Anna says joining Blazers is honour

May 8 2009 ]

ANNA Massie has vast musical talents – some of which she’s displayed to good effect in Perth Concert Hall.

She’s popped up with Kate Rusby’s band and Capercaillie – and on Sunday marks a milestone in her career with her concert debut as a new member of Blazin’ Fiddles.

“Perth Concert Hall is a lovely venue and I really enjoy playing in it. It’s one of my favourites,” said Anna.

“Sunday will be very special because I’ll be the Blazin’ Fiddles’ new girl. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Anna has a stand-in with the Blazers before. Now she takes her place in the regular line-up, replacing Aidan O’Rourke and Marc Clement, and can’t wait to show to her audience on Sunday how one woman can fill the shoes of two men.

“In January during Celtic Connections it was suggested I join Blazin’ Fiddles. I jumped in straight away. I was so pleased to have been invited, it was a real honour.

“I’ve been a Blazin’ Fiddles fan since they got going.

“Taking the place of Aidan and Marc is a daunting task but it’s exciting.”

Playing in various stellar traditional music bands plus her own trio – it tours this summer – calls for a feat of juggling. In fact, just nine days after the Blazin’ Fiddle concert in Perth, Anna returns to these parts as one of the Maggie MacInnes Trio which plays Pitlochry Festival Theatre on May 19.

“Being able to adapt is an important part of being a gigging folk musician, so I’m up to a juggling task.”

Anna is the first new member of Blazin’ Fiddles in the band’s 12 year history.

Her fellow Blazers are Allan Henderson – fiddle, Iain Macfarlane – fiddle, Catriona Macdonald – fiddle, Bruce MacGregor – fiddle, and Andy Thorburn – piano.

Allan said: “There are certain gigs we always look forward to more than others, and playing in Perth Concert hall is one of them,” said Mallaig-based Allan.

“No other venue in Scotland comes near it. It’s a great facility with a wonderful atmosphere, and the staff treat us so well. Their attention to detail is superb.”

He added: “We are very lucky that our manager came across this young Polish band (Dautenis) who are our special guests on Sunday. The second I heard them I was blown away with what they do.

“Dautenis are very different from Blazin’ Fiddles, yet they put their heart and soul into their music, which is what Blazin’ Fiddles are all about. It’s a marriage made in heaven.”

Allan added: “To lose two musicians of the calibre of Aidan and Marc left a huge gap, yet Anna is very able. She is an incredible musician on so many instruments which opens up a new world for the band.”

On Sunday Blazers will be playing Scozzese – the name of a dance from the Baltic region – and other results of the coming together of Scottish and Polish cultures over the centuries, as well as new material destined for their new album.