Shetland-Music.com

Hailing from Shetland, Jenna grew up immersed in the islands rich fiddle tradition. At the age of nine, she began to learn the fiddle, and was taught by the late Dr Tom Anderson.

Jenna Reid

When fiddle tuition became available in schools, Jenna studied with the late Willie Hunter and was under his direction until the age of 13; during that time she was a prominent prize-winner in the 'Shetlands Young Fiddler of the Year Competition' and by the age of 14 had won both the intermediate and open sections of this annual competition.

Through this success she was subsequently invited to compete in the Glennfiddich Fiddle Competition. Whilst still at school Jenna also took lessons from Trevor Hunter and Margaret Scollay. In addition to playing the fiddle, she also studied classical piano.
On leaving school, Jenna went on to study a BA in Traditional Scottish Music at the Royal Academy of Music & Drama in Glasgow. Whilst studying fiddle, she also played piano and piano accordion, as well as being introduced to singing.

Filska

Jenna has also performed since a young age in the Shetland band Filska. Under the direction of mum, Joyce and along with sister Bethany and friend Gemma Wilson they played together since a young age and in 1995 Filska released their debut album, entitled 'Harvest Home'. This was to be followed in 1998 with their second release, 'Time and Tide'. It was this album that saw the band begin to make a name for themselves, not only in Scotland but throughout Europe and beyond.

Their success saw them play to audiences in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, France, Canada and the US. Filska's trip to America came as an invitation to represent Scotland at the Millennium Celebrations in Disney's Epcot Centre.
Following this Filska performed live as part of the Scottish Millennium Celebrations along with Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham in a show that was broadcast to over 60 countries.

"...the Shetland quartet Filska, three lasses on fiddles, piano and accordion, with a lone lad on guitar. They played mostly Shetland material, much of it their own, which comprised equal parts, grit, luminosity and drive. Tight as the proverbial drum, their arrangements teemed with colour and variety, one standout being the self-penned slow-air, the West Shores of Quarff..."
- Sue Wilson, The Scotsman.

Dochas

Since working as a musician, Jenna recently completed the line up of all girl group, 'Dòchas'. After releasing their debut album in 2002, this 5 piece band from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have gone from strength to strength, appearing in Ireland, Scotland, Europe and the US as part of traditional music festivals. Moreover, Dòchas were nominated as 'best newcomers' in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards.

"Dòchas is one of the great feel-good sounds of contemporary traditional music. The girls have combined undoubted talent and great attitude to create one of the most promising bands of recent years. Highland Music is blossoming now as never before - and Dòchas has to be one of its sweetest blooms. "
- Mary Ann Kennedy, BBC Scotland

Now based in Glasgow, Jenna enjoys work as both a performer and teacher, having tutored alongside legendary fiddler, Liz Carroll.
In addition to this, Jenna has also toured and played with Scottish acts, 'Deaf Shepherd', 'Fiddlers Bid', 'John Raes Celtic Feet' and Kevin MacKenzie's 'Vital Signs'.

Jenna was a semi-finalist in the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year Award 2004.
Deaf Shepherd Quotes...
"...special credit due to fiddler Jenna Reid, deputising brilliantly..."
- Sue Wilson, Sunday Herald - 18/8/02
"...twin fiddles of Marianne Campbell and Jenna Reid melling powerfully with the pipes (Reid stepping in with impressive ease..."
- Jim Gilchrist, The Scotsman - 16/8/02

Links

• www.jennareid.co.uk
• Jenna on 'Footstompin'
• www.dochas.co.uk
• www.filska.co.uk