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| Spirit Fiddle Press Kit Information |
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Testimonials | Performing Experience | Recordings | TV & Video
Summary Spirit Fiddle, featuring Champion Fiddler Robin Warren and Guitarist Brian Clancey, performs a wide variety of energetic music, ranging from bouncy Southern and Texas swing tunes to sweet waltzes, old popular songs, bluegrass numbers, French Canadian and Celtic jigs and reels, and Parisian musette.
From The Boston Museum of Fine Arts to the renowned Fiddler's Grove Festival in Union Grove, North Carolina, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the oldest bluegrass festival in Canada, from sidewalk cafes to coffee houses and formal concerts, audiences delight in the eclectic mix of music Spirit Fiddle performs, and in their natural sense of humor on stage. Since its first appearance over 10 years ago, Spirit Fiddle has given over 700 performances and recorded 5 full-length albums.
The first album is a collection of fiddle waltzes entitled Mother's Day Waltz (1999). The second, Blue Jeans and Gingham (2000), features a mix of fast and slow tunes from a variety of North American fiddle traditions. The third album, entitled Café Music (2003), includes Canadian and American waltzes as well as musette, music popular in Europe during the early 1900s. New Old Fashioned (2005) features some original tunes as well as European and North American music. Rapproche - Come Closer (2007) offers waltzes, musette, Texas swing, Canadian jigs and reels, and Celtic tunes, both Irish and Scottish. Spirit Fiddle CDs and tapes are available through a variety of outlets, including Spirit Fiddle's website at www.spiritfiddle.com.
After studying classical violin as a child, and giving solo violin recitals in Boston's Brown Hall and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Master Fiddler Robin Warren took first place prizes in numerous fiddle contests in North Carolina and New England. She was the first fiddler ever to win the coveted Fiddler of the Festival title during 3 different years at Fiddler's Grove in North Carolina. For this, she was granted the title of Master Fiddler. She is also one of several fiddlers featured in the 1994 PBS Special entitled "Fiddler's Grove, a Celebration of Old-Time Music". She has appeared on over 2 dozen albums and collections.
Brian Clancey brings a lifetime of experience (from Renaissance lute to bluegrass) to his sensitive guitar arrangements of Spirit Fiddle tunes. Brian is known throughout the Boston area as an outstanding rhythm player, and he is a popular backup guitar player at contests and festivals throughout New England.
Testimonials "I can still vividly remember hearing Robin and Brian playing at 6 am Sunday morning at Thomas Point Beach, after being up all night jamming, and still having enough drive and "pizzazz" to hold an avid audience in the campground at that hour. For me, at that time, their rendition of Ashokan Farewell sold me on their performing ability and stage presence and convinced me to hire them for our festival. I woke up the rest of our hiring committee to hear them, and we all agreed we wanted Robin and Brian to come play for us in Nova Scotia. Also, their very reasonable price and the ease of negotiating with them made Spirit Fiddle an easy pick!!!"
"Hearing Robin Warren play the violin is an emotional experience! to laugh, to cry, to dance, to relax, to enjoy -- these are emotions felt when listening to Robin's music. Her feeling for the piece she is playing conveys to the listener the true depth of the tune. ... Robin has established her own identity as a fiddler and does a superb job in whatever style she chooses to play. ... We at Fiddler's Grove never cease to be amazed at her talent and versatility, and we acclaim her as one of the "great" fiddlers of our day."
"Brian Clancey is an amazing guitar player who accompanies Robin Warren's fiddle music to perfection. His artistry as a musician is apparent and exciting each time one hears him play."
"When Master Fiddler Robin Warren plays an old- time waltz, magic happens. The sounds of her fiddle lift your spirit and warm your heart. This is ageless music, beautifully performed. Music for the soul."
"One of the best musical groups I've ever had at the festival. Evaluation comments were excellent, and people talked about you for months afterwards. Absolutely wonderful, hot, clean fiddle music."
"Fantastische Geigerin!* Spirit Fiddle is a wonderfully entertaining blend of excellent fiddle and guitar playing. Their enthusiasm for the music is so delightfully shared with their audiences. We truly enjoy watching them perform and admire their skills." (* fantastic violin/fiddle player!)
"If you are looking for music to the soundtrack of your life you'll want to stop by Caffe di Siena either tomorrow night or next Saturday to check out the musical duet "Spirit Fiddle." Such wonderful music you have never heard. You'll sit and smile as Robin Warren plays waltzes like you've never heard them on her fiddle. So come, sit down, have some ricotta pie and a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the heavenly music."
"Thank you so much for the beautiful performance opening our Spring Performance Series. To compliment your musicianship and virtuosity seems almost redundant. Experiencing the Spirit Fiddle concert on that level alone was a master class for every musician in attendance. What I hadn't expected was your mastery in communicating with our audience, which is a mixture of young college students who … have no common experience with the music … and a loyal group of older folks with a long, varied and sophisticated musical tastes. You deeply touched both groups… The humor and personal banter between you two afforded a glimpse into the humanity that generously flowed from your performance. We were captivated! You were a joy to work with and a profound pleasure to listen to."
"Your lively and varied musical programs get rave reviews from all who hear you!"
"Such spontaneity can be created only when artists possess exacting precision and skill. Seeing Robin and Brian perform together, only enriches their music. Their exhilaration transfers to an audience who quickly connects with their on-stage interactions and responsiveness. It is apparent: that the music is being performed by master musicians who love what they are doing, and their audience leaves with that feeling."
"I'd just like to say that I think of you as one of the finest musicians I've ever had the pleasure to listen to."
"Spirit Fiddle - the title says it all! The true spirit of the fiddle has no boundaries, nor is it imprisoned by any one style of music. The fiddle is a key part of bluegrass, carrying with it the influences of Canadian, Scotch and Irish music. So the fiddle blends well in venues ranging from bluegrass to classical. Especially when placed in the hands of a master artist such as Robin Warren.
Brian Clancey is a master of the guitar, and his love of the music shows. Together they create a sound that is enjoyed everywhere they appear. Rightfully so. Robin and Brian have a wonderful "cross-over" appeal to listeners of all types of music.The beautiful strains Robin can extract from her fiddle, paired with the superb bass runs and back-up accompaniment highlighted by Brian's expertise on his guitar, are something every music fan should experience. I would put them at the top of my "hiring list" for any bluegrass / musical event that I promoted. They appeal to the varied tastes of all fans in the audience. I can foresee no venue where they would not be well received.
I first heard these two very talented performers playing in front of the showers at the Thomas Point Beach Festival after the stage show was over. When I first happened upon them, there were but a couple of us ,standing there mesmerized by the music emanating from them.The music was heartfelt, coming from the soul. By the time I grudgingly left to get some rest, there were over 40 of us in the crowd!"
Performing Experience Spirit Fiddle has given over 700 performances in the past 10+ years. The duo has performed in a wide variety of venues, including those listed below:
Festivals Concerts Coffee Houses & Café Music Weddings, Private Functions Spirit Fiddle has provided wedding music for indoor, outdoor, and church weddings and receptions. Locations have included Old City Hall in Boston, MA; the Sheraton Tara in Nashua, NH; Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merrimack, NH; Leominster Town Commons, MA; Ipswich Country Club, MA: Maison Robert in Boston, MA; North Conway Country Club, NH; Carver, MA; Albany, NY; Hill-Stead House, Farmington, CT; York Beach, ME; Laconia, NH; Bedford, NH; Duxbury, MA; Saco, ME; Botanical Gardens in Boston, MA; Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA; Chocorua, NH; and aboard the Mount Washington on Lake Winnepesaukee. Spirit Fiddle has also performed for numerous anniversary celebrations, bridal showers, corporate functions, private parties, and funerals.
Recordings Spirit Fiddle Selections On: Robin Warren Selections On: TV & Video Spirit Fiddle Robin Warren | |
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