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CD & Cassette out of print. No longer available.
 

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


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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

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

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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.

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