Box and Fiddle
Year 18 No 06
March 1995
Charlie Cowie - Obituary
by John Carmichael
It is with sadness that we note the death of fiddler Charlie Cowie. What made Charlie Scotland’s most musical fiddler? Two things, a natural gift of swing and harmony, complemented with the ‘Auld Heid’ of experience.
From the young lad who played nervously in the Glasgow Caeldonian Strathspey and Reel Society in the 50’s to the front man in the ‘Ron Silver Trio’ playing ‘The Spey in Spate’ live on the White Heather Club. From theatre and club tours with the ‘Cluny Boys’ to the long running Gaelic series Se Ur Beatha with the ‘Albanach’s’.
This was all good experience for Charlie, but no musical education would be complete without appearances in the hot and steamy dance halls of the north. You name it, Charlie has played there appearing with Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Alister McDonald, Will Starr and others too many to mention.
Charlie was always quick to appreciate new ideas, styles and tunes. He was the first to create a Scottish version of the classic Sean McGuire ‘Mason’s apron’ in the 60’s.
In his album ‘Unsquare Dance’, he displayed his talents with a collection of Scots, Irish, Canadian and American tunes and gave them all his own special treatment.
In the 1970’s, Charlie and his wife Joyce, opened a shop in Stranraer after he came back from Australia. He later bought the Portpatrick Hotel.
John Carmichael describes Charlie as a versatile and wonderful fiddle player, whether it be harmonizing with the band or accompanying a singer. A great personality and friend with a great sense of humour.
Bob McDowall, head of production at Lismor Recordings pays tribute to Charlie and describes him as one of the greats. Charlie was a major player in the two albums by Riverside Ceilidh Band and also featured in the ‘Hooley Ganz Band’ in ‘Noo that’s whit I call a ceilidh’. He also featured with rock albums, Scottish singers and the Dalriada Band. The album ‘Unsquare Dance’ displays his versatility and enjoyment of playing.
Charlie is survived by his wife Joyce, son Jim in Dumfries and a daughter Nicola in Stranraer. Our sympathies are extended to them.
by John Carmichael
It is with sadness that we note the death of fiddler Charlie Cowie. What made Charlie Scotland’s most musical fiddler? Two things, a natural gift of swing and harmony, complemented with the ‘Auld Heid’ of experience.
From the young lad who played nervously in the Glasgow Caeldonian Strathspey and Reel Society in the 50’s to the front man in the ‘Ron Silver Trio’ playing ‘The Spey in Spate’ live on the White Heather Club. From theatre and club tours with the ‘Cluny Boys’ to the long running Gaelic series Se Ur Beatha with the ‘Albanach’s’.
This was all good experience for Charlie, but no musical education would be complete without appearances in the hot and steamy dance halls of the north. You name it, Charlie has played there appearing with Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine, Alister McDonald, Will Starr and others too many to mention.
Charlie was always quick to appreciate new ideas, styles and tunes. He was the first to create a Scottish version of the classic Sean McGuire ‘Mason’s apron’ in the 60’s.
In his album ‘Unsquare Dance’, he displayed his talents with a collection of Scots, Irish, Canadian and American tunes and gave them all his own special treatment.
In the 1970’s, Charlie and his wife Joyce, opened a shop in Stranraer after he came back from Australia. He later bought the Portpatrick Hotel.
John Carmichael describes Charlie as a versatile and wonderful fiddle player, whether it be harmonizing with the band or accompanying a singer. A great personality and friend with a great sense of humour.
Bob McDowall, head of production at Lismor Recordings pays tribute to Charlie and describes him as one of the greats. Charlie was a major player in the two albums by Riverside Ceilidh Band and also featured in the ‘Hooley Ganz Band’ in ‘Noo that’s whit I call a ceilidh’. He also featured with rock albums, Scottish singers and the Dalriada Band. The album ‘Unsquare Dance’ displays his versatility and enjoyment of playing.
Charlie is survived by his wife Joyce, son Jim in Dumfries and a daughter Nicola in Stranraer. Our sympathies are extended to them.