Paul Cranford

Cape Breton

Over the years fiddler Paul Cranford has published thousands of tunes, both old and new, in books, online, and in “Fiddler’s Corner”, a regular feature in Baddeck’s newspaper The Victoria Standard. In 2011 he collaborated with Celtic Colours to create a new book, "The Celtic Colours Collection".

Now retired, Paul spent 34 years as a lighthouse keeper. The isolation allowed him time to practice, to research older music and to compose. During his months off the light, he traveled Cape Breton widely, visiting and staying in the homes of dozens of older musicians who took time to teach him.

A prolific composer, Paul’s tunes are played in sessions world-wide and can be heard on many recordings. His book, "The Lighthouse Collection", features over 250 of his original melodies. In addition to solo performances with Mario Colosimo, Paul plays with his wife Sarah Beck and with the local group Rocky Shore.