Caledonian Muse

• Terpsichore's long-awaited second album of Scottish Country Dance music features some favorite dances married to beautifully crafted medleys to create a feast for the ears as well as the feet.  You don't have to be a dancer to enjoy the happy exuberance of “Luckenbooth Brooch” or the seamless interweaving of fiddle, cello, and piano in “Bedrule.”  (Dancers will be happy to know that all medleys are suitable for dancing.) The slowly developing power of “Monymusk” rewards the patient listener with an intense experience of strathspey, the heart and soul of Scottish music. A waltz of irrepressible brightness from the pen of Liz Donaldson shines in the middle. The well-known classic “The Duke of Perth” is revisited with a surprising, fresh approach, backed by authoritative scholarly research. Jigs by two of Scotland's best fiddle composers, Marshall and Mackintosh, are transported in Terpsichore's hands far beyond mere good fun to reach sublime heights. Inspired improvisations on a set of Mackintosh strathspeys make it clear why Terpsichore is justly famed for sizzling hot strathspeys. (Elke Baker, fiddle; Liz Donaldson, piano; Ralph Gordon, bass and cello). Click on the "Caledonian Muse" link to learn more.

Glenelg: Variations in Light and Shade

• Impressive for its rhythmic energy and deep emotion, this exquisitely crafted recording explores theme and variation in Scottish music, from the Early Music sound of  “Old Age and Young” to the irresistible step-dancing rhythms of Cape Breton.  Strathspey medleys build to fever pitch, explode into reel time, and continue to build.  Highlands, Islands, and Lowlands are evoked with the haunting oceanic “Rowing from Isla to Uist” and fiery variations on “Katherine Oggie.”  Every variation, every phrase, and every birl of “Crossing the Minch” has something new to say.  Includes the inspiringly beautiful “Thug mi gaol do'n ghille ruadh (I fell in love with a red-haired lad).”   Produced by Grammy winner Cathy Fink.  (Elke Baker, fiddle and viola; Myron Bretholz, bodhran; Robin Bullock, cittern and guitar; Liz Donaldson, piano and accordion; Ralph Gordon, bass; Ken Kolodner, hammered dulcimer; Marcy Marxer, percussion; Sue Richards, Celtic harp; Terry Traub, Cape Breton piano; Larry Unger, guitar). Click on the "Glenelg" link to learn more.

“Baker's fiddle nearly throws off sparks.”-Washington Post
“Some of the greatest Scottish music to be heard anywhere”-TACSound

Over the Border: Scottish and American Fiddle Music

• This perpetual bestseller explores the hot zone where the fiddling traditions of Scotland and America meet.  The result is explosively energetic dance medleys and heart-moving slow airs.   A generous selection of established favorites, rediscovered gems, improvisations, and original compositions (including the much-requested “Bligh's Farewell”) fills the CD.  (Elke Baker, fiddle and viola; Dave Wiesler, piano; Larry Unger, guitar and banjo; Ralph Gordon, bass and cello; Sue Richards, Celtic harp; Myron Bretholz, bodhran and percussion. Click on the "Over the Border" link to learn more.

“A CD of rare delight, precise technical skill, and fullness of soul.”-Celtic Beat

“She simply makes a feast of the Cape Breton tune “Down the Broom” and she burns down the hall on reels like “Foxhunters” and “Reel Éboulement”….This is an album  worth seeking out.”-Sing Out! Magazine

Terpsichore: Scottish Dance Music 

• Toe-tapping rhythms, expressive playing, creative arrangements, and a clean, no-fuss sound have made this album a classic of the genre.  It's requisite listening for any fan of Scottish dancing.  A popular choice for dancers and listeners alike around the world, from South Africa to Saskatchewan.  (Elke Baker, fiddle, and Liz Donaldson, piano). Click on the "Terpsichore" link to learn more.

“Makes me want to dance!”-Dr. J. Smith, Seattle
“The surgeon general will catch up to Elke Baker one day and slap the mandatory warning sign on her forehead: 'Warning: Scottish fiddle playing can be addictive and cause toes to tap.'”-Gazette Papers

Elke's appearances on other recordings

• Larry Unger and Ginny Snowe, Waltz Time 1998
• Various Artists, Oasis Acoustic Sampler 1997
• Various Artists, Oatlands Celtic Festival 1997
• Elke Baker, Over the Border 1997
• Iona, Nutmeg and Ginger 1996
• Richard Follett, A Place in the Circle 1995
• Iona, Holding Our Own (WAMMIE Award Nominee) 1994
• Viveka Fox, Shores of Champlain 1993
• Susan Palmer, Rare Old Times 1992
• Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, Live Concert with Tony Cuffe, Carl MacKenzie, Doug MacPhee, and Ed Pearlman 1990
• Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, Live Concert with Alasdair Fraser and Buddy MacMaster 1988

Bookings, Orders, and Information

11/10/06