Caithness.org News Index

Front Page Archives

19 August 04
HIGHLAND FIDDLE MAESTRO TURNS PROFESSIONAL

The traditional music scene in Scotland this week received the excellent news of Gordon Gunn turning professional. From Wick in Caithness, Gordon is held in high regard internationally as a fiddle maestro. From early beginnings in the traditional fiddle competition scene, Gordon then played with Scottish dance band legend Addie Harper. He later played country style with the Ruby Rendall band, and was influenced by the brilliant American player Mark O� Connor at summer schools.

With his unique style, Gordon burst onto the scene with the release of his band�s �Shoreside� album on Greentrax in 2000. This took the traditional music scene by storm, and launched Gordon as a major force with Gordon�s own very fine compositions such as the beautiful air �Orkney� making a notable contribution.

Extensive tours with his band, a supremely tight tour de force, drew terrific reviews - �just as powerful on the recording as they are live� (Chicago press), �sparkling mix of nicely swung up tempo music� (Folk Roots), �fine musicianship, good material and excellent programming�, �treat yourself, you won�t be disappointed� (Living Tradition).

Gordon has also developed a keen interest in teaching fiddle, and regularly leads group and individual classes and master classes for F�is Rois, F�is Chataibh, Inverness Traditional Music Project and Feisean nan Gaidheal. His impressive pedigree combined with excellent intonation and rhythm, clear fingering and extensive knowledge of tunes makes him a first class tutor.

Some Of the Musicians At The Music Work shops In 2003 Gordon helped organise and teach in Wick
The workshops are to be held again in October 2004 and announcements will be made shortly

Gordon was a founder member of Session A9, a hot Highland band including Charlie McKerron, Adam Sutherland, Duncan Chisholm, Brian McAlpine, Kris Drever, Tim Edey and Iain Copeland and currently enjoying success at top festivals such as the Hebridean Celtic and Cambridge.

Gordon is sure to be in great demand as a performer, composer and tutor, and news of his turning professional can only add to the very vibrant traditional music scene.

Contact Gordon Gunn
Telephone 01955 602831
 e-mail gordon.gunn@ntlworld.com