Fiddlers' Bid - Naked And Bare

(June 2005) 10 tracks: Naked and Bare * White Wife * Troila Knowe * Waltz From Orsa * Fezeka's * Jim Craig's Set * Christchurch Cathedral * Seven Step Polka * Da Kirk Stack * Faroe Tune.

Fiddlers' Bid are leading exponents of the Shetland Islands' rich fiddle tradition. Since their formation in 1991, the flying fiddles and furious talent of the group have astounded audiences all over the world, with their undeniably unique approach to music and performance.

With their four-fiddle front line, backed by a powerhouse of piano, bass, guitar and Scottish harp, they create a display of stunning virtuosity. Their exhilarating sound is developed from Shetland's rich tradition of fiddle music, but given a fresh approach by the fiddlers and backed by the driving rhythm section.

In recent years Fiddlers' Bid have performed at some of the world's largest folk festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2003 (USA), Tonder Music Festival (Denmark) and Celtic Connections (Scotland). They have had two hugely successful tours of Australia and Tasmania, performing at venues such as Melbourne Concert Hall and Sydney Opera House. One tour earned the group a nomination for Best Contemporary Music Presentation at a national music award ceremony in Australia.

This is the band's third album on Greentrax, following their 2001 recording Da Farder Ben Da Welcomer - the label's best selling album of 2002.

Kevin and Maurice Henderson (fiddle), Chris Stout (fiddle, viola), Andrew Gifford (fiddle, guitar), Catriona McKay (Scottish harp, piano), Fionán de Barra (guitar) and Jonathan Ritch (bass guitar).

"Nothing, I repeat nothing, could possibly prepare an audience for the musical tornado known as Fiddlers' Bid"

"This thrilling seven-piece outfit is currently one of Scotland's hottest musical exports"

"If they don't sweep you away, check your pulse"

"One of the most exhilarating acts on the scene"

"For exultant ensemble synergy and irresistibly infectious gusto, there's no beating Fiddlers' Bid"