Buddy MacMaster's niece...Natalie MacMaster's cousin...great musical lineage to be a part of.  And that's just the family that this young fiddler belongs to.

Andrea Beaton, the daughter of Kinnon & Betty Lou, has recently released her debut CD, cementing her as one of Cape Breton's brightest young stars.  At 21 years of age, Andrea has been surrounded by traditional Cape Breton music from birth.  She was given fiddle lessons as a child but never really got into the performing aspect...that was until recently.  After high school Andrea headed to Prince Edward Island to attend school and became good friends with the Chiasson's (of the group "Kindle").  With their encouragement, she went into the studio and the product of this hard work is now available to fans around the world.

The collection of tunes on this CD are mostly from her family, including her father Kinnon (one of Cape Breton's popular composers), and some of her own compositions.  Other composers include Kevin Chiasson (of Prince Edward Island's legendary Chiasson family), John Morris Rankin (the late member of The Rankins, one of her early influences), Joey Beaton, Jerry Holland and Donald Angus Beaton.  Cape Breton composers are more than happy to pass their tunes down to the next generation.

Musicians were also happy to accompany Andrea on her recording.  On piano, there are Kevin Chiasson, Mac Morin and Betty Lou Beaton.  Pat Gillis, Gordie Sampson & Brent Chiasson can be heard on guitar.  Other musicians include Elmer Deagle (Mandolin), Brent Chiasson (Drums) and Kinnon Beaton (Fiddle).  Quite the impressive backup!

Andrea's got a fun, playful sound to her fiddle style with the Cape Breton style very obvious.  Hearing her on this recording is a treat, but hearing her live is even better!  Two of my favourite tracks on this CD are the live cuts at the end of the recording.  Both were recorded at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, Cape Breton (which is becoming a hot bed for musicians to record at).  These two tracks are dedicated to Francis Beaton and the West Mabou Hall (the location of the West Mabou Dances...some of the best dancing in the world).  These are great tunes for dancing to, especially the last set for a good, square dance.  And she is accompanied by her father Kinnon on fiddle and mother Betty Lou on piano and Gordie Sampson on guitar.

Being a young fiddler, Andrea's youth shines through in the "Funky Cut" set, which includes some modern accompaniment sounds such as drums and bass.  This set consists of a strathspey and 5 reels.

Andrea's already very well known in Cape Breton as the daughter of Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton.  But this album should bring her into her own spotlight.

If you are in Cape Breton this summer, watch for Andrea playing at a local dance or concert.

1. The "D" Reels

2. Mabou Coal Mines

3. Skip to my Lou

4. The Ale is Dear

5. In Memory of Herbie MacLeod

6. Just for Laughs

7. The Order of Canada

8. The Weapon

9. The Funky Cut

10. Out on the Ocean

11. Red Shoe Cut (For Francis Beaton)

12. Red Shoe Cut (For West Mabou Hall)