I know, I know, there was a feature on this guy in the OMM last sunday, and yes, I read it too, nevertheless, he's worth checking out. Thomas Fraser was born in Burra Isle, Shetland (a remote Scottish Island) in 1927. A natural, he quickly learned to yodel, play fiddle and later, the guitar. Funds from his occupation as a fisherman were used to purchase a reel to reel tape recorder shortly after electricity arrived to the isle in 1953. What took place then has since been called one of the most remarkable stories in recording history. Thomas painstakingly recorded thousands of his favourite country, blues, traditional and jazz tunes. His unique vocal style, obvious passion for music and brilliant character was tempered by an intensely shy demeanour. As a result, Thomas's work was largely performed to his immediate family and own four walls. Working alone in his lobster boat and tending to the croft, Thomas had a typically hard life. During the 1970s, bad luck and ill-health contributed to two accidents at sea. Sadly, Thomas passed away in January 1978 aged only 50. Shortly before his death, Thomas confided that he "did not have long to go" and asked his nephew to look after the reels, remarking in jest, "who knows, maybe someday I will be famous!". Exactly twenty five years later, Thomas's statement was to become strangely prophetic. The CD 'Long Gone Lonesome Blues' was released to great critical acclaim and at last, Thomas got some of the recognition his talent had so richly deserved. Long Gone Lonesome Blues' was a project three years in the making and a quarter century overdue. The collection of songs, drawing from the true original country & blues styles falls hot on the heels of a resurgence in old-time country music. What is startling about this collection is it's authenticity and the sheer passion poured into each track. Yet, there is much more to the CD than that. Here is a release with a story to tell - an amazing story of undiscovered talent and long-lost music unearthed in the attics of a remote Shetland island community. The name Thomas Fraser is steeped in legend. A fisherman, a crofter - ordinary you might say - yet he left a stunning legacy: 1000s of songs recorded at home in his small croft house using a reel-to-reel recorder. Not music traditionally associated with Shetland entirely, for Thomas was an exponent of country and blues styles and his passion was the guitar. You can hear clips from his record at the following links http://cdbaby.com/cd/fraser http://cdbaby.com/cd/fraser2 http://cdbaby.com/cd/fraser3