Ashley MacIsaac Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Version 1.2 -- November 1996
Created by Karen Parker -- kparker@hwcn.org
1. Background
1.1 When was he born, where does he come from, what's his background?
1.2 What was his 'big break'?
2. Records, Videos, Songs, Etc.
2.1 What records and videos have been released?
2.2 Is there a more detailed discography available?
2.3 What does Ashley say at the beginning of Beaton's Delight?
2.4 Some of the songs on Hi(tm) aren't in English. What language are they in?
2.5 Where can I get copies of the lyrics/translations?
2.6 What is the name of the 13th track on Hi(tm)? What are the lyrics?
2.7 Who is in the Devil in the Kitchen video?
2.8 Has Ashley appeared on any other artists' records?
2.9 When is his next album coming out?
3. Band Info
3.1 What is the name of Ashley's band, and who's in it?
3.2 Are any of these guys in any other bands/on any other recordings?
3.3 Who is Mary Jane Lamond?
3.4 Does she have any other recordings? Where can I find them?
4. Other Information
4.1 Does Ashley tour?
4.2 How many records has he sold?
4.3 What awards has he won?
4.4 Have any articles or interviews been transcribed?
4.5 Is there any merchandise available?
4.6 What's his address? Is he on the net?
4.7 Are there any fan clubs?
4.8 Are there any sound files of Ashley's music available?
4.9 If I like Ashley's music, what other artists might I enjoy?
5. Finding Out More
5.1 Which Usenet newsgroups discuss Ashley?
5.2 Is there a mailing list? How do I get on/off?
5.3 Where is all this information archived? What else is available?
5.4 I don't have access to FTP, WWW, etc. Can I get things by e-mail?
5.5 Which music papers or magazines have the best Ashley coverage?
6. Gossip
6.1 Is Ashley single?
6.2 Is Ashley gay?
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Background
==========
1.1 When was he born, where does he come from, what's his background?
Birthday: February 28, 1975
Home: Creignish, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Family: Parents - Angus and Carmelita
Siblings - older brother Henry, younger sister Lisa
Early career:
Began step-dancing at age five, fiddling at nine. Began touring Cape
Breton clubs in Toronto, Detroit, Boston by age 13.
1.2 What was his 'big break'?
New York theatre producer Joanne Akalaitis saw Ashley perform while she
was on vacation in Cape Breton in 1992. Impressed, she and ex-husband
Philip Glass approached him to co-compose and perform music for a
version of the avant-garde Georg Buchner play, Woyzeck. MacIsaac taught
cast members to step dance and the play opened to a month's run on Dec.
6, 1992 to critical acclaim. Through Glass, MacIsaac was introduced to
such influential artists as David Byrne and Paul Simon. The meeting
with Simon led to a gig at Carnegie Hall with the legendary musician, as
well as a guest spot on an Edie Brickell (Simon's wife) album.
Records, Videos, Songs, Etc.
============================
2.1 What records and videos have been released?
Albums:
Close to the Floor -- 1992 debut traditional recording
A Cape Breton Christmas -- 1993 independent release in Nova Scotia only
Hi(tm) How Are You Today? 1995 -- major label debut
Fine(R) Thank You Very Much 1996 -- a traditional album
Singles:
Square Dance Song, with BKS -- 1995 CD single
The Devil in the Kitchen -- 1995 vinyl single
Sleepy Maggie -- 1996 CD single
Singles not formally released which received significant radio airplay:
What An Idiot He Is -- 1996
Brenda Stubbert -- 1996
Videos:
The Devil in the Kitchen
Sleepy Maggie
Brenda Stubbert
2.2 Is there a more detailed discography available?
For more information on releases, see the unofficial* Ashley MacIsaac
web page.
2.3 What does Ashley say at the beginning of Beaton's Delight on Hi(tm)?
At the beginning of the CD, Ashley says in Scots Gaelic:
(Kimmer uh ha shiv)
Ciamar a tha sibh?
^ ^ ^
How are you? This "you" is the polite or plural form.
In Cape Breton, it seems like everybody says "Ciamar a tha thu?", using
the familiar "thu" form (like "tu" vs. "vous" in French). So, I think
that Ashley may be addressing the plurality of listeners by using "sibh,"
or else he's being polite to a stranger.
2.4 Some of the songs on Hi(tm) aren't in English. What language are they in?
Two of the songs on Hi(tm) How Are You Today?, Sleepy Maggie and Sad
Wedding Day have lyrics which are sung in Scots Gaelic, a Celtic language
still spoken by some people in Scotland, and also in areas of Canada's
maritime provinces.
2.5 Where can I get copies of the lyrics/translations?
There are no full lyrics/translations available at the moment. Below are
the partial lyrics and translation of Sleepy Maggie, also available on the
unofficial* web page.
>From the 2min 30sec mark to about 3min and 10 sec. The lyrics in Gaelic
are (and I might be mistaken :) :
'S iomadh rud saoil sibh,
'S a'mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh;
'S iomadh rud saoil sibh,
'S a' mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh.
CHORUS
------
Tha 'm muilinn dubh air thuraman (x3)
'S e togairt dol a dhannsa.
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a mhuilinn dubh, 's a' mhuilinn dubh;
Tha nid na circe-fraoiche
'S a mhuilinn dubh o shamhraidh.
(ok.. now here comes the translation!)
There are many things you wouldn't expect
In the black mill, in the black mill;
There are many things you wouldn't expect
In the black mill since summer time.
CHORUS
------
The black mill is moving around, (x3)
And we expect to go dancing.
The nest of the grouse
Is in the black mill, in the black mill;
The nest of the grouse
Is in the black mill since the summer time
2.6 What is the name of the 13th track on Hi(tm)? What are the lyrics?
The song is called "Kill Your Foes." The lyrics, listed below, are also
available on the unofficial* web page.
Catherine cries three times a day
Laughter in her tears
The scent of death still lingers after seven years
And her house still stands
Still she plans with no more fears
Wonders why they wouldn't cry for Brian
Thomas left without a word
And all the ones he'd hurt
Round him, surround him, strike him
That's what he deserves
Danger's gone, it never was
So proud he served
Love's not love, push comes to shove
Love's so absurd
No one knows
Doors are closed
Kill your foes
How life flows
Don't die unless you must
If you must then die
Dan was blind
But in his mind, he still saw the earth
Dove's white wings
His wedding rings
His first child's birth
Until the end
Life was his friend
What a friend is really worth
It's simple now, the final bow
No more hurt
2.7 Who is in the Devil in the Kitchen video?
The fiddler, of course, is Ashley MacIsaac. The guitarist is Stuart
Cameron. Stuart is a regular member of the band that tours with Ashley.
The drummer is Matt DeMatteo. Matt is not the drummer in the band that
tours with Ashley, but he did play on Hi(tm) How Are You today?
2.8 Has Ashley appeared on any other artists' records?
Atlantic Fiddles, various artists
The Best You Can Be (Canadian Olympic Tribute), various artists
Picture Perfect Morning, Edie Brickell
Glencoe Station, John Allan Cameron
Kumbaya '95 Album, various artists
Bho Thir Nan Craobh, Mary Jane Lamond
Strictly Bass Three, various artists
2.9 When is his next album coming out?
There are no definite plans for any new releases, however Ashley has
hinted at the notion of a dance/techno/fiddle album. However, he also
insists he'll be recording a duet with Anne Murray... *grin*
Band Info
=========
3.1 What is the name of Ashley's band, and who's in it?
The band is called "The Kitchen Devils" and the members are:
Stuart Cameron - guitar
Joel Chiasson - keyboards
Adam Dowling - drums
Scott Long - bagpipes
Ed Woodsworth - bass
Unofficial member: Mary Jane Lamond - Gaelic vocals, bodhran
Mary Jane does not always tour with the band, but meets up with them
for gigs whenever she can. She is also busy with her own solo career.
3.2 Are any of these guys in any other bands/on any other recordings?
Adam Dowling played with various original and cover bands in P.E.I. and
across Atlantic Canada before becoming a Kitchen Devil. Bands of note
include 'Follow That Car,' 'Fire Rooster' and 'Haywire.' Incidentally,
Adam played on Fire Rooster's debut album, a band who were the first
independent artist and Canadian band on the internet. Check out their home
page at http://www.ccn.cs.dal.ca/~ab197/bruce.html
Ed Woodsworth can also be heard playing with his previous band Realworld
(http://www.chatsubo.com/realworld/home.html) who enjoyed great success
with single releases from their first album on radio across Canada.
Stuart Cameron got his start in show business at an early age when he
appeared on the Tommy Hunter show! He has also performed with his father,
folk singer John Allan Cameron.
3.3 Who is Mary Jane Lamond?
Mary Jane, a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University where she pursued
Celtic studies majoring in the Gaelic language, has won prizes at the
Gaelic Mod in Ontario, performed at the Isle of Harris Festival the
Hebrides and appeared with Ashley MacIsaac in a special A&M showcase in
L.A. A favorite with Atlantic Canadians, Mary Jane has performances
scheduled across Canada including The Governor General's Picnic, The
Harbourfront Celtic festival and the National Arts Centre and Festival by
the Sea. Mary Jane continues to tour regularly as Ashley MacIsaac's
featured guest.
3.4 Does she have any other recordings? Where can I find them?
Mary Jane has a solo album, Bho Thir Nan Craobh (From the Land of the
Trees). If you can't find it in your local record store, it is
sometimes sold at Ashley's concerts and may also be ordered through:
B&R Heritage Enterprises
P.O. Box 3
Iona, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
B0A 1L0
Canada
Mary Jane has also been recording for a new album, which will
hopefully be released sometime in early 1997.
Other Information
=================
4.1 Does Ashley tour?
Perhaps it is better to ask "does he ever STOP touring?!" Ashley spends
much of his time on tour. Recently he toured the United States and
Europe with The Chieftains. He has also toured extensively throughout
most of Canada and the U.S. on his own, as well as many locations in
Europe and the U.K. See the unofficial* and official** web pages
for an up-to-date tour schedule.
4.2 How many records has he sold?
Hi(tm) How Are You Today has surpassed double-platinum status in Canada
(over 200,000 copies sold).
4.3 What awards has he won?
1995 East Coast Music Awards:
BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST
BEST LIVE ACT
1996 Juno Awards:
BEST NEW SOLO ARTIST
BEST ROOTS AND TRADITIONAL ALBUM - SOLO -- Hi(tm) How Are You Today?
Related category: PRODUCER OF THE YEAR -- Michael-Phillip Wojewoda
"Beaton's Delight" (Hi(tm) How Are You Today?)
4.4 Have any articles or interviews been transcribed?
Numerous articles, dating back as far as 1992 are available on the
unofficial* web page.
4.5 Is there any merchandise available?
Hats, t-shirts, scarves and various other paraphernalia are sold at
concerts and may also be available by contacting Jones & Co., Ashley's
management.
Jones & Co.
5187 Sackville Street, 2nd Floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 1K5
Phone: (902) 429-9005
Fax: (902) 429-9071
4.6 What's his address? Is he on the net?
Ashley is not yet on the net, but hopes to buy a computer and modem
sometime soon. Until then, you can reach him via "snail mail" through
his fan club. (See below)
4.7 Are there any fan clubs?
There is a fan club, run by Ashley's management in Halifax. A
semi-regular newsletter called the "Devil's Advocate" is available to
fan club members by subscription.
The fan club address is:
Cape Breton Diddling Association
P.O. Box 25025
Clayton Park RPO
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3M 4H4
4.8 Are there any sound files of Ashley's music available?
Sound files in aiff format can be found on both the unofficial* and
official** web pages.
4.9 If I like Ashley's music, what other artists might I enjoy?
If you are interested in traditional maritime music, check out fiddlers
Jerry Holland, Natalie McMaster, Brenda Stubbert, Glenn Graham and
Richard Wood. Some favourite maritime folk singers include Stan
Rogers and John Allan Cameron. If you're into the "Celtic rock"
thing, try bands such as Great Big Sea, the Mahones, and MacKeel.
This is by no means a definitive list of artists - there are tons of
great celtic and maritime musicians out there.
Finding Out More
================
5.1 Which Usenet newsgroups discuss Ashley?
A newsgroup dedicated to the discussion of Ashley's music was
recently created:
alt.music.ash-macisaac
You may also find mention of Ashley in:
alt.music.canada
rec.music.celtic
rec.music.makers.bowed-strings
rec.music.folk
5.2 Is there a mailing list? How do I get on/off?
There is a mailing list run by Karen Parker. It does not use list-server
commands. To be added or removed simply e-mail a request to
kparker@freenet.hamilton.on.ca
5.3 Where is all this information archived? What else is available?
The Ashley MacIsaac FAQ can be found at:
http://www.freenet.hamilton.on.ca/~aa343/ashley/macisaac.faq
There are two World Wide Web Pages:
* Unofficial Ashley MacIsaac web page (by Karen Parker)
http://www.freenet.hamilton.on.ca/~aa344/ashley/
** Ashley MacIsaac (by "Caught in the Web")
http://www.citw.ca/ashley
5.4 I don't have access to FTP, WWW, etc. Can I get things by e-mail?
There is nothing official set up through e-mail, but if you e-mail Karen
Parker (kparker@freenet.hamilton.on.ca) she'll gladly answer
questions and provide you with more info.
5.5 Which music papers or magazines have the best Ashley coverage?
Free music magazines, available in Canadian record stores such as Sam the
Record Man, Musicworld, Sunrise, HMV, etc. cover a diversity of Canadian
artists and may sometimes have a feature or some other info on Ashley. He
has also appeared a few times in the Canadian Gay & Lesbian publication
"X-tra."
Gossip
======
6.1 Is Ashley single?
Apparently so, but it is not known for sure.
6.2 Is Ashley gay?
There has been quite a debate about this topics. Ashley refuses to be
stereotyped as "gay," but admits to having same-sex experiences. For more
information see the February 1st 1996 "X-tra" article, available on the
unofficial* web page.