Doug Kershaw, The 'Ragin' Cajun' Releases New Album

    NEW YORK, NY, October 30, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On April 5, 2008 Doug Kershaw expanded an already prolific discography by recording a groundbreaking concert before a live audience at the Union Colony Civic Center Monfort Concert Hall in Greeley. This new album introduces the original music of Doug Kershaw as scored for orchestra and performed by the Doug Kershaw Band and the award-winning University of Northern Colorado Symphony Orchestra. A first for both legendary fiddler Kershaw and UNC's nationally acclaimed 74-piece orchestra, the concert combines the unique ingredients of a rich orchestral sound with the hot licks and energy of Kershaw's amazing fiddling, creating a "gumbo" of savory sounds stirred up with appreciation for the stringed instrument. Mix in some horns, woodwinds, percussion and Kershaw's 5-piece country/rock band and you have a recipe for a night of musical magic and a memorable recording of songs.

"Classical Cajun Gumbo" includes Kershaw's greatest hits including Louisiana Man, Diggy Diggy Lo and Jumbalaya as well as fifteen other Cajun favorites all backed by the rich sound of a symphony orchestra. It all began with a simple idea: make a recording demonstrating Kershaw's unique style of fiddle playing to other violinists. UNC Professor of Violin, Richard Fuchs, was enlisted to provide guidance for communicating Kershaw's technique to classically-trained musicians and making Kershaw's dream come true of hearing his music performed by a symphony orchestra. Into the bargain, Fuchs' goal of expanding the musical and cultural horizons of his students was met. The creative and educational collaboration is nothing short of amazing.

Doug Kershaw is one of the best known Cajun fiddlers in the world who's responsible for more than twenty-five albums. In addition to the many millions of recordings sold and this unique cross-over recording, Kershaw can take credit for another first: in 1969 his hit, Louisiana Man, was the first song broadcast back to Earth from the moon by Apollo 12.

The University of Northern Colorado Orchestra program under the direction of Dr. Russell Guyver draws upon a well-founded tradition of excellence and has developed into a program that has received national and international recognition, being awarded "Best U.S. College Orchestra" in DownBeat magazine's Annual Student Music Awards in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

The album is available for downloading at CDBaby and Rhapsody and will soon be available at iTunes, Napster and other major Internet music stores

For more information, to arrange an interview with Doug Kershaw or to request review copies, please contact [email protected] or visit website at http://www.dougkershaw.com

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