Cape Breton Fiddle & Piano Music
The fiddle and piano combination are fundamental to Cape Breton music tradition, and one of its most important families is the Beaton Family of Mabou. The three generations of family here epitomizes the fiery Cape Breton style of Scottish Celtic music honed through centuries of accompaniment as dancers reel, jig and strathspey at ceilidhs. The playing is as exuberant as a house party, with dancers' foot-stompin' often keeping time as violinists duel and pianists pound out syncopated rhythms and melodies. The drive and energy of these songs are readily apparent even when arrangements are downsized to Betty Beaton’s solo piano performance on "Coilsfield House"/"Farwell Friend March"/"Fraser’s Jig" or Andrea and Betty Beaton's slow building combination of tunes that starts with "Andrea Beaton's March" and ends with a traditional reel. Kinnon and Betty Beaton are probably the most popular members (at least among dancers) of the family, but there's no doubt that this musical family has talent all around. --Tad Hendrickson