The Boston Globe described Hanneke Cassel's fiddle playing as "Exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness." The Oregon native began studying classical violin at age 8, then mastered Texas-style and Scottish fiddle as well (she studied with renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Cape Breton master Buddy MacMaster). A bright new light on the traditional music scene, she was National Scottish Fiddle Champion in 1997 and holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music. Hanneke plays fiddle for the Cathie Ryan Band, and has made guest appearances with Cherish the Ladies and Alasdair Fraser. In 2003 Hanneke released an album of traditional and original music for Scottish country dance, Many Happy Returns, with another recording, Some Melodious Sonnet, due this month. Tonight, the Freight welcomes Hanneke's trio which includes guitarist Christopher Lewis and cellist Rushad Eggleston.