Celtic Hits review in the Life section.
This is the link http://www.thecasket.ca/Fraser explores Celtic roots
Antigonish native Leela Barbara Fraser has
released a Celtic CD featuring traditional Scottish and Irish melodies
as well as poems Fraser has composed melodies to. PHOTO: Submitted
An Antigonish native who has produced her own Celtic CD is distributing her music throughout the Antigonish area.
Leela Barbara Fraser, who now lives in British Columbia, grew up
with Celtic music in her home. Fraser’s mother sang in Gaelic choirs and
performed musical theatre and her father played the bagpipes.
Though Fraser said she drifted away from Celtic music as she grew
up – studying classical and jazz at StFX and eventually performing
eastern and relaxation music later in life – she has come back to her
roots with this CD.
“Basically because I was exposed to other styles I lost the style
that came naturally to me and I really didn’t know what suited me so I
tried many other things,” Fraser said.
After being given the opportunity to make the CD Fraser was unsure of what style she should record.
“I found that I always, whenever I did think of songs to sing, I
would usually sing Celtic songs or songs with Celtic melodies. That’s
what came naturally to me,” Fraser said. “I started to record it and I
was stunned that it actually suited me. It was the first time I actually
heard my voice sing it.”
Fraser chose many of the songs for the CD based on songs she heard growing up.
“You used to hear on the radio station all these songs quite
frequently throughout the day as opposed to now when it’s just on Sunday
nights,” Fraser said.
The CD features traditional songs like Danny Boy, Skye Boat Song
and Amazing Grace as well as poems Fraser has put melodies to. Fraser
chose the song Scotland the Brave for the CD because she believes
because it is a traditional bagpipe tune it’s not often you hear the
lyrics.
“What I wanted to do was create something that was appealing to all
of Canada. The influence of world music a bit, maybe you would say,”
Fraser said. “I brought back the traditional melodies and kept them
pretty much intact.”
Fraser said she has always wanted to do something for herself, which is what inspired her to do this.
“I will not die with my music still in me,” Fraser said, quoting
Wayne Dyer. “I thought if this is all I ever do I have to do the thing
that comes naturally to me.”
While making the CD Fraser said it helped to build up her
confidence. She didn’t tell anybody, even her family, she was creating
the CD because she wanted it to be a surprise when it was completed.
“It has actually taught me to be consistent with things and to
stick with something you really feel in your gut and never give up no
matter what,” Fraser said. “Follow your heart and be more open in going
with the flow.”
Celtic Hits is available on ITunes and at www.celticangelmusic.com.
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