Biography
The Celtic Fiddle Festival actually consists of three musicians rather than representing a broader event. Its name originated from a 1992 U.S. tour that brought together three standout Celtic fiddlers for what was intended as a single engagement. Recordings of those sold-out shows appeared on Green Linnet, and the resulting commercial success prompted the same trio to mount a return tour two years afterward.
The lineup features Scotsman Johnny Cunningham, Irishman Kevin Burke, and Frenchman Christian Lemaitre. Although the fiddlers themselves dominate both concerts and studio work, supporting players have appeared on the releases. Boston guitarist John McGann supplied accompaniment on the first album and composed the track “Canyon Moonrise.” On the follow-up tour, Soig Siberill took over the guitar chair; he also belongs to the bands Komog and Gwerz.
Burke, whose parents hailed from Sligo, Ireland, was born in London. After his time with Planxty he lent his Sligo-style fiddling to recordings by Christy Moore. Active as a leading Celtic fiddler since the 1970s, he has fronted the ensemble Open House, performed with the Bothy Band and Patrick Street, and collaborated on Green Linnet releases with Michael O’Domhnaill. Cunningham remained with Silly Wizard until the group disbanded in 1989 and also played in Nightnoise and Relativity. Lemaitre, a native of Brittany, performed with Paris-based Fiddle Dee Dee before joining Pennou Skoulum and Komog.
A parallel project called Celtic Fiddle Festival II emerged in 1996, comprising Scotsman Brian McNeill, Irishman Martin Hayes, and Canadian Natalie MacMaster, with guitar support from Glasgow-based Tony McManus and Chicago’s Dennis Cahill.
The lineup features Scotsman Johnny Cunningham, Irishman Kevin Burke, and Frenchman Christian Lemaitre. Although the fiddlers themselves dominate both concerts and studio work, supporting players have appeared on the releases. Boston guitarist John McGann supplied accompaniment on the first album and composed the track “Canyon Moonrise.” On the follow-up tour, Soig Siberill took over the guitar chair; he also belongs to the bands Komog and Gwerz.
Burke, whose parents hailed from Sligo, Ireland, was born in London. After his time with Planxty he lent his Sligo-style fiddling to recordings by Christy Moore. Active as a leading Celtic fiddler since the 1970s, he has fronted the ensemble Open House, performed with the Bothy Band and Patrick Street, and collaborated on Green Linnet releases with Michael O’Domhnaill. Cunningham remained with Silly Wizard until the group disbanded in 1989 and also played in Nightnoise and Relativity. Lemaitre, a native of Brittany, performed with Paris-based Fiddle Dee Dee before joining Pennou Skoulum and Komog.
A parallel project called Celtic Fiddle Festival II emerged in 1996, comprising Scotsman Brian McNeill, Irishman Martin Hayes, and Canadian Natalie MacMaster, with guitar support from Glasgow-based Tony McManus and Chicago’s Dennis Cahill.
Albums
