Cape Breton Country

tagStarted 1970sPeak 1990s-2000sLast big hit still activeFrom Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Country & Western → International / Regional Country

Nova Scotia's Gaelic-rooted Scottish fiddle tradition meeting country and song: driving Cape Breton reels and strathspeys with piano comping, sometimes fronted by country-folk vocals and guitar. A bowing style heavy on cuts and grace notes, fierce and rhythmic, distinct from down-east Maritime fiddling.

History

Carried by Scottish Highland emigrants, Cape Breton fiddling stayed insular until John Allan Cameron, the 'Godfather of Celtic Music,' brought Gaelic tunes to mainstream Canadian TV and the Grand Ole Opry in 1970. Natalie MacMaster and Ashley MacIsaac turned it into crossover stardom in the 1990s, blending tradition with rock and country.

Defining artists

John Allan CameronSpotify YouTube
Natalie MacMasterSpotify YouTube
Ashley MacIsaacSpotify YouTube
Buddy MacMasterSpotify YouTube
The Rankin FamilySpotify YouTube
The Barra MacNeilsSpotify YouTube

Essential listening

Sleepy Maggie — Ashley MacIsaacSpotify YouTube
Fisherman's Son — The Rankin FamilySpotify YouTube
Rant and Roar — The Rankin FamilySpotify YouTube
In My Hands — Natalie MacMasterSpotify YouTube
The Cape Breton Fiddlers' Medley — Buddy MacMasterSpotify YouTube

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Sources

Wikipedia: Music of Nova Scotia
Celtic Colours: Ashley MacIsaac
folkworld.de: John Allan Cameron