Event

Jamie Laval in Valdese

Hailed as "One of the hottest fiddlers out there" (Asheville Citizen-Times) and "The next Alasdair Fraser" (Scotland Press and Post), Jamie Laval creates rapt audiences with his passionate performances of traditional music of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Quebec, and Appalachia rendered with superlative tone and a depth of expressivity formerly associated with classical virtuosi. His unique approach blends the simplicity of an ancient art form with stunning virtuosity and contemporary flair that resonates with families, youth, seniors, and devotees of ethnic, jazz, and classical music.

Joining Laval is Asheville native David Brown, a master of Celtic-style guitar backup and a superb performer of claw-hammer-style banjo in his own right.

In 2002 Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship and subsequently embarked on a full-time touring career throughout the U.S. and Scotland which now includes over 100 engagements per year. Laval has appeared on the NBC Today Show, collaborated on Dave Mathews' album Some Devil, and gave a command performance for Her Majesty the Queen. His current album, Murmurs and Drones, recorded in Knoxville, is a nominee for "Best World Traditional Song" in the upcoming Independent Music Awards Vox Populi which will be named in July. Meanwhile, Laval is an active educator, producer, and composer, and recently collaborated with the Charlotte Symphony in the creation of a crossover folk/classical project which won the popular vote at the Knight Theatre's Classical Idol event.