Reeling With Jigs #1 - Canadian Fiddle CD101a

The main theme of this album is Celtic fiddle playing from Cape Breton and Antigonish, Nova Scotia. "Little" Jack MacDonald was born in 1887 in Judique, Cape Breton,Canada and was known as an old school fiddler, eventually settling in Glengarry County, Ontario. Angus Allan Gillis was born in Gillisdale , Cape Breton Island, NS. in 1897. Alexander Gillis, his father, was a respected fiddler, but his career was cut short after an injury when operating his sawmill. Three of his sons - James A., Hughie, and the youngest, Angus Allan, all carried on the Celtic musical tradition. Angus Allan’s sister, Bella gave him his first fiddle. While attending school in Broad Cove Banks, his teacher encouraged his fiddle playing and would often clear the classroom floor, allowing students to dance to his fiddle playing. While still in school, his cousin, fiddler James D. Gillis came to live with his family, often coaching his playing and music reading. He played for dances in Boston with Alex Gillis and The Inverness Serenaders. In 1933, he won a fiddling contest in Glengary, Ontario. His recording of 'The Old-Time Wedding Reels ,' became a standard with performers and is still played. Working hard on his dairy farm and cutting pulpwood (with an axe) during the day , he would play the at dances until 1:00 AM. Always a gentleman, he encouraged young players. Dan J. Campbell, born 1900 was the father of current musician John Campbell. John A.Macdonald - I can find no data about him. Donald Charles Frederick (Don) Messer was born in Tweedside, New Brunswick in 1909. He began playing the violin at age five and played concerts locally. By 1929 began on radio with CFBO in Saint John, New Brunswick .By 1934 he had assembled a band, and was soon playing regularly on CBC Radio, broadcasting from CHSJ in Saint John as the 'New Brunswick Lumberjacks.' Television appearances started in 1956 and 'Don Messer 's Jubilee became one of the most popular shows throughout the sixties. Messer was inducted posthumously into the Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Honour in 1985 and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.

Little Jack Macdonald Mrs.B.McNeil(Piano)

1. The Fallen Chief(Pastoral Air)/Rosewood Jig Celtic 034 1936
2. Bonnie Annie Anderson(Strathspey)/The Devil's Elbow/The Brides' Reel Celtic 034 1936
3. Peter Baillie(Strathspey)Malcolm Finley Reel/Prince Charley Reel Celtic 024 1936
4. High Level Hornpipe/Jeanne's Favourite/John Maccormack's Hornpipe Celtic 024 1936
5. The Dean Brig Of Edinburgh(Slow Air)/Nathaniel Gow Strathspey / The Braes Of Auchtertyre Celtic 026 1936
6. Mrs.Ronald Macdonalds' Reel/Anns' Favourite/Lady Charlotte Campbell Celtic 026 1936
7. Marr Castle(Slow Air)/Brig O' Potarch/The Mains O'Gartley Celtic 031 1937
8. Huntley's Strathspey/Lord Kelly Strathspey/Colonel Mcbain Reel Celtic 031 1937
9. Highland Queen(Pastoral Air)/Speed The Plough(Classic Reel) Celtic 022 1937
10. Macbeth's Strathspey/Huntley's Reel/Red Shoes Celtic 022 1937
11. Cameron's Got His Wife Again/Homeward Bound/Rachael Rae Dan & Michael J.MacDonald Celtic 020 1936
12. Balkan Hills/Lasses Of Campbell Street Dan & Michael J.MacDonald Celtic 020 1936
13. Don Side/Lady Georgina Campbell A.A.Gillis Bess Siddall MacDonald Celtic 008 1935
14. Johnnie Cope A.A.Gillis Bess Siddall MacDonald Celtic 008 1935
15. Braes O'Mara A.A.Gillis & Dan J.Campbell Celtic 011 1935
16. Medley Of Old Time Wedding Reels A.A.Gillis & Dan J.Campbell Celtic 011 1935
17. Mrs.Dingwell Of Brockleys/Mist Over Cape Mabou/Carnies Cantor Dan J.Campbell Celtic 006 1935
18. The Road To St.Rose/Song Of The Watermill Dan J.Campbell Celtic 006 1935
19. Robert Williams/Sean Trubhais/ Dan J Campbell John A.Macdonald Mrs B.MacNeil Celtic 038 1935
20. The Little Judique/Ann Macneil/Lauchie Marrs' Dan J Campbell John A.Macdonald Mrs B.MacNeil Celtic 038 1935
21. Hon.Lady Fraser Of Lovat/Broad Cove Banks/Miss Shepherd Dan J Campbell John A.Macdonald Mrs B.MacNeil Celtic 0351935
22. Boston March/Captain Mcduff And The Flail Dan J Campbell John A.Macdonald Mrs B.MacNeil Celtic 0351935
23. Half Penny Reel Don Messer and His Islanders Apex 26299 1937
24. Patronella Don Messer And His Islanders Apex 26299 1937
25. Belfast and Cock o' the North Don Messer And His Islanders Apex 26300 1937

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