Michael Cleveland is one of bluegrass music’s great treasures: a 10-time IBMA fiddle player of the year and 2016 nominee, and 4-time Instrumental Group of the Year winner, Cleveland captured the attention of the bluegrass community as a child prodigy who performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Alison Krauss when he was only 13 years old. But he became a viral video sensation this summer with a virtuosic impromptu performance of “Jerusalem Ridge” that racked up over 6 million views in just a few days. Now mainstream music fans are discovering what the bluegrass community has known for years—Michael Cleveland is one of the most important fiddle players of his generation. 

 

With his new release, Fiddler’s Dream, Michael Cleveland delivers his finest studio album to date, full of the fire and finesse that has earned him fans from across the globe. Highlights include a blistering performance of the Arthur Smith penned title track “Fiddler’s Dream,” a step out vocal from Sam Bush on the John Hartford classic “Steamboat Whistle Blues,” and a twin fiddle showdown on the Monroe classic “Tall Timber” featuring Jason Carter (of Del McCoury Band). Fiddler’s Dream also showcases Michael’s masterful guitar playing on “Earl Park,” and mandolin playing on “Blues for Bill,” “Lonesome Desert,” and “Earl Park.” Additional guests include Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Jeff Guernsey (guitar), Lloyd Douglas (banjo), Andy Statman (mandolin), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Vince Gill (vocals), and co-producer, Jeff White (guitar and vocals). Michael Cleveland has undeniably achieved a new personal best with Fiddler’s Dream and in the process, has raised the bar for all aspiring fiddle players to follow. 

 

Fiddler’s Dream will be released October 7th on Compass Records.  

 

FOCUS TRACKS:

1. Fiddler’s Dream

 2. Steamboat Whistle Blues featuring Sam Bush

 3. Tall Timber featuring Jason Carter (of Del McCoury Band)