Box and Fiddle
Year 17 No 04
December 1993
Colin Finlayson (1952-93) – An Appreciation
by Ricki, Neil, Gus, Stan, Alasdair & Gordon
It was with feelings of disbelief that we heard of the sudden death of Colin in Geneva on 19th September, 1993, at the age of 41.
An unassuming man, he graced the Scottish music scene for many years and throughout the country his passing is mourned by all who danced to or simply listened to his music. Colin was held in the highest regard by all as a musician but more particularly for what he was as a man.
From earlier days when through his frequent visits to Iona, direct influences to his musical development came from bobby MacLeod and Pibroch McKenzie, he went on to play piano in the bands of John Renton, Ronnie Easton and Kenny Thomson respectively, while gradually bringing together his own band in the mid-seventies.
On his own admission, his own band was more for dancing to rather than a ‘listening’ band and he traveled widely to play at functions.
He began broadcasting in 1982 and featured on ‘Take the Floor’ each year until he left Scotland to work in Geneva in 1990. His playing took him to many a Country Dance and latterly he made two records for the R.S.C.D.S. covering books 7 and 10 – records which underline the strict tempo of his playing which many have commented upon.
Throughout his life he was closely connected with the Island of Iona where the family holiday home exists to this day and the islands of Mull and Iona, their people and their culture were close to his heart. They also had the greatest of influence on his musical interests and interpretation and in 1985 when he was asked by close friend Anda Campbell to make the record ‘The Argyll Arms Ceilidh’ this provided the opportunity to set down for posterity the Colin Finlayson sound with its strict tempo while capturing the swing of the 2/4 march and the lilt of the Gaelic waltz.
His broadcasts and records include many of his compositions, quite a number of which Iain Peterson has published and which convey his liking for and ability in composing 4/4 marches, jogs and reels. Of particular note is his tune for his mother composed not long before he died and the march which began his broadcasting career dedicated to ‘The Troops’.
As with many followers and friends, we have difficulty in accepting that our tunes with Big Colin are in the past but, it is a past which holds many dear memories which will not be forgotten. Colin was a champion of causes and many have benefited from his interest and efforts during a lifetime which was all too short. For our part we are proud to have known him and to have made music with him over the years.
We extend to his widow Deone, his daughters Lindsay and Sheena and to his mother, our sincere condolences on his passing.
Mrs Deone Finlayson, her daughters Lindsay and Sheena, Mrs Pam Finlayson and the members of the Finlayson family wish to express their thanks to all those who attended the Memorial Service for Colin at Alloway Parish Church and for the many expressions of support and sympathy which they have received.
by Ricki, Neil, Gus, Stan, Alasdair & Gordon
It was with feelings of disbelief that we heard of the sudden death of Colin in Geneva on 19th September, 1993, at the age of 41.
An unassuming man, he graced the Scottish music scene for many years and throughout the country his passing is mourned by all who danced to or simply listened to his music. Colin was held in the highest regard by all as a musician but more particularly for what he was as a man.
From earlier days when through his frequent visits to Iona, direct influences to his musical development came from bobby MacLeod and Pibroch McKenzie, he went on to play piano in the bands of John Renton, Ronnie Easton and Kenny Thomson respectively, while gradually bringing together his own band in the mid-seventies.
On his own admission, his own band was more for dancing to rather than a ‘listening’ band and he traveled widely to play at functions.
He began broadcasting in 1982 and featured on ‘Take the Floor’ each year until he left Scotland to work in Geneva in 1990. His playing took him to many a Country Dance and latterly he made two records for the R.S.C.D.S. covering books 7 and 10 – records which underline the strict tempo of his playing which many have commented upon.
Throughout his life he was closely connected with the Island of Iona where the family holiday home exists to this day and the islands of Mull and Iona, their people and their culture were close to his heart. They also had the greatest of influence on his musical interests and interpretation and in 1985 when he was asked by close friend Anda Campbell to make the record ‘The Argyll Arms Ceilidh’ this provided the opportunity to set down for posterity the Colin Finlayson sound with its strict tempo while capturing the swing of the 2/4 march and the lilt of the Gaelic waltz.
His broadcasts and records include many of his compositions, quite a number of which Iain Peterson has published and which convey his liking for and ability in composing 4/4 marches, jogs and reels. Of particular note is his tune for his mother composed not long before he died and the march which began his broadcasting career dedicated to ‘The Troops’.
As with many followers and friends, we have difficulty in accepting that our tunes with Big Colin are in the past but, it is a past which holds many dear memories which will not be forgotten. Colin was a champion of causes and many have benefited from his interest and efforts during a lifetime which was all too short. For our part we are proud to have known him and to have made music with him over the years.
We extend to his widow Deone, his daughters Lindsay and Sheena and to his mother, our sincere condolences on his passing.
Mrs Deone Finlayson, her daughters Lindsay and Sheena, Mrs Pam Finlayson and the members of the Finlayson family wish to express their thanks to all those who attended the Memorial Service for Colin at Alloway Parish Church and for the many expressions of support and sympathy which they have received.