A Compilation
Release Date: 1996
CD OUT OF PRINT

In 1989, Natalie MacMaster, then only 16, recorded her first album entitled, "Four On The Floor". This album was made available only on cassette, however, helped bring Natalie's personal and dynamic fiddle style to the attention of a much wider audience and helped launch her new career in traditional music. 

Just two years later, Natalie followed up by releasing her second album, "Road To The Isle", also only on cassette. These two titles went on to sell over 12 000 copies respectively. This was accomplished without a record label or distribution company.

Finally in 1996, highlights from both of these early recordings were combined to form this remastered CD release, "A Compilation". The repertoire is classic Cape Breton: traditional tunes learned from such masters as Winston Fitzgerald and her uncle Buddy MacMaster, alongside tunes by island composers such as Jerry Holland and Dan R. MacDonald. Solid accompaniiment is provided by pianist John Morris Rankin, Betty Lou Beaton and guitarist Dave MacIsaac. On some tracks her own step-dancing can also be heard, which will evoke a strong image for listeners who have seen her perform live.

This CD is an excellent indication of Natalie's very traditional beginnings and a wonderful collection of traditional fiddle tunes. 

"... Her stellar performance on this recording foretells the direction and maturating Natalie MacMaster will undergo, propelling her ascent and designation as one of today's elite young traditional fiddlers" -- Celtic Music Magazine
 

All tunes traditional unless otherwise noted
 

	1.  Spey In Spate Spey In Spate The Forth Bridge The Fox Hunter
	2.  Mountain Road The Earl Of Dalhousie's Happy Return To Scotland Back Of The Change House Bob Steele's Mountain Road
	3.  Mahone Bay Jig Mahone Bay  Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be Traditional Fraser's
	4.  Amelia's Waltz Amelia's Waltz The Fir Tree Athole Brose The Pondville
	5. Happy Go Lucky Clogs Happy Go Lucky Fred Wilson's Fisher's Carnie's Canter Saratoga
	6. King Of The Clans   Traditional King Of The Clans Johnny's Made a Wedding O'T Cameron's One Legged Hen
	7. Buttermilk Mary Jigs Traditional Cronin's Favorite Buttermilk Mary
	8. The King's Set The Headlands Captain Campbell Callum Breugach King George O'er The Isles To America Sandy Cameron Kings The Cape Breton Fiddler's Welcome To The Shetlands
	9.  Newcastle Hornpipes Newcastle The Second Star Mrs Forbes Leith Mary Claire Jabe Meadow
	10.  One For The Record The Eavesdropper The Knight's Of St-Patrick One For The Record Shandon Bells
	11.  Road To The Isle Road To The Isle Scourdiness Homeward Bound
	12.  Capers Jigs Doug MacPhee's Visit Traditional Short Grass
	13.  Blackberry Blossom Blackberry Blossom The Red Haired Lass Paddy O'Brien's The Dawn
	14.  A Buddy Jig Jimmy's A Buddy MacMaster Jig Connaughtman's Rambles
	15.  Glen Of Thickets Airidh nam badam
	16.  Johnny Wilmot's Fiddles To Daun't On Me Cameron Chisolm's Haughs Of Cromdale Johnny Wilmot's Fiddle Mrs Kennedy Of Greenan Fermoy Lasses

Natalie MacMaster:  Fiddle
John Morris Rankin:  Piano, Synth., Bass
Dave MacIsaac:  Guitar, Bass, Mandolin
Betty Lou Beaton:  Piano

Thanks To:  
Mom & Dad, Buddy MacMaster, Stan Chapman, Kinnon Beaton, Harvey Beaton, Mary Janet MacDonald, John Donald Cameron, Howie MacDonald, Brendan Mulvihill, Donna Long and Mike & Marlene Denny

Special Thanks To: 
John Morris Rankin, Betty Lou Beaton, Dave MacIsaac and Seamus Egan.