Maggie Adamson, (Fiddle)
Brian Nicholson, (Guitar)
BIOGRAPHY -
Celtic Connections 2008 Danny Kyle Winners, Maggie & Brian are an acoustic duo from the Shetland Islands – Described as “natural, diverse, gifted and exciting.”
On fiddle Maggie’s sound is quite unique, characterized by strong tone and mature expressive sound.
Brian’s style has been described by Albert Lee as “world class”. His traditional accompaniment stretches the traditional Shetland “Peerie Willie” accompaniment style into a new dimension. Together they are nothing short of dynamic.
Maggie is 15, she began playing fiddle at 8 - as well as being a session animal she has held several “All Scotland” titles and is currently Shetlands “Young Musician of the Year”. Maggie is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and plays with Shetland group Swingin’ Fiddles and the Andrew Gibb Scottish Dance Band.
Brian grew up with a musical heritage in the island of Yell, He played guitar from the age of 12, at fifteen he joined the Shetland dance band Da Fustra, at 17 was a founder member of folk group Hom Bru, he also plays in NO Sweat, (rock) , Matt Vinyl (Blues) and the Sheila Henderson Band (country). Brian has taught workshops and night classes for many years.
Maggie and Brian have played in America, Australia, Norway and Canada with Swingin’ Fiddles and currently putting together a tour to promote their new album – “Tammie Norie”.
Maggie and Brian are Shetland musicians. They have played together as a duo for 18 months now, both previously members of Swingin’ Fiddles. Their recent CD release - "Tammy Norie" is now available online.
This video is - Maggie and Brian performing on the main stage at Gosport and Fareham Easter Festival-Tippin the scales/Dinky’s reel and the cup ’o Tea
Video above is Brian singing The Press Gang song in Shetland Dialect accompanied by Maggie on the fiddle
Hey, I'm out of breath. I only came on to wish you a Happy Easter and listen to the Masons Apron. I have lost 500 calories just listening to it. Yeeeee Haaaaaa you do it proud. Brian.
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing incl the award winning The Demon Barbers.
I'm not kidding, thats the cleanest fiddle i've ever heard in my life. Do you record with a lot of reverb. It's a lovely echo sound. Glad to know the two best musicians in shetland
Hi to you, good to hear from you! I haven't been able to make CC this year (no bloody money!) but never mind, plenty more fish (festivals) in the sea!! I'd LOVE to come to Shetland, maybe if fortune smiles on me I will. :) The photos were a pleasure, some musicians are really photogenic and make taking pics really enjoyable, yourselves included! :)
Would love to see/hear you again, hopefully this year. I've got my fingers crossed!
I'll be away down to Gosport & Fareham in a couple of months and I know I'll be remembering your brilliant gigs there.
JOHN MILLER and his Country Casuals (original line-up). Friday 21st November '08 Woodend Bowling and Tennis Club 30 Chamberlain Rd, Glasgow, G13 1QE Tickets Available Now from Sounds In The Suburbs or TicketsScotland
ah maggie&brian, so great to finally meet you and see you both on stage!! what a player you are maggie!! it was great fun wherever i saw you... hope to see you both on the road sometimes!! be happy!! lievehugsxx
Just Great to see all of you in Stromness - Sorry I didno get tae play with you as much as I wanted - But I did hiv a grand blether on the cauld steps among the swirling clouds of 'smoke' heehee - Hid wis right graand. - I'll be watching your meteoric rise and hope tae bump into you somwhere for a longer tune and many drams - Cheersnoo John xx
