Few fiddlers have the expressive range of Scottish expatriate Alasdair Fraser who, in addition to his fiery performances is also a master teacher. One of his star pupils is Laura Risk, now in her 10th year as a recording artist. She has left her California roots for Montreal, where she collaborates with some of La Belle Province's finest jazz and fusion players: guitarist Eric Beaudry of La Bottine Souriante, percussionist Eric Breton of Perdu l'Nord, pianist Rachel Aucoin and bass player Michel Donato. The material, however, is Scottish to the core and Risk's approach to it rivals that of her teacher. She can tear up a fast reel like "North Highlands," slow it down for an air such as "The Bonnie House of Airly," lay down fancy dance licks on a jig the likes of "The Big Meeting," go contemplative as on "Duncan Lamont," or breathe new life into an overdone tune like "Snug in a Blanket." What is particularly memorable about her playing is the amount of space she leaves between notes. Her unhurried style, one part Fraser and one part Martin Hayes, puts a hop to the music, even if it's an air. The only thing missing from this superb 14-track collection is more attention to contrasting dark notes. Their absence makes some of the tunes sound too bright. That aside, this album is a vivacious delight for which you should move heaven and earth to add to your collection.