The Aberdeen native Moyra Frazer, who has resided in Mullingar for more than two decades, is known to most people in the business as a member of the Foster and Allen Band. But the Scottish lady has also managed to carve out her own niche in other genres of the music scene.

Moyra has just released her latest album, The House Where I Was Born, a 12-track compilation of songs close to her heart.

The title track was composed by Paul Grant who played guitar with Makem and Clancy (and with Liam Clancy for the last 18 years of his career).

“I recorded the cd in Paul’s Camnoc studio in Slieverue, south Kilkenny, with Paul playing guitars and bass and Gerry Madden and Martin Cooney on fiddle, banjo and mandolin,” says Moyra. In many ways, the album represents a homecoming journey. “These are some of my very favourite songs including Kitty Bawn O’Brien, Barbara Allen, which has appeal across oceans and generations and my all time favourite Scottish song, The Loch Tay Boat Song. I also included The Old Button Box, a tribute to my favourite accordion player, the late Will Starr.”

Another track, Wedding in Garmisch, is a self-penned accordion tune which she wrote to celebrate the marriage of two friends in Bavaria last year.

While other forms of music were all around her as a teenager in Aberdeen, she took her influences from the likes of Scottish accordion legends like Jimmy Shand and Andy Stewart, as well as Louth’s own Dermot O’Brien who commanded huge respect among the Scottish accordion clubs.

She graduated from college with a doctorate in music and it was while working in a radio studio in her home region that she first met Foster and Allen. A job offer to become MD with the Sharon Turley Band was accepted and Moyra came to Ireland.

Apart from touring the world with Foster and Allen (she and Mick Foster have been partners now for many years), she also finds time to perform the Bluegrass festival circuit with Bending The Strings. Céilí dancers have also enjoyed her musical talents as she has performed with the Glenside Band on many occasions as well.

The House Where I Was Born is now available from all the usual outlets or by emailing moyra1@live.com