Box and Fiddle
Year 11 No 01
September 1987
Price 40p
12 pages
8 month subscription £4.60
Joint Editors – Tom Clark, 55 Sutherland Crescent, Dundee, DD2 2HP or Douglas Adamson, 22 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It’s good to be back again after the summer break. Although the club scene has been quiet for a few months, there was always something happening on the music front. We’ve had the Mull Festival, the Oban Festival, the Association Weekend at Perth, the ‘Muchty Festival and many other events. All great stuff to keep us going, but now we’re all keen to get back to Club business. Let’s hope we can continue the success of last year.
Directory
Secretaries please note that deliveries of this issue are accompanied by forms requesting up-to-date information. Please ensure that the forms are completed and returned to me in time for the October issue, when we hope to publish a reliable Club directory.
Prices
Following the decision taken by the A.G.M. in the Station Hotel, Perth, on Saturday, 27th July, the price of the paper has been increased to 40p. The subscriber rate has increased to £4.60. Hopefully members will accept the need for these increases and continue with their support. We think the paper is still good value at 40p!
Tom Clark
A.G.M. Weekend June 1987
“If you could trust yer faither”
By Norrie Williams
Just gone noon on Saturday, 27th June, and a Ford Escort, with engine revving and wheels spinning, blasted off from the rear entrance of Perth Station Hotel. I was just about to comment to my wife that with those young drivers it always seems to be all or nothing. But I choked on my words as the car bombed past with a cheery wave of recognition from the occupant, and reversed with great panache into a vacant space in the car park. Some youngster – it was Angus Fitchet!
This remarkable, wiry little septuagenarian, despite health problems, displays a zest for life which puts most of us to shame. This enjoyment of life, combined with a love of music and fast driving, is not exactly uncommon among the more senior members of our traditional music scene. The elder statesman of the button key has always had a penchant for rapid road machinery and spirited travelling. On one occasion during the wartime blackout, driving back from a dance at Letham Hall (what’s new – ‘TTF’ June ’87) with left-handed fiddler Dave Ireland as passenger, and I quote from David Phillip’s writings – “They sped to Dundee with Jim at the wheel and Dave happily whistling a pipe tune and not missing a grace note until they hit a right-angle bend ; the car went grass cutting up the bank, Jim wrestled it back down again……Dave was still whistling. Comment from the driver – ‘That was a helluva long note Dave’!”
But back to the Perth Station Hotel. This was the first day of the N.A.A.F.C. A.G.M. Weekend and the two above-mentioned gentlemen are both part of the icing on the cake of this unique annual get-together. This was the second consecutive year at the Station Hotel and believe me they did us proud. Not one dissenting voice, but countless ‘bouquets’ for the staff 0 their courtesy, good humour and standard of service were exemplary – a tremendous advert for Scotland if I may say so. The quality and quantity and variety of the food were beyond reproach, and the room facilities had been upgraded since the 1986 visit. The only thing missing was a guests’ staircase between the 2nd and 3rd floors. Apart from the waiting involved, it is surprising how many folk dislike lifts. This is not meant as a carping criticism, but merely a passing comment, because physical consideration within the building would make it very difficult to incorporate an additional stairway.
Twelve-thirty, luggage safely deposited on our own room and back down to the entrance lounge where an already sizeable gathering of enthusiasts were settling in nicely – seemed to be several hundred from Newtongrange. What an example this Club sets, unstinting in its support of all things N.A.A.F.C.
Warm greetings to all new arrivals from Association Chairman Jimmy Blue and his wife Joan, and everything was set fair for another great weekend.
BOBBY FREW
Before long our aforementioned ‘youngster’ came over, bubbling with enthusiasm as always. Had we met Bobby Frew of Stan Hamilton Band fame? – No we hadn’t, but having heard him on record, just give us the chance. So Angus took us over to meet Bobby and his Glaswegian wife Joyce. The first thing that strikes one about them, apart from the fact that they are a delightfully unassuming couple, is the Scottishness of their accents, just the slightest traces of their Canadian and American influence. Why American? Well, Joyce is Glasgow born and bred but, surprise surprise, her better half is theoretically a ‘Yankee’, having been born in Indiana whence his parents had emigrated in 1925. At the age of 9 Bobby returned to Scotland, staying in Ayr until his second departure across the pond in 1957 in company with Stan Hamilton. After several years with Stan’s ‘Clansmen’ he formed his own group, ‘The Bobby Frew Four’, comprising two Canadians – Jim Darge (2nd accordion) and Cliff Flaherty (drums), and two Scots – Dundonian Davie Ferguson on piano and ‘himself’ on lead accordion. Of course we wanted to hear Bobby play but just had to be patient.
These A.G.M. Weekends give one this unique opportunity and privilege of meeting up with all these great ambassadors of our music, both young and old, under one roof, and having a good crack without feeling overawed or tongue-tied – the mutual interest and enthusiasm sees to that.
After twenty years of exile South of the Border when, apart from records, we had to be content with mere garbled snatches of the Scottish Dance Music programme or had to travel miles to the ‘Big Smoke’ just to get near one of the top-line S.D.B.’s, it is still hard to believe that these Weekends are really happening.
BOBBY’S WORKSHOP
After a first class lunch, a fair-sized group full of anticipation and curiosity trouped to one of the ante rooms for a fiddle and accordion workshop where the two chargehand instructors, Angus Fitchet and Bobby Crowe, were to give us some of the lowdown and wrinkles on the correct application of the two instruments to Scottish traditional music. Bobby kicked off with a sheaf of prepared notes as a prompt. These weekends give him ‘a sense of wellbeing’ of being one of a big, happy family’, and so say all of us. When first approached to do this workshop his reaction had been negative, but repeated Glenmorangie injections changed this ‘NO WAY!’ to ‘O.K.!’ A potted history of his early days was intriguing. Bobby didn’t take up the accordion until 1948 at the age of 15, his teacher being Dougie Maxwell, best known as bass player with the Shand Band, but also competent on accordion, piano and cornet.
Next move was to team up with Tayport pianist, the late Billy Gibson, who played in the key of E, as that was the only complete scale on his piano! As experience and proficiency grew, the dup became a four-piece with the addition of Dougie Maxwell Jnr. (second accordion) and on drums Dougie Cargill – now better known for his bass playing with some of the leading Scottish Dance Bands.
One evening Billy Gibson was unavailable for a dance engagement, and a stand-in pianist took over, a certain David Findlay of Wormit – the ‘Olympians’ Band was formed. With Dougie Maxwell Jnr switching to trumpet, and with Tommy Robertson of Luthrie in Fife on drums, the Band, without a fiddle, successfully auditioned in December 1951, its first B.B.C. broadcast going out in Mat ’52. National Service followed in 1953. Bobby then formed his own band in 1956, this group making it’s debut on the air five years later.
The intriguing history lesson over, it was down to the nitty-gritty. Using 12 years old Neil Galloway of Cupar as model, Bobby demonstrated how the box should be worn and stressed the importance of a good fit – it must feel right. Well it certainly looked right and my goodness it sounded right as young Neil took us through a hornpipe and reel. Some player, Bobby Frew must have approved.
Tuning of the accordion was next on the agenda, with the pros and cons of differing degrees of vibrato (demonstrated by Angus on fiddle) being illustrated, and the interaction with amplification, fiddle etc., being explained – most enlightening.
And now on to an aspect of our music very close to Bobby’s heart, how to apply it properly to Scottish Country Dancing.
The niceties of the three rhythms were explained and demonstrated by Bobby on accordion at ‘normal’ tempo, the point being made that deviations from this ‘norm’ are required for certain dances in each rhythm category. The subtleties of three types of strathspey, standard, Schottische, Highland Schottische and Slow Air derivative were illustrated by Bobby, assisted by Angus. “Which of our two choonies will we do?”
On the subject of the compilation of sets a most intriguing observation was made with regard to The Eightsome Reel. I believe it had come from a former member of the Tim Wright Orchestra. At the point where the first man enters the arena to emulate a demented stag, a tune in a minor key should be played to demonstrate the macho image and the same when the fourth man takes the floor. Apart from possible assistance to blind or short-sighted dancers I cannot quite figure this one out!
Other worthwhile snippets – don’t force your instrument ; whole band must be sympathetic ; be a good listener ; try and make music fun. Bobby’s comment that one gets great satisfaction from playing with others evoked the aside from ‘A.F.’ - “aye, and you get peyed for it!”
ANGUS’S WORKSHOP
“A legend in his own lifetime” was Jimmy Blue’s introduction of Angus and he never spoke a truer word. Two young fiddle players had brought their instruments along and Angus was quick to involve them. Almost immediately he had young Donald Miller up and playing through ‘The Bonnie Lass o’ Bon Accord’. Verdict – “This lad’s got the message, occasional intonation problem but this can be cured no bother”. The maestro then joined forces with Donald and we were treated to ‘Flower o’ the Quern’.
In a run-down on bows and bowing one point that particularly caught me was that the bow should be slackened after playing or the spine will straighten out and eventually – “you’ll finish up with a bow like one for arrows”.
The importance of a good bow was stressed most emphatically – without it a fiddle cannot be exploited to the full. It is essential for good staccato and detached playing (demonstrated with Bank’s Hornpipe). Parents will often buy a good fiddle for their offspring with good bridge, stringing and tailpiece, but buy an inferior bow almost as an afterthought.
Now it was ladies’ turn. Patricia Jessiman from Aberdeen, and an experienced competitor in junior sections, gave us the ‘Earl of Mansefield’s March’ with neat gracing. “I wish I had your hands”, commented Angus, and ‘try this one’, handing over his bow. Using this to good effect Patricia rounded off with a well emphasized 6/8 and ‘The Hills of Lorne’, again with pleasing embellishments.
Advising on technicalities such as positions (Greek to me), volume control, slurring, down bowing, and on the importance of phrasing, Angus played over the jig ‘Elizabeth Adair’ with typical cheeky humour.
Then handing over his fiddle, Angus called on senior citizen Willie Cassie of Kippen to give us his pleasure explaining that Willie had only taken up the fiddle at the age of 65 and had made an extremely good job of a very difficult instrument. He plays from the heart and the message is there with a capital ‘M’.
Before playing out with a very appropriate march from his own pen, ‘Salute to Scott Skinner’, he gave hints on the care and treatment of the instrument. Always wash your hands before playing and be careful where one lays the fiddle – “I asked my wife no’ tae pit it in the bath, and of course that’s the very thing she did!”
A great couple of hours and what a good idea to make the sessions consecutive to let them both in.
MEAL AND ALE
The workshop over, it was off for a wash and a nosh, and then refreshed, into the dance at 9pm – 1am. Jim Johnstone abd his Band. How does this man do it? – what is the secret of his eternal youth? With the exception perhaps of an extra 1/8th of an inch here and there he has not changed since I first saw him playing with the Andrew Rankine Band around 1956. Perhaps it is because he always seems to be enjoying his music and always has a happy expression which, of course, is infectious. We all have our favourite Scottish Dance Bands but never ever would I nominate any particular group because so many have a special wee something to offer. However, if the premier leaguer existed the Johnstone Band would be right in there. Over many years, despite personnel changes, it has maintained an incredible consistency of standard and sound which is the envy of so many and a yardstick by which others are judged. Jim’s ability to size up a dance crowd is well known ; his tempo and choice of tunes spot on. Nothing way-out, just 24 carat all the way. And of course the vocal interludes by the two Bobby’s, Brown and Colgan, pianist and drummer respectively, add to the overall enjoyment, and the presence of Marie Fielding and Neil Barron in the front line – a band of this calibre is testimony to the younger generation, both as players and people.
At the end of a great dance we had an enjoyable chat with Bobby Colgan, who came over as a very serious-minded person, in striking contrast to his more frequent bouts of clowning. As we nattered on, Ian Powrie sloped past complete with fiddle. The urge to follow was almost unbearable but good sense prevailed and we turned in at a respectable hour. Mind you we missed a great small hours session with Bobby Frew, Ian and Jim Johnstone on piano. Ah well, you can’t have everything.
SUNDAY
Up bright and early for as grand Sunday breakfast in the company of first-time acquaintance Jim Collie from the Wick Club.
11am and the A.G.M. got under way, with the biggest turnout for years – a very useful couple of hours with many views aired and a lot accomplished. It was, in fact, quite intense, leaving the Committee somewhat drained but contented.
The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, announced with regret the retirement of Treasurer David Ross (Kilmarnock) due to pressure of work and family commitments. Andrew and Chairman Jimmy Blue both paid tribute to David’s hard work in the job since the start of the Association. Jim Balneaves of the Perth Club, who had been acting as Interim Treasurer, was elected unanimously to fill the vacancy.
Sunday lunch lived up to the now expected high standard, with guests of honour, Mr and Mrs Jimmy Shand, Mr and Mrs Angus Fitchet, and Mr and Mrs Ian Powrie. Good to see Jimmy Shand looking so well after his recent set-back. Then it was straight into the Celebrity Ceilidh compered by Jimmy Blue. It is only fair to comment on how effectively he performed this task. Over the years Jimmy has developed a most effective technique, blending concise clean humour, with informed comment on the various artistes – absolutely right for the occasion. Having said his piece, he just melts into the background and marshals the next coup-le of turns without anyone, apart from the hapless victims, being aware.
CELEBRITY CEILIDH
First turn on, and what a turn, the Angus Fitchet Band, with Bobby Crowe and Hamish Smith (accordions), Jack Cooper on drums, Joan Blue (piano) and Stan Saunders (bass). No comment required on the quality of the music – tight, tuneful and tasty, with nice forays into the flats, no shortage of humour and the unmistakable slow vibrato from the fiddle.
From a senior four-stringer to one slightly younger, Patricia Jessiman (of fiddle workshop fame). A good stage presence, tall, slim and elegant, and outwardly very calm. She gave an unruffled performance, good idiom and neat grace notes. A player to watch out for.
Now in complete contrast, what must surely be one of the most cheerful sounds on the scene, the penny whistle of Alex Green. His ‘MacLean of Pennycross’ rendering is a knockout, it doesn’t matter how often one hears it, it never palls. The interpretation, the embellishments – goose-pimples on the neck every time. Alex, accompanied by Esma Shepherd on piano, finished off with hornpipes. Great stuff!
Esma was also involved in another turn where her mother filled in for Robbie who had been around all day but had to go off at a moment’s notice to open a traction engine rally or some such! Robbie’s substitute gave a most entertaining rendering of ‘Upon My Shopping Spree’, and gave us an insight into her experiences with ‘Saygie Tours’ – as she put it – and with her doctor – “You’ve got acute angina” – “Cut out the flattery doctor and get on with the diagnosis!” Pity Robbie had to miss this very funny turn.
Immediately prior to this geriatric jaunt, Robert and Duncan Black played for us, each taking a turn at lead. Again no comment required on ability or standard. Incidentally, during the afternoon workshop session, no one was watching or listening with more rapt attention than these two lads.
The only button-key player of the afternoon now took the stand, young Bruce Lindsay of Windygates, now on Shand Morino. Sphinx like, he gave us traditional selections with everything in there, the style, the interpretation, ‘the dunt’.
We may have missed Bobby Frew’s night owl sessionbut it was certainly worth waiting until now to remedy that when, using Bobby Crowe’s Gola, he teamed up with Ian Powrie, Joan Blue, Jack Cooper and Stan Saunders to entertain us. The quintet opened with jigs ‘Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow’ and something apparently called ‘Haven’s Above In A’!’ The style was laid-back, swinging and melodious. The ‘Flower o’ the Quern’ demonstrated Bobby’s sympathetic accompaniment with great harmonies, a perfect blend of box and fiddle. To round off, a tribute to Angus, who was sitting just in front of the group, a set of reels starting with ‘J. B. Milne’.
After this most enjoyable spot the final performers of the afternoon took their seats, the Jim Johnstone Band, with Hamish Smith on second accordion, Neil Barron (piano), and as always Billy Craib on bass. By the way, all the kit, piano, drums and first class amplification had been used by all and sundry.
Sets of good standards were interspersed with songs and stand-up comic turns by the inimitable Bobby Colgan. What a man. And another ritem that truly set the place alight was a set of Rudy Meek’s reels by Marie Fielding, unbelievable stuff, but equally matched by Jim’s introduction – “Ladies and gentlemen, a wee lassie you’d like to tak’ hame tae yer mither, if you could trust yer faither!” Hear, hear.
We all wondered what on earth could follow that turn without falling on its face, but as always, Jim was up to it – a strident singalong by all to round off. Everyone echoed Jimmy Blue’s closing remarks that it had been one of the best weekends yet and that we all owed a gret debt to that self-effacing soul Jack Cooper who once again had organized the whole shooting match from A to Z. We really have no conception of the work that chap puts in.
And for the record, backing musicians not already mentioned were – on piano Maureen Rutherford of Dundee and Morag MacAskill of Milngavie Club and on double bass Billy Craib from the Jim Johnstone Band.
Mull 1987
by Tom Clark
I have been a regular attender at the Mull Festival now for many years but always get the same feeling of anticipation and excitement I got when I first visited the island. There has always been a mystique associated with Mull for anybody who has been involved with Scottish music in any way. The atmosphere is present the moment you join the queue for the ferry at Oban and start renewing old friendships. This year additional ferries had been laid on to cope with the expected crowds. The weather was absolutely glorious and everything was just right for a great weekend.
There is something very different here from other Festivals. Perhaps it is the absence of serious competition playing which enhances the relaxed mood and adds a little bit of sparkle to the playing.
First stop when I arrived at Tobermory on Friday evening was the Mishnish. It took some time to get through to the far end of the lounge, but the pure sound of instruments without amplification coming from the recessed stage made the effort worthwhile. Some very good playing from various line-ups kept listeners fixed in their places. No wonder it is almost impossible to get in or out at times. Later I ventured through to the ‘other lounge’ in the Mish, a new feature this year. John Strachan and Richard Hughes were backing Ian McLaughlin. I’d heard a lot about Ian but this was the first time I’d heard him in person. An endless stream of pipe marches was delightful to listen to. Ian seems to play for hours non-step – and all from memory.
Next stop was the MacDonald Arms where Jimmy Yeaman is the organizer. What a job he does. Gordon Simpson was playing a solo at the time, with Neil McMillan on piano. That’s the sort of standard Jimmy manages to keep going.
Wandering from venue to venue in Tobermory was sheer delight in the fine spring weather. What a change from last year.
Friday night was dance night and with Jim Johnstone and the Band in the Aros Hotel what could be better. The standard of Jim’s Band these days is so high I could risk a comment that the present line-up is possibly his best so far. There seems to be a happy atmosphere about the Band which comes over in a beautifully relaxed sound.
An early start to Saturday with more of the same was eagerly awaited.
Saturday night saw me making my annual trip to Bunessan to meet up with the host of the Argyll Arms, Anda Campbell. The place was absolutely bursting at the seams. Anda’s hospitality has become almost a legend by now amongst all the musicians who visit Mull. Under the skillful Chairmanship of Colin Finlayson the evening was one long session of bands, all playing to a very high standard, much to the delight of the non-musicians who had packed the lounge. I am always struck by the air of friendship that is present, particularly among the young musicians at gatherings in Bunessan. At about 4am I left for the 50 mile drive back to Tobermory. (what a drive at that time in the morning).
A surprise visitor this year was Snady Tulloch. I was having a tune in the Mishmish with Peem Edwards when Jimmy Ritchie told me that Sandy had arrived. Sandy had said on a few occasions that he intended to visit the Festival some time but he had kept this one quiet. We finished up having a tune. Sandy borrowed Ian McLaughlin’s box, Jimmy Ritchie was on fiddle, John Strachan (piano) and Richard Hughes on drums.
Sunday night / Monday morning in the Mishnish has now become the last round-up time and this year was superb. What a night it turned out to be. Some time about the middle of the night I was chatting to Jim Johnstone and Peem Edwards when we had to stop and listen to the sound that was coming from the stage. Up there were Robert MacLeod, Jimmy Ritchie, Neil Barron, Dave Flockhart, Alistair MacLeod and Bobby Colgan. It seemed to me at the time that I had never heard anything like it (but then we tend to say that about every band that’s good). Every instrument was beautifully clear, with Jimmy’s fiddle sounding out just that wee bit above the box – the way I personally like it. I think it was about 6.30am when I finally got to bed.
Unfortunately, it all had to end on Monday but on the boat crossing to Oban everyone was wishing it was time for the next visit.
During a chat with Robert MacLeod he told me that he has been planning an extension for the lounge. “We have plenty of room to expand out the back and we hope to be starting later this year.” So perhaps the famous lounge will be enlarged by this time next year.
I doubt if any other Festival attracts musicians in such numbers as the one on Mull.
Ian Holmes in Sweden
For the first part of my holiday I stayed with Borje and Lillebil Farm at their lovely home at Kristianstaad in Southern Sweden. Although Borje and I can play music together for hours we have a language problem. Occasionally we had to call on Lillebil, who is a very fluent English speaker.
Together we went to an accordion festival at Varberg. This festival, by Scandinavian standards, is quite small with an attendance figure of around 3,000, but it has bags of atmosphere. Here I was persuaded to sit in with the Bromolla Accordion Orchestra. A very nice experience as they are probably Sweden’s best and play beautiful arrangements. Later the members paid me a compliment by making me an honorary member. This has been bestowed on very few people although the Orchestra has been going since 1973. They are mostly brilliant players who have guested with the band. Goodness knosws what went wrong with their judgement this time.
From Varberg I traveled north to stay with my friend Bill Grund. Many readers will remember him as the manager at Bell Accordions in Aycliffe. Now, although officially retirted, he is frequently called upon for repairs and modifications. He rebuilt the treble keyboard of my five row Crosio and it is now as good or better than when new. I played a five row he in building – a super instrument. With Bill, I went to the Accordion Festival at Ransater. The organizers claim this is the world’s largest, and I believe them. Everyone stays in caravans and the site is enormous, taking in several large fields. Accordion playing everywhere, and to all hours. It is not easy to get any sleep, but who cares – it’s a great experience. Here I played in a quartet with Borje and Fredrik Farm and Lars Erck Drougie.
I was pleased to find that my tunes ‘Echoes of Switzerland’, ‘Kirsi’ and ‘Borje’s Polka’ are becoming quite popular, as is my new cassette ‘Sounds Scandinavian’.
Good to meet in again with Lars Ek and my friend Sigmund Dehli. I also met Ottar Akre, now in his 91st year, and who I believe was Toralf Tollefsen’s tutor.
Yes a great holiday, and already plans are being made for 1988. I have been going to Sweden every year since 1983.
I started playing the five row in 1981 though I still use the piano accordion at dances etc. For those people who say that to try and play both systems will be confusing I can say that I have not found any problems.
New Releases
Tunes of the Gaels – John Carmichael band (ZCLBP 2207) – cassette only
The Lilt of Scotland – Bill Douglas SDB (BBRC168) – cassette only
Presenting Colin Dewar – Colin Dewar SDB – (LAP / C 116)
Fire in the Kilt – John Ellis HCB (LILP/CS5158)
Skyedance – Alasdair Fraser and Paul Machlis
Ideal Holmes – Ian Holmes SDB – (LILP / CS 5157)
Gleneagles Favourites – Bobby Harvey (LOCLP / ZCLOC 1042)
On the Road by the River – Addie Harper (BGS ITV 374)
Kink of the Button Box – Iain McLachlan and Fergie Macdonald (LILP / CS 5160)
Scottish Country Dance Tour of Norway 1987
by Charlie Todd
During the summer, one of the youngest bands on the scene, namely Peter Wodd and his SDB, had the pleasure of accompanying a group from the New Scotland Country Dance Society of Edinburgh University on the three-week tour of Norway. The full party consisted of 16 Country Dancers, 4 Highland Dancers and Peter’s five piece band (Peter, Alistair McPhail on second box, Keith Dickson on piano, Emma Rayworth on fiddle and myself on drums).
Credit for arranging the ‘expeditionary force’ to promote traditional Scottish music and dancing goes to Christian Kierulf, President of the Society, himself a native Norwegian and presently a student at Edinburgh and a keen country dancer.
The main stopping-off points were Gol in the south of Norway, Tromso and Hammerfest in the far north.
Both organized performances and busking, to help finance the trip, were well received. The Group’s policy was to perform wherever possible, hence any reports about a group of mad Scots dancing on ferries, in car parks, and at North Cape, the most northerly point in Europe, have some foundation.
Transport ran to time, scenery was magnificent, and the only drawback was that prices seem to run at between 2 and 3 times the level at home.
Peter, aged 17, hails from Crawfordjohn in Lanarkshire, and has been making rapid progress on the music scene with his own band over the past year, including an appearance at Princes Street Gardens on 2nd August.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) –
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 15th Sept 87 Alan Gardiner SDB
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 19th Sept 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Sept 87 Malcolm McLean Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Sept 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Countryside Inn) – 17th Sept 87 Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Sept 87 Belmont Fiddlers
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banff
4. Callander
5. Castle Douglas
6. Derwentside
7. Dingwall & District
8. Dunblane
9. Dundee
10. Forres
11. Fort William
12. Galston
13. Glendale
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kinlochsheil
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. North Cumbria
21. North East
22. Perth
23. Premier
24. Shetland
25. Thurso
26. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
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B&F Treasurer – Mrs Cathy Andrew, 22 Lochinver Crescent, Foxbar, Paisley Tele 2824
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
It’s good to be back again after the summer break. Although the club scene has been quiet for a few months, there was always something happening on the music front. We’ve had the Mull Festival, the Oban Festival, the Association Weekend at Perth, the ‘Muchty Festival and many other events. All great stuff to keep us going, but now we’re all keen to get back to Club business. Let’s hope we can continue the success of last year.
Directory
Secretaries please note that deliveries of this issue are accompanied by forms requesting up-to-date information. Please ensure that the forms are completed and returned to me in time for the October issue, when we hope to publish a reliable Club directory.
Prices
Following the decision taken by the A.G.M. in the Station Hotel, Perth, on Saturday, 27th July, the price of the paper has been increased to 40p. The subscriber rate has increased to £4.60. Hopefully members will accept the need for these increases and continue with their support. We think the paper is still good value at 40p!
Tom Clark
A.G.M. Weekend June 1987
“If you could trust yer faither”
By Norrie Williams
Just gone noon on Saturday, 27th June, and a Ford Escort, with engine revving and wheels spinning, blasted off from the rear entrance of Perth Station Hotel. I was just about to comment to my wife that with those young drivers it always seems to be all or nothing. But I choked on my words as the car bombed past with a cheery wave of recognition from the occupant, and reversed with great panache into a vacant space in the car park. Some youngster – it was Angus Fitchet!
This remarkable, wiry little septuagenarian, despite health problems, displays a zest for life which puts most of us to shame. This enjoyment of life, combined with a love of music and fast driving, is not exactly uncommon among the more senior members of our traditional music scene. The elder statesman of the button key has always had a penchant for rapid road machinery and spirited travelling. On one occasion during the wartime blackout, driving back from a dance at Letham Hall (what’s new – ‘TTF’ June ’87) with left-handed fiddler Dave Ireland as passenger, and I quote from David Phillip’s writings – “They sped to Dundee with Jim at the wheel and Dave happily whistling a pipe tune and not missing a grace note until they hit a right-angle bend ; the car went grass cutting up the bank, Jim wrestled it back down again……Dave was still whistling. Comment from the driver – ‘That was a helluva long note Dave’!”
But back to the Perth Station Hotel. This was the first day of the N.A.A.F.C. A.G.M. Weekend and the two above-mentioned gentlemen are both part of the icing on the cake of this unique annual get-together. This was the second consecutive year at the Station Hotel and believe me they did us proud. Not one dissenting voice, but countless ‘bouquets’ for the staff 0 their courtesy, good humour and standard of service were exemplary – a tremendous advert for Scotland if I may say so. The quality and quantity and variety of the food were beyond reproach, and the room facilities had been upgraded since the 1986 visit. The only thing missing was a guests’ staircase between the 2nd and 3rd floors. Apart from the waiting involved, it is surprising how many folk dislike lifts. This is not meant as a carping criticism, but merely a passing comment, because physical consideration within the building would make it very difficult to incorporate an additional stairway.
Twelve-thirty, luggage safely deposited on our own room and back down to the entrance lounge where an already sizeable gathering of enthusiasts were settling in nicely – seemed to be several hundred from Newtongrange. What an example this Club sets, unstinting in its support of all things N.A.A.F.C.
Warm greetings to all new arrivals from Association Chairman Jimmy Blue and his wife Joan, and everything was set fair for another great weekend.
BOBBY FREW
Before long our aforementioned ‘youngster’ came over, bubbling with enthusiasm as always. Had we met Bobby Frew of Stan Hamilton Band fame? – No we hadn’t, but having heard him on record, just give us the chance. So Angus took us over to meet Bobby and his Glaswegian wife Joyce. The first thing that strikes one about them, apart from the fact that they are a delightfully unassuming couple, is the Scottishness of their accents, just the slightest traces of their Canadian and American influence. Why American? Well, Joyce is Glasgow born and bred but, surprise surprise, her better half is theoretically a ‘Yankee’, having been born in Indiana whence his parents had emigrated in 1925. At the age of 9 Bobby returned to Scotland, staying in Ayr until his second departure across the pond in 1957 in company with Stan Hamilton. After several years with Stan’s ‘Clansmen’ he formed his own group, ‘The Bobby Frew Four’, comprising two Canadians – Jim Darge (2nd accordion) and Cliff Flaherty (drums), and two Scots – Dundonian Davie Ferguson on piano and ‘himself’ on lead accordion. Of course we wanted to hear Bobby play but just had to be patient.
These A.G.M. Weekends give one this unique opportunity and privilege of meeting up with all these great ambassadors of our music, both young and old, under one roof, and having a good crack without feeling overawed or tongue-tied – the mutual interest and enthusiasm sees to that.
After twenty years of exile South of the Border when, apart from records, we had to be content with mere garbled snatches of the Scottish Dance Music programme or had to travel miles to the ‘Big Smoke’ just to get near one of the top-line S.D.B.’s, it is still hard to believe that these Weekends are really happening.
BOBBY’S WORKSHOP
After a first class lunch, a fair-sized group full of anticipation and curiosity trouped to one of the ante rooms for a fiddle and accordion workshop where the two chargehand instructors, Angus Fitchet and Bobby Crowe, were to give us some of the lowdown and wrinkles on the correct application of the two instruments to Scottish traditional music. Bobby kicked off with a sheaf of prepared notes as a prompt. These weekends give him ‘a sense of wellbeing’ of being one of a big, happy family’, and so say all of us. When first approached to do this workshop his reaction had been negative, but repeated Glenmorangie injections changed this ‘NO WAY!’ to ‘O.K.!’ A potted history of his early days was intriguing. Bobby didn’t take up the accordion until 1948 at the age of 15, his teacher being Dougie Maxwell, best known as bass player with the Shand Band, but also competent on accordion, piano and cornet.
Next move was to team up with Tayport pianist, the late Billy Gibson, who played in the key of E, as that was the only complete scale on his piano! As experience and proficiency grew, the dup became a four-piece with the addition of Dougie Maxwell Jnr. (second accordion) and on drums Dougie Cargill – now better known for his bass playing with some of the leading Scottish Dance Bands.
One evening Billy Gibson was unavailable for a dance engagement, and a stand-in pianist took over, a certain David Findlay of Wormit – the ‘Olympians’ Band was formed. With Dougie Maxwell Jnr switching to trumpet, and with Tommy Robertson of Luthrie in Fife on drums, the Band, without a fiddle, successfully auditioned in December 1951, its first B.B.C. broadcast going out in Mat ’52. National Service followed in 1953. Bobby then formed his own band in 1956, this group making it’s debut on the air five years later.
The intriguing history lesson over, it was down to the nitty-gritty. Using 12 years old Neil Galloway of Cupar as model, Bobby demonstrated how the box should be worn and stressed the importance of a good fit – it must feel right. Well it certainly looked right and my goodness it sounded right as young Neil took us through a hornpipe and reel. Some player, Bobby Frew must have approved.
Tuning of the accordion was next on the agenda, with the pros and cons of differing degrees of vibrato (demonstrated by Angus on fiddle) being illustrated, and the interaction with amplification, fiddle etc., being explained – most enlightening.
And now on to an aspect of our music very close to Bobby’s heart, how to apply it properly to Scottish Country Dancing.
The niceties of the three rhythms were explained and demonstrated by Bobby on accordion at ‘normal’ tempo, the point being made that deviations from this ‘norm’ are required for certain dances in each rhythm category. The subtleties of three types of strathspey, standard, Schottische, Highland Schottische and Slow Air derivative were illustrated by Bobby, assisted by Angus. “Which of our two choonies will we do?”
On the subject of the compilation of sets a most intriguing observation was made with regard to The Eightsome Reel. I believe it had come from a former member of the Tim Wright Orchestra. At the point where the first man enters the arena to emulate a demented stag, a tune in a minor key should be played to demonstrate the macho image and the same when the fourth man takes the floor. Apart from possible assistance to blind or short-sighted dancers I cannot quite figure this one out!
Other worthwhile snippets – don’t force your instrument ; whole band must be sympathetic ; be a good listener ; try and make music fun. Bobby’s comment that one gets great satisfaction from playing with others evoked the aside from ‘A.F.’ - “aye, and you get peyed for it!”
ANGUS’S WORKSHOP
“A legend in his own lifetime” was Jimmy Blue’s introduction of Angus and he never spoke a truer word. Two young fiddle players had brought their instruments along and Angus was quick to involve them. Almost immediately he had young Donald Miller up and playing through ‘The Bonnie Lass o’ Bon Accord’. Verdict – “This lad’s got the message, occasional intonation problem but this can be cured no bother”. The maestro then joined forces with Donald and we were treated to ‘Flower o’ the Quern’.
In a run-down on bows and bowing one point that particularly caught me was that the bow should be slackened after playing or the spine will straighten out and eventually – “you’ll finish up with a bow like one for arrows”.
The importance of a good bow was stressed most emphatically – without it a fiddle cannot be exploited to the full. It is essential for good staccato and detached playing (demonstrated with Bank’s Hornpipe). Parents will often buy a good fiddle for their offspring with good bridge, stringing and tailpiece, but buy an inferior bow almost as an afterthought.
Now it was ladies’ turn. Patricia Jessiman from Aberdeen, and an experienced competitor in junior sections, gave us the ‘Earl of Mansefield’s March’ with neat gracing. “I wish I had your hands”, commented Angus, and ‘try this one’, handing over his bow. Using this to good effect Patricia rounded off with a well emphasized 6/8 and ‘The Hills of Lorne’, again with pleasing embellishments.
Advising on technicalities such as positions (Greek to me), volume control, slurring, down bowing, and on the importance of phrasing, Angus played over the jig ‘Elizabeth Adair’ with typical cheeky humour.
Then handing over his fiddle, Angus called on senior citizen Willie Cassie of Kippen to give us his pleasure explaining that Willie had only taken up the fiddle at the age of 65 and had made an extremely good job of a very difficult instrument. He plays from the heart and the message is there with a capital ‘M’.
Before playing out with a very appropriate march from his own pen, ‘Salute to Scott Skinner’, he gave hints on the care and treatment of the instrument. Always wash your hands before playing and be careful where one lays the fiddle – “I asked my wife no’ tae pit it in the bath, and of course that’s the very thing she did!”
A great couple of hours and what a good idea to make the sessions consecutive to let them both in.
MEAL AND ALE
The workshop over, it was off for a wash and a nosh, and then refreshed, into the dance at 9pm – 1am. Jim Johnstone abd his Band. How does this man do it? – what is the secret of his eternal youth? With the exception perhaps of an extra 1/8th of an inch here and there he has not changed since I first saw him playing with the Andrew Rankine Band around 1956. Perhaps it is because he always seems to be enjoying his music and always has a happy expression which, of course, is infectious. We all have our favourite Scottish Dance Bands but never ever would I nominate any particular group because so many have a special wee something to offer. However, if the premier leaguer existed the Johnstone Band would be right in there. Over many years, despite personnel changes, it has maintained an incredible consistency of standard and sound which is the envy of so many and a yardstick by which others are judged. Jim’s ability to size up a dance crowd is well known ; his tempo and choice of tunes spot on. Nothing way-out, just 24 carat all the way. And of course the vocal interludes by the two Bobby’s, Brown and Colgan, pianist and drummer respectively, add to the overall enjoyment, and the presence of Marie Fielding and Neil Barron in the front line – a band of this calibre is testimony to the younger generation, both as players and people.
At the end of a great dance we had an enjoyable chat with Bobby Colgan, who came over as a very serious-minded person, in striking contrast to his more frequent bouts of clowning. As we nattered on, Ian Powrie sloped past complete with fiddle. The urge to follow was almost unbearable but good sense prevailed and we turned in at a respectable hour. Mind you we missed a great small hours session with Bobby Frew, Ian and Jim Johnstone on piano. Ah well, you can’t have everything.
SUNDAY
Up bright and early for as grand Sunday breakfast in the company of first-time acquaintance Jim Collie from the Wick Club.
11am and the A.G.M. got under way, with the biggest turnout for years – a very useful couple of hours with many views aired and a lot accomplished. It was, in fact, quite intense, leaving the Committee somewhat drained but contented.
The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, announced with regret the retirement of Treasurer David Ross (Kilmarnock) due to pressure of work and family commitments. Andrew and Chairman Jimmy Blue both paid tribute to David’s hard work in the job since the start of the Association. Jim Balneaves of the Perth Club, who had been acting as Interim Treasurer, was elected unanimously to fill the vacancy.
Sunday lunch lived up to the now expected high standard, with guests of honour, Mr and Mrs Jimmy Shand, Mr and Mrs Angus Fitchet, and Mr and Mrs Ian Powrie. Good to see Jimmy Shand looking so well after his recent set-back. Then it was straight into the Celebrity Ceilidh compered by Jimmy Blue. It is only fair to comment on how effectively he performed this task. Over the years Jimmy has developed a most effective technique, blending concise clean humour, with informed comment on the various artistes – absolutely right for the occasion. Having said his piece, he just melts into the background and marshals the next coup-le of turns without anyone, apart from the hapless victims, being aware.
CELEBRITY CEILIDH
First turn on, and what a turn, the Angus Fitchet Band, with Bobby Crowe and Hamish Smith (accordions), Jack Cooper on drums, Joan Blue (piano) and Stan Saunders (bass). No comment required on the quality of the music – tight, tuneful and tasty, with nice forays into the flats, no shortage of humour and the unmistakable slow vibrato from the fiddle.
From a senior four-stringer to one slightly younger, Patricia Jessiman (of fiddle workshop fame). A good stage presence, tall, slim and elegant, and outwardly very calm. She gave an unruffled performance, good idiom and neat grace notes. A player to watch out for.
Now in complete contrast, what must surely be one of the most cheerful sounds on the scene, the penny whistle of Alex Green. His ‘MacLean of Pennycross’ rendering is a knockout, it doesn’t matter how often one hears it, it never palls. The interpretation, the embellishments – goose-pimples on the neck every time. Alex, accompanied by Esma Shepherd on piano, finished off with hornpipes. Great stuff!
Esma was also involved in another turn where her mother filled in for Robbie who had been around all day but had to go off at a moment’s notice to open a traction engine rally or some such! Robbie’s substitute gave a most entertaining rendering of ‘Upon My Shopping Spree’, and gave us an insight into her experiences with ‘Saygie Tours’ – as she put it – and with her doctor – “You’ve got acute angina” – “Cut out the flattery doctor and get on with the diagnosis!” Pity Robbie had to miss this very funny turn.
Immediately prior to this geriatric jaunt, Robert and Duncan Black played for us, each taking a turn at lead. Again no comment required on ability or standard. Incidentally, during the afternoon workshop session, no one was watching or listening with more rapt attention than these two lads.
The only button-key player of the afternoon now took the stand, young Bruce Lindsay of Windygates, now on Shand Morino. Sphinx like, he gave us traditional selections with everything in there, the style, the interpretation, ‘the dunt’.
We may have missed Bobby Frew’s night owl sessionbut it was certainly worth waiting until now to remedy that when, using Bobby Crowe’s Gola, he teamed up with Ian Powrie, Joan Blue, Jack Cooper and Stan Saunders to entertain us. The quintet opened with jigs ‘Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow’ and something apparently called ‘Haven’s Above In A’!’ The style was laid-back, swinging and melodious. The ‘Flower o’ the Quern’ demonstrated Bobby’s sympathetic accompaniment with great harmonies, a perfect blend of box and fiddle. To round off, a tribute to Angus, who was sitting just in front of the group, a set of reels starting with ‘J. B. Milne’.
After this most enjoyable spot the final performers of the afternoon took their seats, the Jim Johnstone Band, with Hamish Smith on second accordion, Neil Barron (piano), and as always Billy Craib on bass. By the way, all the kit, piano, drums and first class amplification had been used by all and sundry.
Sets of good standards were interspersed with songs and stand-up comic turns by the inimitable Bobby Colgan. What a man. And another ritem that truly set the place alight was a set of Rudy Meek’s reels by Marie Fielding, unbelievable stuff, but equally matched by Jim’s introduction – “Ladies and gentlemen, a wee lassie you’d like to tak’ hame tae yer mither, if you could trust yer faither!” Hear, hear.
We all wondered what on earth could follow that turn without falling on its face, but as always, Jim was up to it – a strident singalong by all to round off. Everyone echoed Jimmy Blue’s closing remarks that it had been one of the best weekends yet and that we all owed a gret debt to that self-effacing soul Jack Cooper who once again had organized the whole shooting match from A to Z. We really have no conception of the work that chap puts in.
And for the record, backing musicians not already mentioned were – on piano Maureen Rutherford of Dundee and Morag MacAskill of Milngavie Club and on double bass Billy Craib from the Jim Johnstone Band.
Mull 1987
by Tom Clark
I have been a regular attender at the Mull Festival now for many years but always get the same feeling of anticipation and excitement I got when I first visited the island. There has always been a mystique associated with Mull for anybody who has been involved with Scottish music in any way. The atmosphere is present the moment you join the queue for the ferry at Oban and start renewing old friendships. This year additional ferries had been laid on to cope with the expected crowds. The weather was absolutely glorious and everything was just right for a great weekend.
There is something very different here from other Festivals. Perhaps it is the absence of serious competition playing which enhances the relaxed mood and adds a little bit of sparkle to the playing.
First stop when I arrived at Tobermory on Friday evening was the Mishnish. It took some time to get through to the far end of the lounge, but the pure sound of instruments without amplification coming from the recessed stage made the effort worthwhile. Some very good playing from various line-ups kept listeners fixed in their places. No wonder it is almost impossible to get in or out at times. Later I ventured through to the ‘other lounge’ in the Mish, a new feature this year. John Strachan and Richard Hughes were backing Ian McLaughlin. I’d heard a lot about Ian but this was the first time I’d heard him in person. An endless stream of pipe marches was delightful to listen to. Ian seems to play for hours non-step – and all from memory.
Next stop was the MacDonald Arms where Jimmy Yeaman is the organizer. What a job he does. Gordon Simpson was playing a solo at the time, with Neil McMillan on piano. That’s the sort of standard Jimmy manages to keep going.
Wandering from venue to venue in Tobermory was sheer delight in the fine spring weather. What a change from last year.
Friday night was dance night and with Jim Johnstone and the Band in the Aros Hotel what could be better. The standard of Jim’s Band these days is so high I could risk a comment that the present line-up is possibly his best so far. There seems to be a happy atmosphere about the Band which comes over in a beautifully relaxed sound.
An early start to Saturday with more of the same was eagerly awaited.
Saturday night saw me making my annual trip to Bunessan to meet up with the host of the Argyll Arms, Anda Campbell. The place was absolutely bursting at the seams. Anda’s hospitality has become almost a legend by now amongst all the musicians who visit Mull. Under the skillful Chairmanship of Colin Finlayson the evening was one long session of bands, all playing to a very high standard, much to the delight of the non-musicians who had packed the lounge. I am always struck by the air of friendship that is present, particularly among the young musicians at gatherings in Bunessan. At about 4am I left for the 50 mile drive back to Tobermory. (what a drive at that time in the morning).
A surprise visitor this year was Snady Tulloch. I was having a tune in the Mishmish with Peem Edwards when Jimmy Ritchie told me that Sandy had arrived. Sandy had said on a few occasions that he intended to visit the Festival some time but he had kept this one quiet. We finished up having a tune. Sandy borrowed Ian McLaughlin’s box, Jimmy Ritchie was on fiddle, John Strachan (piano) and Richard Hughes on drums.
Sunday night / Monday morning in the Mishnish has now become the last round-up time and this year was superb. What a night it turned out to be. Some time about the middle of the night I was chatting to Jim Johnstone and Peem Edwards when we had to stop and listen to the sound that was coming from the stage. Up there were Robert MacLeod, Jimmy Ritchie, Neil Barron, Dave Flockhart, Alistair MacLeod and Bobby Colgan. It seemed to me at the time that I had never heard anything like it (but then we tend to say that about every band that’s good). Every instrument was beautifully clear, with Jimmy’s fiddle sounding out just that wee bit above the box – the way I personally like it. I think it was about 6.30am when I finally got to bed.
Unfortunately, it all had to end on Monday but on the boat crossing to Oban everyone was wishing it was time for the next visit.
During a chat with Robert MacLeod he told me that he has been planning an extension for the lounge. “We have plenty of room to expand out the back and we hope to be starting later this year.” So perhaps the famous lounge will be enlarged by this time next year.
I doubt if any other Festival attracts musicians in such numbers as the one on Mull.
Ian Holmes in Sweden
For the first part of my holiday I stayed with Borje and Lillebil Farm at their lovely home at Kristianstaad in Southern Sweden. Although Borje and I can play music together for hours we have a language problem. Occasionally we had to call on Lillebil, who is a very fluent English speaker.
Together we went to an accordion festival at Varberg. This festival, by Scandinavian standards, is quite small with an attendance figure of around 3,000, but it has bags of atmosphere. Here I was persuaded to sit in with the Bromolla Accordion Orchestra. A very nice experience as they are probably Sweden’s best and play beautiful arrangements. Later the members paid me a compliment by making me an honorary member. This has been bestowed on very few people although the Orchestra has been going since 1973. They are mostly brilliant players who have guested with the band. Goodness knosws what went wrong with their judgement this time.
From Varberg I traveled north to stay with my friend Bill Grund. Many readers will remember him as the manager at Bell Accordions in Aycliffe. Now, although officially retirted, he is frequently called upon for repairs and modifications. He rebuilt the treble keyboard of my five row Crosio and it is now as good or better than when new. I played a five row he in building – a super instrument. With Bill, I went to the Accordion Festival at Ransater. The organizers claim this is the world’s largest, and I believe them. Everyone stays in caravans and the site is enormous, taking in several large fields. Accordion playing everywhere, and to all hours. It is not easy to get any sleep, but who cares – it’s a great experience. Here I played in a quartet with Borje and Fredrik Farm and Lars Erck Drougie.
I was pleased to find that my tunes ‘Echoes of Switzerland’, ‘Kirsi’ and ‘Borje’s Polka’ are becoming quite popular, as is my new cassette ‘Sounds Scandinavian’.
Good to meet in again with Lars Ek and my friend Sigmund Dehli. I also met Ottar Akre, now in his 91st year, and who I believe was Toralf Tollefsen’s tutor.
Yes a great holiday, and already plans are being made for 1988. I have been going to Sweden every year since 1983.
I started playing the five row in 1981 though I still use the piano accordion at dances etc. For those people who say that to try and play both systems will be confusing I can say that I have not found any problems.
New Releases
Tunes of the Gaels – John Carmichael band (ZCLBP 2207) – cassette only
The Lilt of Scotland – Bill Douglas SDB (BBRC168) – cassette only
Presenting Colin Dewar – Colin Dewar SDB – (LAP / C 116)
Fire in the Kilt – John Ellis HCB (LILP/CS5158)
Skyedance – Alasdair Fraser and Paul Machlis
Ideal Holmes – Ian Holmes SDB – (LILP / CS 5157)
Gleneagles Favourites – Bobby Harvey (LOCLP / ZCLOC 1042)
On the Road by the River – Addie Harper (BGS ITV 374)
Kink of the Button Box – Iain McLachlan and Fergie Macdonald (LILP / CS 5160)
Scottish Country Dance Tour of Norway 1987
by Charlie Todd
During the summer, one of the youngest bands on the scene, namely Peter Wodd and his SDB, had the pleasure of accompanying a group from the New Scotland Country Dance Society of Edinburgh University on the three-week tour of Norway. The full party consisted of 16 Country Dancers, 4 Highland Dancers and Peter’s five piece band (Peter, Alistair McPhail on second box, Keith Dickson on piano, Emma Rayworth on fiddle and myself on drums).
Credit for arranging the ‘expeditionary force’ to promote traditional Scottish music and dancing goes to Christian Kierulf, President of the Society, himself a native Norwegian and presently a student at Edinburgh and a keen country dancer.
The main stopping-off points were Gol in the south of Norway, Tromso and Hammerfest in the far north.
Both organized performances and busking, to help finance the trip, were well received. The Group’s policy was to perform wherever possible, hence any reports about a group of mad Scots dancing on ferries, in car parks, and at North Cape, the most northerly point in Europe, have some foundation.
Transport ran to time, scenery was magnificent, and the only drawback was that prices seem to run at between 2 and 3 times the level at home.
Peter, aged 17, hails from Crawfordjohn in Lanarkshire, and has been making rapid progress on the music scene with his own band over the past year, including an appearance at Princes Street Gardens on 2nd August.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) –
Alnwick (Fleece Inn) – members only –
Armadale (Masonic Arms Hotel) –
Ayr (Aftongrange Hotel) –
Balloch (Bell Centre, Dumbarton) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Club) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Bridge of Allan (Walmer Hotel) -
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Callander (Glengarry Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Royal Hotel) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) – 15th Sept 87 Alan Gardiner SDB
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff & District (Drummond Arms Hotel) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall (venue? ) –
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Northern Roadhouse) –
East Kilbride (King’s Park Hotel, Rutherglen) –
Edinburgh (Abbey Suite, Abbey Lane) –
Ellon (Ladbroke Hotel) –
Falkirk (Park Hotel) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 19th Sept 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Fort William (Cruchan Hotel) –
Galashiels (Maxwell Hotel) –
Galston (Theo’s Restaurant, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) –
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) –
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Islesteps (Driveway Inn) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Crown Hotel) –
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) –
Livingston (Golden Circle Hotel, Bathgate) 15th Sept 87 Malcolm McLean Trio
Lockerbie (Bluebell Hotel) -
Mauchline (The Jean Armour Restaurant) –
M.A.F.I.A. (Masonic Hall, Milngavie) –
Montrose (Park Hotel) –
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 28th Sept 87 Jack Delaney SDB
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) –
North Cumbria (Howard Arms) (prev called Gretna Club) –
North East (Seafield Hotel, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( venue?) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Countryside Inn) – 17th Sept 87 Jim Johnstone SDB
Perth (Station Hotel) –
Premier NI (Camlin function Rooms) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Shetland (venue?) -
Stranraer (Railway Club) –
Thornhill (?)
Thurso (McKay’s Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 3rd Sept 87 Belmont Fiddlers
Tynedale (The Royal Hotel, Hexham) –
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Balloch
3. Banff
4. Callander
5. Castle Douglas
6. Derwentside
7. Dingwall & District
8. Dunblane
9. Dundee
10. Forres
11. Fort William
12. Galston
13. Glendale
14. Highland
15. Kelso
16. Kinlochsheil
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. North Cumbria
21. North East
22. Perth
23. Premier
24. Shetland
25. Thurso
26. Turriff & District
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1986 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition)
9. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
10. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
11. Buchan A&F Club
12. Callander A&F Club (
13. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
15. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
16. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Ellon A&F Club (
26. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
27. Fintry A&F Club
28. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
29. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
30. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
31. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
32. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
33. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
34. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
35. Isle of Skye A&F Club (
36. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
37. Kintore A&F Club
38 Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
39 Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – per first edition)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
42 M.A.F.I.A. (early)
43 Mauchline A&F Club (first mention 1986?)
44. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
45. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1979)
46. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
47. North Cumbria A&F Club (originally Gretna started June 1966 – had to move to a venue in the North of England and changed name – eventually changed back when they returned to the Halcrow Stadium. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
48. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
49. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
50. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978)
51. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
52. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
53. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
54. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
55. Rothbury Accordion Club (1987??)
56. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
57. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
58. Sutherland A&F Club (
59. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition)
60. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
61. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982)
62. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
63. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
64. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
65. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
66. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
67. Club Accord
68. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2?)
69. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
70. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
71. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
72. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
73. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
74. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
76. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
77. Kinlochsheil A&F Club (
78. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
79. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
80. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
81. Newcastleton Accordion Club
82. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
83. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
84. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
85. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
86. Wellbank A&F Club
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