Natalie MacMaster is currently touring the US to share her fiddling talents. Traveling between Bowling Green, Kentucky and St. Louis, Mo., the Cape Breton fiddler had time to speak with the Canadian Expat Network about her career, recent book and life on the road.
MacMaster, a mother of three, with another one on the way, never envisioned the way her career has turned out. The passionate Cape Bretoner explained the she never thought playing the the fiddle would be her livelihood. The opportunity came gradually, “there wasn’t one big turning point”, MacMaster states. There are so many choices these days in both artists and mediums. It’s not like years ago when the family would get together and watch Anne Murray perform at 8:00 on TV.
During the past 27 years, MacMaster has produced 10 albums which have resulted in both accolades and awards. Those awards include Juno’s, East Coast Music Awards and the Order of Canada.
“The Order of Canada really came out of the blue”, MacMaster comments. “It was super flattering and I didn’t feel worthy.”
With success, comes opportunity. “It’s been a very exciting time with the awards and different offers, I enjoy the variety,” MacMaster shares.
“I just released a book entitled ‘Natalie MacMaster’s Cape Breton Aire’. It’s been a 5 year project that I’m very pleased with. The original idea came from a fan who suggested I work with photographer Eric Roth. The book illustrates Cape Breton through my eyes,” MacMaster states.
Family is top priority for MacMaster and they accompany her when she travels. “We feed them with life and love.”
They’ll complete this year’s tour (approximately 100 shows), by enjoying Christmas at her home in Lakefield, Ont. It’s a nice time to relax and we’ll get spend some time with my in-laws.
MacMaster will finish the year with stops in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
“I enjoy connecting with Canadians at my US shows, she comments. There’s just a level of understanding, attitudes and friendship.”
