Biography
A consummate musician of over twenty-five years, Julian Lambertson has performed as well as taught students and workshops all over the United States and Western Europe throughout his musical career. He also has extensive experience in musical composition, song & tune arrangement, music production, and studio music recording. His main instrument is the fiddle (aka the violin), but he also performs on vocals. Currently Julian is the fiddler for up-and-coming traditional Irish band, Nearing Neara. From 2016-2024 he toured extensively with international Celtic rock sensation, Seven Nations. Before that, he was with Jacksonville Beach, FL-based Celtic rock band, Rathkeltair for two years, and simultaneously with traditional Irish band trio Lift during that time and a few years prior Additionally, Julian is a sought-after freelance fiddler, notably filling in at Epcot for fiddlers in performing bands Alberta Bound and Quickstep. On St. Patrick's Day of 2013 Julian's playing was featured on the national television station QVC, appearing with the band Claddagh Ceol.
Julian’s musical style is firmly grounded in the traditional music of Ireland, with the foundation of his skill built atop a disciplined classical background. Those grounding elements are fused with those of a myriad of world music genres: Scottish, Cape Breton, English, Blues, Rock n’ Roll, Old Time, Balkan, Greek, Country, and Breton music, all of which have influenced his playing over the years.
Julian Lambertson began his musical odyssey studying classical music, with his primary instructor being multi-award winning violinist Alvaro Gomez. As his first introduction to fiddle music, he learned the old time fiddle style by listening to and playing with various contra dance bands in central Florida. This opened the doors to a whole new world of music and Julian quickly fell in love with the traditions of Ireland, once again through exposure to dance bands. Since then he has studied with many of the greatest fiddle players of this time including Liz Carroll, Liz Knowles, Brian Conway, Jerry Holland, Randal Bays, Mike Dugger, Laura Risk, Elke Baker, Iain Fraser, and Dale Russ. To learn the blues, Julian honed his chops under the guidance of spectacular jazz and blues artist, Thom Chambers, in addition to sitting in on countless jam sessions. His rock n' roll style is entirely self-taught from spending years playing with rock and progressive metal bands.
Julian has been involved in a number of studio recording projects throughout his career, including composing and producing his own full-length instrumental album, "Crimson Stories". His most recent recordings were completed with Lift Irish Band (album Self Titled) in February of 2016.
Previous bands: Seven Nations (Celtic rock), Kir (Celtic rock), Lift Irish Band (Traditional and Contemporary Irish, Scottish, and Balkan music), Rathkeltair (Celtic rock), Kelly (Contemporary Irish/Traditional Irish/Scottish/English/Balkan music), Abigail Austin Lucas (Country), Oisre (Contemporary Irish/Traditional Irish/Breton), The Frankies (Original/Classic Rock), Glen Road (Traditional Irish), Julian Lambertson & Zac Leger Duo (Contemporary Irish/Traditional Irish), Guile (Progressive Metal).