This myspace is dedicated to the memory of the late, great Thomas Fraser of Shetland who died in 1978, aged only 50 years. Thomas had been a fisherman and crofter on the remote island of Burra who left a quite stunning legacy: thousands of songs recorded in his small croft house using a reel-to-reel recorder. Not music traditionally associated with Shetland entirely, for Thomas was an exponent of the country and blues styles and his passion was the guitar. Thomas never intended for his music to be released on a wider scale - he simply recorded for sheer enjoyment and love of the music, particularly that of 'the singing brakeman', Jimmie Rodgers.
For over a quarter of century, Thomas's work lay undisturbed and largely forgotten. In 2000 his grandson discovered the original tapes. Astounded by the quality and sincerity of the music, a posthumous CD 'Long Gone Lonesome Blues' was released in 2002 to great critical acclaim. Two further albums followed: 'You and My Old Guitar' (2003) and 'Treasure Untold' (2005).
With a further CD release to follow in 2008, a commemorative signature guitar and an annual Memorial Festival, the Thomas Fraser story has been cited as one of the most remarkable in recorded music history.
With new albums from The Waifs, I See Hawks In LA, Rough Shop, Noel lanaghan, Bex Marshal, Andrew Calhoun and Campground, Case Hardin as well as nessmp3. com new music and usual mix of classics.
Tuesday 9PM April 1st (BST) Nessmp3. com Live Radio.
Country Blues and Beyond see you there
We will of course feature all our musician friends and neighbours who show up in the chatroom, as well as new releases classic tracks and nessmp3. com artists. Join Rob and the gathered villagers in the chat frame here on Tuesday. See you then
Rob Ellen
Were based in the Highlands an putting the unity, in . com
