with The Lone Star Swing Band, who play fabulous, infectious Western Swing. Their leader, Duncan McLean, has been another huge inspiration to Fiona and through introducing her to Western Swing has influenced her playing style and compositions. She is also a member of Orkney Camerata.
Graham Simpson is a versatile drummer and guitarist. He has played with James Bishop and SAS Blues as well as being the Lone Star Swing Band’s drummer and is currently also rehearsing with a new Metallica tribute band! He has been Fiona’s accompanist for three years, and together they form an exciting and talented duo who will keep you well entertained while playing beautiful and unique Orkney music.
TO BUY A BOOK OR CD EMAIL FIONA>>>>>>>>>>>
fidriver@hotmail.co.uk
You, Graham and Roger put on a wonderful performance at 'The Waterside' last night. Excellent music and a real friendly atmosphere, I've never had a better evening while working. Thanks a million for making our first music night a great success.
Hey! When are we going camping? I am longing for the nights under canvas listening to the owls in the forest! And oh I do love squirrels! So when is it?? Spaz x
yay! thanks! well i'm not all that sure. bob said a wee while ago we're 'pencilled in' but i'm not sure what that means!!! i should maybe get in touch with him! we're in the midst of arranging a wee tour for the summer and to record a cd. recording a demo this weekend so will have some music on here next week! i'll be home at easter but im not sure about jen, hopefully see you at the bothy some sunday! L xxx
Well done Fiona on your news! I'm hoping to meet you and hear you play live, as I intend to be at The Orkney Folk Festival this spring and I see you're in the line-up. All the best, Lori
Fiona, Very fine fiddle tunes from a lovely lass-- thanks for the music, & for adding me to your friends. Hope to make it to Orkney one day for the Fest & to take in your beautiful islands...
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