Michael Anthony MacLean (1911 - 2007)

Born into a musical family of twelve children, long-time Washabuck resident and traditional fiddler Michael Anthony MacLean (1911 - 2007) played for many dancing feet in the local halls and kitchens throughout Central Cape Breton during his lifetime.

An ear player with a distinctive traditional style -- dancers loved his tempo - his swing, lift and bowing prowess. Ever generous with his talent, Michael Anthony was also a strong and consistent backer of young musicians -- always willing to demonstrate a fingering technique - display a bowing action -- or simply whispering a word of advice or encouragement to a struggling novice.

Michael Anthonys continuing display of encouragement and enthusiasm for youthful musicians inspired the concept for the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society to establish the Storas na h-Oigridh (Treasures of Youth) Fund -- an endowment fund to provide up-and-coming Nova Scotia youth between the ages of five and twenty-one who are keen in advancing their skills in the Gaelic tradition -- whether fiddling, piping, dancing, story-telling, singing, language or piano playing -- financial support.

Michael Anthony MacLean with his nephew Vincent MacLean looking
through one of the books in MacLean Music Collection .

Listen to two tracks off "Good Boy M.A.!"

                Reels in A - 
                              The Mairamichi Fire / Major David Manson/Mason's Apron / Thompson's Dirk  

                 Irish Reels in D -
                              Homeward Bound / Miss Monaghan's / Foxie Mary