Fraser Shaw is one of Scotland’s leading young traditional musicians.
A finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2006 competition, Fraser specialises in Highland pipes, border pipes and whistles and has been playing music since the age of seven.
Born in Glasgow, Fraser was educated entirely through the Gaelic medium, from primary school through to studies at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, and this led to an opportunity to learn pipes under the renowned Fred Morrison of South Uist and, later, Kenny MacDonald of Tiree.
At Sabhal Mor Ostaig Fraser co-founded Cluanas, a band which concentrated solely on Gaelic West coast music. Cluanas have toured through Scotland and Europe, appearing at festivals including The Highland Festival and Feis na Mara, and have made several television appearances.
Fraser was involved with the music in Sgathach, the Gaelic opera which ran at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. He has also recorded with Farqhuar MacDonald and Aidan McEoins Rustic album and has appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Pipeline and several television programmes with Skye based The Harris Tweed Brogues
Fraser continues to teach and play locally, and tours occasionally with the four piece band The Maverick Angels.
Dear Mr. Shaw, I found your music yesterday and have been overwhelmed with gratitude since the first few notes reached my ears. Caoldh Sandy is so beautiful I am at a loss to describe the nature and depth of feeling evoked upon it's playing. With respect, and heartfelt appreciation for your gift. Justine
You about end of June / start of July for tunes etc? Coming over for some teaching! Hopefully might get a few days to chill out at home as well so plenty of time for tunes and pints!
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace -
2 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
(C) David Franks 2003
76 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: LAND RIGHTS
If there is a good thing From the Second World War It’s that most peoples learnt To conquer lands no more.
In Africa, Asia, And the Pacific, too: Post-war independence - Steps only bigots rue.
But for some indigenes, Outnumbered much-too-much, It has all come too late For liberty, as such.
So ‘tis in Australia, And America’s sites, Where the best now, I think, Is to respect land rights.
Hi Fraser, Thanks for a great weekend in Port Charlotte. I'll be back again soon to sample more of the golden drops and the wonderful Islay Ales. I hope your shoulder is better. Mich
Hi Fraser, the baby's due in 2 days. Hopefully it wont take long cos Ross away to the States a week later. Och it all adds to the excitement! Hope you're well - will get that hen night sorted out soon xx
Yass. I am about this weekend. You goin to the weddin o? Please let me know where it is and when etc. If you know... Otherwise I'm fooked! Not gonna have time to go home. You bought them a prezzie? I didn't, a wrote one!
Hiya Fraser. I hope all's well. Just to let you know we (Aifric, Leonie, Ron and myself) will be in Port Charlotte again this February. We have rented a house from the 21st - 25th. It would be great to meet again and if there was a session it would be brilliant :-) Ron is bringing his guitar. Looking forward to seeing you. Mich
