Frankie Gavin, Maurice Lennon, Vassar Clements, Nollaig Casey, Tommy Peoples, Iain MacFarlane, Brendan Larrisey, Buddy MacMaster, Howie MacDonald, Faraquar MacRae, Alasdair Fraser, Angus Grant Sr., Jerry Garcia, & many, many more
Sounds Like
smooth, perfectly controlled fiddling... effortless, the true mark of great musicians. -Alex Monaghan, Living Tradition;
Davis, California, must be one of that state's less laid-back outposts because fiddler Gabe McVarish fits right in with the hurly-burly. -Rob Adams, The Herald;
McVarish is stunning and hits you in the solar plexus harder than a broadsword. -Will Lamb, Am Paipear;
Gabe McVarish really shines on fiddle... McVarish has a very strong style of playing, with a lilting up-bow. I would not be the least bit surprised to find that McVarish has Shetland roots. -Cheryl Turner, Rambles.net. (p.s.- I don't!);
the most impressive live performance I have ever witnessed. -Chris Cooper, spiritdancercanoejournys.ca
Californian born Gabe McVarish was twice winner of the All American Junior Scottish fiddle championship before returning back to his ancestral homeland of Arisaig in the West Highlands. His playing in Europe, the Americas, and as far afield as North Africa has earned him the reputation of being one of the hottest tickets in the fiddling world. Having earned his BA in traditional music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Gabe has played and recorded with a rich diversity of bands including Cliar, Croabh Rua, Dibidil, Corner House, Hoogie, Its Jo & Danny, The Black Rose Ceilidh Band, and Phamie Gow. Gabe plays regularly with Dannsa, and is one of the founding members of Daimh and is much sought after for dances on the West Coast and the Islands.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Hy Gabe, Arisaig was great fun!, have you guys thought about coming over in the summer for a nice long weekend? Am sure the lads here would dig to see you again. Anyway, hope all is well and chat soon. Dom
How you doin ma dear? Just to let you know - Im doin a Bevvy Sisters gig 16th Dec Leith Folk Club and then my own lot The Kaela Rowan Band at Voodoo Rooms 17th Dec. Hope you can make it along to one or all of them . Cheers ma dear Would be good to see you Kaela x
Hey Gabe, Was happy to hear that you got your flight this morning. Would have been a disaster if you missed it again! .. 'twas great tunes last night and a great weekend altogether. Alistair is out and about town now. last words he mentioned was something about finding breakfast and tea lol. Must say we all looked like the dogs bollocks this morning. Anyway, will drop you the link with the ginger tracks today. take care man and say howdy to Angus when you see him. Cheers - Dom
Gabe - Thanks for the add! I enjoyed listening to your music over dinner! The music sounds terrific! Let me know when your playing in the Chicago area. Oak Brook usually host some highland games and usually has musicians come in and play at the Polo grounds. Thanks again for the add! Take care - Pat
Hey Gabe sorry for late response a friend made the page for us and I only just got the password yesterday so you've just popped my myspace message cherry! anyways got yer tune and a) yes it'll work on the borders b) tell Angus I'm free most Tuesday nights for lessons(ha ha). Are you going to Eigg this weekend? if so see you there if not catch you for a C tune sesh soon!
