Man with a Rhyme

Man with a Rhyme

Archie Fisher exemplifies all that is good about the folksong revival. His deep respect for the older musical traditions of his native Scotland enables him to approach them creatively; his understanding of those traditions is such that he has been able to compose a new ballad (<i>The Witch of the West-mer-lands</i>) that could easily assume a place among the classic ballads compiled by Francis James Child during the latter part of the last century.<P>A superbly inventive guitarist, Archie's accompaniments are always appropriate to the song: never distorting it, never overwhelming it. Whether it be a rich underscoring of the original air or an exquisite counter-melody reflecting and complementing it, there is a satisfying sense of rightness in all of Archie's arrangements.<P>His singing can be warm and tender - gentle, without sacrificing the strength that has sustained the tradition for so many centuries. Archie is a sophisticated person, yet he is able to approach the sentimental without self-consciousness. One is always reluctant to use the rather indefinable term charisma, but there is a quality about this (then) young man that invites such a description. Perhaps it is a combination of the kind of sensitivity that creates in him an unusual empathy, lending depth to his artistry, and a rare measure of native Celtic charm. Whatever it is, it is certain that you will sense it, too, as you listen to this, his first American recording.<P>In 2008 Archie Fisher was made an MBE for his services to traditional Scottish music. He has been described as one of the most influential artists of his time. As well as a series of folk albums he has presented BBC Radio Scotland's awarding-winning <b>Travelling Folk</b> programme for 25 years.<P>Mr Fisher said he was delighted to get the same honour as previously given to other famous Scots musicians.<P>"I looked at some other fellows who had an MBE, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and I thought I'd love to be a part of that outfit," he said. "So I'm on equal terms when it comes to honours. I've been doing this for a long time so it has been more of an endurance than choosing a highlight."