Representative Albums: "Aly Bain & Friends," "The Pearl," "Ruby"
Representative Songs: "Waiting for the Federals," "Mrs. Jamieson's Favourite," "Rosemary Brown"
Biography
Renowned for his Shetland style of fiddle playing, Aly Bain was born in the Shetland town of Lerwick in 1946. He began learning the fiddle at the age of 11, and earned money playing around the local area. He recorded two albums in the mid-'70s with his mentor Tom Anderson, and has also recorded with Richard Thompson and Bert Jansch. Bain is well-known in England as a TV presenter for his series Down Home (and its accompanying albums), which examined the spread of fiddle and folk music from the British Isles to North America. His first solo album appeared in 1985, and the many follow-ups also explore common roots, including not only Scottish folk, but songs from France, Ireland, Canada, and on Aly Meets the Cajuns (1988), the music of Louisiana. Bain joined the Boys of the Lough in 1988, and has hosted two other English series, Push the Boat Out and The Shetland Set. The solo Ruby followed in 1998. Another Gem, which featured an incredible collaboration with Scottish accordionist Phil Cunningham, was issued on Compass Records in spring 2001. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Aly BainMBE (born 15 May1946 in Lerwick, Shetland) is a Shetlandfiddler who learned his instrument from the old-time master Tom Anderson. Now considered one of the finest fiddlers in the Scottish tradition, he became nationally prominent as a founding member of The Boys of the Lough, with whom he played for 30 years. He has worked on several international television series, regularly collaborates with prominent musicians from across the globe, and occasionally records as a solo musician. In 1993 his autobiography "Fiddler on the Loose" was published by "Mainstream". It was written with Alastair Clark. He received an MBE in 1994 for his musical accomplishments. He also has received five honorary Doctor of Music (DMus) degrees, including ones from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and from the University of St Andrews (in 2003) In addition, on the 27th November 2007, Aly - along with Phil Cunningham - were awarded Doctor of Letters from Glasgow Caledonian University for their contributions to music and to the education and encouragement of young musicians [1]. In 2006, he was inducted into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame. In 2007, he and Phil celebrated their 20th anniversary of touring as a fiddle and accordion duo.
