Discography
Primary Recordings, in which I play on most or all of the tracks
The Gigmeisters, Thirty-Three More, 2019.
Fifteen waltzes with a range of tempos, moods, and styles, intricately arranged and artfully played by The Gigmeisters -- Alexander Mitchell, Paul Oorts, Ralph Gordon, and Dave Wiesler. The waltzes were written for Jamie Platt and his family, part of the Potomac Village Waltz Collection commissioned annually since 2006. Included are jazz waltzes, American folk style waltzes, modal waltzes reminiscent of northern and eastern Europe or Spain, waltzes of classical character, gentle waltzes, driving waltzes -- something for everyone, in Dave's inimitable style.
Goldcrest, The Goldcrest Collection, 2014.
This is the companion CD for choreographer Joseph Pimentel's book of dances. The recording features music for twelve English country dances and four American contra dances in form suitable for dancing. Most tunes are recently composed, many by Dave Wiesler, and they range in mood from stately and elegant to driving and energetic, from regal to soft and delicate, highlighting Goldcrest's musical scope and their intricate and creative arrangements.
Ordering Information from me
Order book and CD from Joseph Pimentel
Thistle House, Thistle House Live!, 2013.
Live recording of medleys suitable for Scottish country dancing. Thistle House consists of hard-driving fiddler David Knight, electric piper and flutist Dan Emery and pianist Dave Wiesler. Dances and tunes on Thistle House Live! are listed here.
The Avant Gardeners, Goats in the Garden, 2009
The Avant Gardeners' third recording, out in December 2009, and the second to feature the amazing piano playing and compositions of George Paul. Like the other Gardeners recordings, this features a broad array of mostly original tunes, songs, introspection, humor, and crazy energy. With Laura Light on fiddle and vocals; George Paul on piano and accordion; Jubal Creech on percussion; Dave Wiesler on piano, guitar, and keyboards; Dan Sebring on guitar, fiddle, and mandolin; and a large cadre of guest artists.
Ordering Information from Laura Light
Mara Shea and Dave Wiesler, Heather Hills, 2009.
Studio recording of medleys suitable for Scottish country dancing. Mara is a North Carolina-based fiddler and a long-time member of the contra dance band Elftones. Dances and tunes on Heather Hills are listed here.
Dave Wiesler, Cracks and Shadows, Azalea City Recordings, 2001
Original melodies, drawing on elements of Celtic and English dance traditions with classical influences, richly arranged for folk ensemble. Features Earl Gaddis, Andrea Hoag, Susan Brandt, Paul Oorts, Ralph Gordon, and Karen Ashbrook.
Read reviews of Cracks and Shadows.
Dave Tweedie, The Cormorant, 2006
Fiddler Dave Tweedie, of Ocracoke Island, NC, band Molasses Creek, has released his second instrumental album -- "a compendium of original reels, jigs, hornpipes, and waltzes that will have ya dippin' & swinging from Ocracoke Island all the way back to the homeplace!" Features Dave Wiesler on piano, guitar, and keyboards, and Jubal Creech on hand percussion.
Ordering Information at SoundSide Records
The Avant Gardeners, Tulip Bandits, 2006
The Avant Gardeners' second recording, again featuring a broad assortment of tunes, songs, poignancy, exuberance, and sheer wackiness. Features a lot of original tunes by band members, especially George Paul. With Laura Light on fiddle and vocals; George Paul on piano and accordion; Roger Gold on guitar; and Dave Wiesler on piano, guitar, mandolin, and Hammond organ.
Ordering Information from Laura Light
Alexander Mitchell, Chameleon, 2004
Alexander's debut recording, showcasing his amazing fiddle work and his fine voice. Our band, The Gigmeisters, forms the core of this recording, which includes rocking contra dance numbers, mysterious couple dance tunes, infectious swing tunes, and several great songs.
Hanneke Cassel and Dave Wiesler, Many Happy Returns, Cassel Records, 2003.
Studio recording of medleys suitable for Scottish country dancing. Hanneke is a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion. Dances and tunes on Many Happy Returns are listed here.
Scottish Weekend at Camp Ramblewood, More Memories of Scottish Weekend, Scottish Weekend, Inc, 2003
Live recording of 2002 Scottish Weekend at Camp Ramblewood. Cuts are strict tempo, suitable for Scottish country dancing. Dave plays on half of the tracks. Dances on More Memories of Scottish Weekend are listed here.
The Avant Gardeners, Stronger than Dirt, 2002
Zany and poignant collection of mostly original songs and fiddle tunes. Refreshingly eclectic and fun. Features Laura Light on fiddle and vocals, Dan Sebring on lots of instruments, and Dave on piano, guitar, banjo, percussion, whistle, and vocals.
Ordering Information from Laura Light
Laura and the Lava Lamps, Primordial Groove, Antediluvian Records, 2001
Rich and rhythmically varied sets based on contra dance traditions, drawing on diverse styles. Music that smolders, flows, and bursts into flame.
Guest artist on the following recordings:
Hanneke Cassel, Trip to Walden Pond, Cassel Records, 2017
Hanneke Cassel's sixth solo CD, with mostly original compositions or uniquely conceived traditional tunes. The recording features Hanneke's usual cast of guest musicians (Mike Block on cello, Keith Murphy and Chris Lewis on guitar, Jeremy Kittel on fiddle and viola, Dave Wiesler on piano), along with Antti Jarvela on some great piano and guitar tracks and an Uilleann piper, Samppa Saarinen.
Hanneke Cassel, Dot the Dragon's Eye, Cassel Records, 2013
Hanneke Cassel's fifth solo CD, with mostly original compositions or uniquely conceived traditional tunes. Features an all-star cast of guest musicians, including Mike Block, Rushad Eggleston, Ariel Friedman on cello, Keith Murphy and Chris Lewis on guitar, Ryan McKasson and Jeremy Kittel on violin/viola, Cali Kovin and Dave Wiesler on piano, and several others.
Deby Benton Grosjean, Healing Well, Spiral Scrolls Music, 2011
Deby Benton Grosjean is a California-based performer, educator, and conductor, a mainstay of Alasdair Fraser's Valley of the Moon Fiddling School, long-time instructor of the strings program at Cabrillo College, and winner of various awards for fiddle performance. In this CD Deby has orchestrated what she calls "an elixer of beautiful melodies drawn deep from the wellsprings of Celtic traditions, using acoustic instrumentals with a refreshingly current approach." Dave Wiesler is featured on two tracks of the CD, which also features Tony McManus, Barry and Shelley Phillips, and many others.
Hanneke Cassel, Silver, Cassel Records, 2006
Hanneke Cassel's third solo CD, with mostly original compositions or uniquely conceived traditional tunes, including a haunting Chinese folk song with guest erhu player Zhao Lei. Features an all-star cast of guest musicians, including Rushad Eggleston and Ariel Friedman on cello, Keith Murphy and Chris Lewis on guitar, Casey Driessen on fiddle, Ryan McKasson on viola, Dave Wiesler on piano, and several others.
Hanneke Cassel, Some Melodious Sonnet, Cassel Records, 2004
The second solo recording from one of the nation's top Scottish fiddlers, now showing added depth, with many original compositions and innovative arrangements of Celtic-, Swedish- and U2-based melodies. Features the incredible cello work of Rushad Eggleston and Chris Lewis's fine guitar, as well as a number of guest musicians (like me!).
Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts, Celtic Cafe, Maggie's Music, 2001
Traditional Celtic and Flemish instrumental music from Dave's Cabaret Sauvignon bandmates. Richly arranged and expertly performed.
Hanneke Cassel, My Joy, Cassel Records, 2001
Debut album from a terrific young Scottish fiddler, then freshly out of Berklee College. Features traditional tunes and her original works, some richly orchestrated.
Laura Light, No Gravity, Laura Light, 2001
Original and traditional songs and dance music, including swing, contra dance tunes, waltzes, and even a salsa number. With guest appearances from lots of Laura's musician friends from coast to coast.
Elke Baker, Over the Border, Habbit Tracks, 1997
Scottish and American fiddle music from one of the country's most talented Scottish fiddlers.
Live or Festival Compilations:
- Celtic Festival 1996: Live at Oatlands, with Elke Baker
- Memories of Scottish Weekend (1999), Scottish Weekend, Inc.