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."
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 dance of death.
Irish Composer Turloch Carolan
(see Music and Interviews for audio of talk) It seems my talk on the life and times of the famous Irish composer Turloch Carolan at the Irish cultural centre was well received. Nearly 50 people attended and no one left ! and they stayed and asked questions. Thanks to George O'Connor for organizing those talks. I quite enjoyed doing the research on O'Carolan and I love playing his music .
Plucking the Ole Mandola
Photographer, Paul Buckley caught me practicing a tune on the mandola while we were staying at the Highland Heights Inn in Iona during Celtic Colours festival in October, 2011. Singer/songwriter Margie Carmichael-Scotto joined Sarah an I for some fine food and fun at the Highland Heights. WOW ! What a view of the Bras D'or Lakes ! Thanks to Susan and to Fred McCracken for making it happen.
Nottingham Concert, New England Tour 2011
A highlight of our 2011 tour was the concert in Nottingham, NH. Photo by Paul Buckley.
New England Tour
Roy and Steve have received standing ovations and accolades for their concerts at the Derry Opera House, Nottingham and Winchendon. This past sunday over 200 people jammed into the first parish church in the old town centre to see the dynamic duo perform.
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 .
Celtfestcuba Festival A Success
The 2011 celtferstcuba festival has just ended and for me it was a fantastic experience. This is the second year for the festival and there were a few logistical and publicity challenges , especially organizing a festival with this many participants and venues around old havana but for me it was a great experience. Please put this festival on your calendar for April 2012.
New CD "live at Loon " is now available
"Mesmerizing", "Unbelievable", "Friendly", "Awesome" and so on. The Blues and Gypsy pieces went down particularly well...... I haven't had so much fun since I was a fly on the wall at a Johnny Cunningham gig."
Fiddler in the House New England Tour Itinerary : 2011
Roy Johnstone/ Steve Sharratt Fiddler in the House 2011 Tour
Opening Night concert: Fiddler In the House
Friday, Oct. 21 7:30 PM
Adams Memorial Opera House
(downtown) Derry, NH 03038
Tickets $15 ($17 at the door)
Call: 603-437-0505 or go on website: http://www.adams.ticketleap.com.
Tunes for Fiddlers
..from a fiddler about Roy's new "Tunes for fiddlers"
I really enjoy Roy’s rendition of Dogheda Lasses and Ballintore Fancy. The recording is perfect for learning. ...we have had some fun playing those tunes at local sessions..... So Roy, I hope that you can make more of your recordings available for us to learn.
tune sample http://www.royjohnstone.com/samplemusic
