Rachel Davis is a gifted, hard working young Cape Breton Fiddler. Rachel first came to my attention in 2009 as the recipient of the Frank “Big Sampy” Sampson Award, which is sponsored by the Celtic Colours Festival Volunteer Drive’ers Association. This organization has a really good track record in choosing young musicians who can benefit from the professional assistance of Lakewind Sound Studios in the production of a debut CD.

Rachel certainly didn’t disappoint with her self-titled debut recording. This set her on a path of regular performances around Cape Breton and soon she was touring across Canada. Not long after that her hard work and dedication lead to work in the U.S. and appearances in Scotland and Australia.

Rachel has recently released her sophomore CD called “Turns”. This CD marks a new phase in Rachel’s growth as an artist. It includes four vocal numbers and Rachel stepping up to Co-produce the record with Darren McMullen and Dave Gunning.

Rachel is happy to be known as a Cape Breton fiddler but has also enjoyed meeting many other wonderful musicians from a variety of backgrounds.

This is the way she puts it. “Cape Breton music is always my No. 1, that’s the music that’s closest to my heart, but it’s been pretty great in the last few years to be able to be exposed to all the other great music that’s out there as well.”

A look at her summer schedule of performances on her website will tell you that this is one seriously busy young lady. Rachel’s mixture of talent, drive and old fashioned hard world will stand her in good stead as she continues her growth as an artist.