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James MacLean
Cape Breton

James MacLean

A native of East Lake Ainslie, Inverness County, James MacLean is a guitarist rooted in the rich traditional music of Cape Breton Island. Immersed in music from a young age, he developed a style shaped by the island’s driving fiddle tradition and a deep respect for its musical lineage. James is known for his distinctive flat-picked guitar approach, drawing inspiration from influential Cape Breton fiddlers, translating the lift, rhythm, and phrasing of fiddle tunes onto guitar with precision and energy. His playing balances strong rhythmic accompaniment with melodic sensitivity, making him a sought-after collaborator around Cape Breton Island. In 2018, he released his self-titled debut album, a collection of traditional Cape Breton tunes that highlights his commitment to the style. The recording features collaborations with some of the island’s most respected musicians and was supported by the Frank “Big Sampie” Sampson Award. James has expanded his work through his role in Good Crowd, a dynamic Cape Breton trio alongside Kyle MacDonald (fiddle) and Jason Roach (piano). The group delivers bold, high-energy interpretations of traditional music with a modern, driving edge. Their work—including an EP—showcases a fresh, collaborative approach to the tradition while staying firmly grounded in its roots.

Festival Performances

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