Willie Hunter

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

Willie Hunter (born 4th February 1933 - died 27th January 1994) was one of the true greats of traditional Shetland fiddle music.

History

Willie started playing the fiddle at the age of four, and by the time he was five he could play several tunes competently. In his early years he was taught by his father, Willie Snr., as well as Gideon Stove from Lerwick, and Geoffrey di Mercado who provided more classical training.
Willie played with several local bands and his first commercial recording was with the Hamefarers which was formed in the mid 1960s. Soon afterwards he recorded an EP "Shetland and the Fiddle" for Thule Records.
Willie seldom left Shetland but in 1958 he travelled to London with Peerie Willie Johnson to perform at the Royal Festival Hall as part of a celebration of Britain's folk traditions. A 10 inch LP recording was made during this visit and a few copies still exist in Shetland. Willie and Peerie Willie performed together on many more occasions.
Following his retirement in the 80's, Willie devoted much time to teaching his skills and knowledge to children from all over Shetland, including Jenna, Bethany, and Gemma from Filska. Willie also played regularly with the Milk Shakes and Cullivoe dance bands.

Discography

Shetland Folk Music - Willie Hunter with Willie Johnson (guitar) - London 14th October 1958
St. Ninian's Isle - Hamfarers Dance Band - Thule Records EP - Mid 1960s
Dance to the Hamfarers - Hamefarers Dance Band - Thule Records EP - Mid 1960s
Shetland and the Fiddle - Willie Hunter with Ronnie Cooper (piano) - Thule Records EP - Mid 1960s
Dance to the Hamefarers - an LP reissue of the above 3 EPs - late 60s/early 70s
Scottish Tradition 4: Shetland Fiddle Music - LP recorded by the School of Scottish Studies, Edinburgh University published by Tangent Records in 1973 - Willie plays "Leaving Lerwick Harbour" accompanied by Billy Kay on piano followed by a set of reels accompanied by Ronnie Cooper. Other Shetland fiddlers (including Willie's father) feature on the other tracks.
A Breath of Shetland - Hamefarers Dance Band - Polydor LP recorded in Edinburgh 25th May 1975
A Tribute to Ronnie Cooper - Hamefarers Dance Band - Thule Records 1982 (issued only on cassette tape)
Willie Hunter - 1982
Leaving Lerwick Harbour - 1994 (With Violet Tulloch)
Willie's Last Session - 1994 (With the Cullivoe Dance Band)
The Willie Hunter Sessions - 1997 (With Violet Tulloch)