Irish fiddler Bill Verdier (1958-2022), grew up around Philadelphia, PA and Fairfield, CT. He took violin lessons as a child and studied classical violin at Keene State University, NH. Inspired by a Kevin Burke concert in the early 80s, Bill began a life-long exploration of traditional Irish music, listening widely and deeply to recorded music and cultivating friendships with Irish musicians wherever he found them. Through the 80s and early 90s he worked for the Green Linnet Record label, hosted a radio show on WPKN in Bridgeport, CT, and played open mics, pubs, and festivals around New England with several folk, Irish traditional, and country rock bands. After moving to Nashville in 1994, Bill played with several Irish traditional stage and dance bands, co-hosted long-running sessions at Sherlock Holmes’ Pub, McNamara’s, and other venues, and created and co-hosted the radio show “Down the Back Lane” on WXNA, in Nashville.
As a fiddler, Bill Verdier possessed an enormous repertoire of traditional Irish tunes, which he played with superb technique, keen awareness of stylistic nuance, and passionate commitment. He was a great session player, a sensitive accompanist to singers, and a dance musician of great rhythm and verve. Bill’s passion and commitment extended to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring younger musicians and anyone in the early stages of learning Irish traditional music.
The recordings Kilfenora set, The Castle set, and recordings with friends give a sense of Bill’s music.