Search - James Scott Skinner :: The Strathspey King

Scots Master Fiddler

Kevin Fontenot | New Orleans, LA United States | 10/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James Scott Skinner was the finest Scots fiddler to record in the early 20th century. He also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest folk fiddlers to record, being born in the 1840s along with the American Southern fiddlers Henry Gilliland and Mose Bonner. Theirs is the oldest of fiddle styles to have been recorded and demand the attention of anyone interested in folk fiddling.Skinner recorded fairly extensively and this disc is a nice collection of his pieces (though not his complete recordings). His style is rooted in folk traditions, yet shows some classical influence. His taste in tunes is fantastic, his control and technique flawless. The sound quality is excellent for recordings of this age. A CD that belongs in every fiddle collection and one that should attract the attention of both folk and country fiddle enthusiasts."