Born in 1917 in a remote area on the West Mainland of Shetland, Chrissie kept a diary for nearly 50 years. Realising that a way of life that had existed for generations has irrevocably changed over her lifetime, Chrissie wrote her memories of life in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s and these were published in Shetland Life. Those articles provide the basis for this book, with other memories and information added.
Peerie Mootie is nae ordinary fairy. She laeks tae git clertit in gutter so she wears muckle buits. But she laeves a slester on da bairns pillows. An den da Queen Fairy fins oot.
Chris Stout is a member of top Shetland band Fiddlers' Bid-he is also a member of The Finlay Macdonald Band he works as a duo with harpist Catriona MacKay (also of Fiddlers'Bid).
Following on from Chris's widely praised first album First O' The Darkenin', Devil's Advocate marks a major leap forward in the career of this remarkable musician and composer.
Acclaimed on their live debut for taking traditional music into exciting new territories, the quintet has developed into an international class outfit, demonstrating the discipline of a classical ensemble and a jazz group's sense of adventure, while celebrating all the spirit and flair of traditional music.
Devil's Advocate intentionally reflects-and provides a natural link between-Chris's love of both traditional and contemporary music. The joyously skirling opening track and the closing, deeply emotive Dynrost are rearranged movements from Chris's successful commission for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra performed at the Celtic Connections 2007.
In between, the music covers an amazing dynamic range from atmospheric solo fiddle airs and intricate, quicksilver ensemble passages to the kind of rollicking Shetland-Scandinavian hoolie that Chris's fans of Fiddler's Bid know so well.
It's all played with passion, precision and huge musicability by Chris(fiddle, viola),Fraser Fifield(saxaphone), Catriona McKay(piano and harp), Neil Harland(double bass)and Malcolm Sitt(guitar).
