Roy Johnstone, PEI FiddlerAbout Roy Johnstone
"Roy Johnstone has the heart of a poet, the spirit of an adventurer and plays like the Devil." Atlantic Gig Magazine
"One of the Island's most accomplished fiddlers " Doug Gallant, the Guardian
Roy Johnstone has been active in the East Coast musical community for the past thirty years. Not only is he one of the most accomplished fiddle players in Atlantic Canada but he has also received accolades for both his music compositions and his studio production. He is an active recording artist and has 5 solo albums to his credit for which he has multiple nominations for ECMA awards. His most recent CD, entitled "live at Loon" with Steve Sharratt was released in the fall of 2010 and he recently re-released in digital format his ECMA nominated recording Rolling Waves.
Artist Statement
"My music is a search for our common voice, a voice that speaks to the heart. Whether I am playing a Gaelic air or a jazz standard I bring a deep love and respect for the traditions within each musical genre. For me, music is a call to live passionately, to celebrate tradition while exploring the joy of creating new forms of musical expression."
Andre Brunet and Roy
Andre Brunet gave a fantastic workshop on Quebecois fiddling. Thanks to the PEI Acadian federation for sponsoring the event.
Concert at Irish Cultural Centre
Roy Drew, Nancy Clement and Roy played a concert of the music of Irish composer Turloch Carolan at the Irish Cultural center Friday, 8 pm March 8 th.
stark ravin' receives a thumbs up in New Zealand !
A friend sent stark ravin' to two DJ's in New Zealand.
This note is just to acknowledge the arrival of strark ravin' for use on
our programme. It's one of the best albums of fiddle music I have
heard, and you can be sure we'll use it. We will report airplay on our weekly playlist via FOLKDJ-L, as usual.
Mitch and Robyn Park
Acadian Day Celebration at Confederation Centre with Robert and Nancy
Robert Arsenault, Nancy Clement and Roy performed for Acadian Day at the confederation centre outdoor amphitheatre.
photo By Emile Gallant
Celtic Life Magazine Features PEI Fiddler Roy Johnstone
Celtic Life writer and publisher Stephen Patrick Clare has published an interview with Roy.
and another story on the 2013 issue on celtfestcuba. (page 61)
PEI Fiddle Camp 2013
PEI Fiddle Camp, will take place July 12 to the 18 th. I'm really looking forward to seeing players from last year and meeting all the new students and teachers . Check out the web site for PEI Fiddle Camp for more details.
Cat Gut, Frogs and Horsehair
Roy will give an interactive talk on the history of the fiddle and it's music at Orwell historic village.
July 17 th 2 pm to 4 pm. Kids and families welcome !
Hemlock and Highways
There was an overwhelming majority of Islanders opposed to plan B, something like 94 %.
A new CD , stop Plan B is now available as a fundraiser and my track is included..
- Download audio file
- 3199 downloads
- 39 plays
- Read more
Concert in Winnipeg a Success
A sold out crowd attended the Bourkevale fundraiser concert to see Roy, Darcy Stearns and blues singer Brent Parkins perform. The over 250 people in attendance included old school mates of Roy's along with cousins, nephews and sailing buddies of Bill Johnstone and Reg Simms who organized the concert. The concert raised over $4200. Thanks to everyone who came out. photo by Sarah Saunders.
Tribute to Pennou Skoulm at Celtfestcuba, Plaza Veija
This is a tune I wrote as a tribute to the Breton group Pennou Skoulm. Joining me are Damian on guitar, Arriana on cello, Manuel on whistle and Xavier on the cahon. Recorded by Lisa at celtfest cuba in Old Havana,
the Beach
Sky, sea and sand just east of Havana. A dramatic scene a day after the torrential downpour.
Pancho, Byrom and Me
Pancho Amat, Cuban tres master who recorded with the Chieftains and my good friend Byrom who helped organize the celtfest cuba workshops and who arranged for me to jam with Pancho pose after the concert at the Museo de Musica in Old Havana.
Celtfest Cuba concert in Plaza Veija
Roy performs with Cuban musicians: cahone player Javier, cellist Arianna, guitarist Damian and whistle player Yoe. They are joined by Cuban dancer Rose .
This tune is one that I composed for the celtcuba festival and I call it the La danza de la muerte.
Celtfestcuba concert in Plaza Vieja
Roy performs with the Galician group KLA Folk, Pablo, Ada and Laura along with Cuban musicians: cahone player Javier, cellist Arianna and guitarist Damian. They are joined by Cuban dancers .
