Year 31 No 02 October 2007
Biggar kicked off the new season in September with a long standing favourite at any Accordion Club, Iain MacPhail and his SDB. Iain, together with Brian Griffin on harmony accordion, Robin Hamilton on keyboard and George Darling on drums, gave us a host of favourites old and new, including quite a number of tricky medleys. The marvelous arrangements Iain devises are always very distinctive and give the band an instantly recognisable sound.
As well as our younger players from KODA, Iain’s appearance attracted quite a number of visiting players ‘frae a’ the airts’.
On accordion – Sandy Scott (Avonbridge), Alan Gardiner, Jim Paterson, Calum Muir, Fiona Sinclair (Eddleston), Jennifer Cowie (Penicuik), Mel McLaren (dunfermline), Scott Nichol, Ian Graham, Duncan Hutchison, Tom Orr, Gavin Jackson, Andrew Gibb, Jamie Young, Jim Gold, Bill and Elaine Crookston (Dunbar) and Davy Miller (Forth).
On fiddle – Emma Gardiner and Tom Gold.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, Mel McLaren, Tom Orr, Scott Nichol and Keith Dickson.
On drums – Geordie Shiels, Andrew Barrie, Alex McLaren, tom hope, Charlie Todd and Ian Graham.
We have no meeting in October.
Year 31 No 04 December 2007
November 11th at the Municipal Hall, biggar saw the welcome return of one of the characters on the scene, namely Michael Philip and his Band. Never one to do things by halves, Michael had brought a full 6-piece in the shape of Andy Kain (fiddle), Nicol McLaren (second box), Malcolm Ross (drums), Suzanne Croy (string bass) and Graham Berry (keyboard). It’s a rare privilege these days to hear the full line-up for a Scottish Dance Band and the audience lapped it up. Michael’s couthy stories linked the sets, which included a variety of well tried and tested tunes, together with several of his own fine compositions (he has a new book due out shortly) and a couple of solo spots from Andy Kain.
Local musicians for the evening were:-
On accordion – Jim Paterson, Katie and Steven Todd, Jennifer Cowie, Duncan Muir, Adam Gibb, Emma Dickson, Calum Muir, Scott Nichol, Alan Gardiner, Duncan Hutchison, Bill and Elaine Crookston (all the way from Dunbar), Jim Gold and susan MAcFadyen (again far traveled from West Kilbride).
On fiddle were Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold and David Corner (who also gave us a tune on his concertina).
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, Claire Logan and Alan Gardiner.
On drums – George Shiels, Tom hope and Charlie Todd.
Many thanks to them all for making it a splendid evening’s entertainment.
Year 31 No 06 February 2008
With Christmas in sight, Sunday 9th December saw our regular meeting at The Municipal Hall in the company of our guests, The Gary Donaldson Trio. Chairman Alan Gardiner explained that as “a wee laddie in short breeks” he had first heard Gary as part of The Donaldson Brothers at The Clydesdale Hotel. Alan may have been stretching his own youthfulness a little but there is no doubt that the ravages of time have not diminished Gary’s breathtaking skill on an accordion keyboard.
While his Scottish selections were faultless, his skills really shone through on the Continental tunes; tunes with unpronounceable and un-translated titles such as the Nordlandsidyll Vals from Norway. On this occasion his fellow musicians on stage were drummer Gordon Smith and our very own Keith Dickson on keyboard.
Supporting us on the night were local accordionists – Roy Anderson, Emma Dickson, Adele Queen, Duncan Hutchison (Moffat), Charlie Todd, Jamie Young (Dumfries), Jim Gold (who recently played at the St Andrews Night in Kampala, Uganda), Ian Graham and Bill and Elaine Crookston.
On fiddle was Tom Gold, on concertina David Corner, and on keyboard Hannah Jamieson, Keith Dickson and Alan Gardiner and on drums Geordie Shiels, Tom Hope and Ian Graham.
January, as usual, saw a slightly smaller turnout not helped by the rather inclement weather but it was still a respectable audience who joined us to hear ‘local’ lad Iain Cathcart and his Band.
But first it was over to the local artistes. On accordions we had Katies and Steven Todd, Calum Muir, James Paterson, Fiona Sinclair, Jim Gold, Gavin Jackson, Jamie Young, Duncan Hutchison, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham, Scott Nichol and Tom Orr. Tom’s getting ready for another ‘Take the Floor’ and, if his two sets tonight were anything to go by, it should be a cracker.
On fiddle were Tom Gold and David Corner (who also gave us a tune on his concertina), on keyboard alan Gardiner, Stevie Todd, Tom Orr and Scott Nichol and on drums Geordie Shiels, Ian Graham and Tom Hope.
But to our guests. With Iain were the ‘usual suspects’ – far traveled Scott Gordon on drums, and the two Fifers on second box and keyboard, James Coutts and Graham Berry. Iain has a very relaxed style of playing but boy does it swing! He’s also not averse to playing popular, well tried and tested tunes, all of which go down well with the listeners. His sing-along selections for many of the popular dances are particularly well put together. Yes, thanks to the band boys and our local players for braving the inclement conditions to entertain us.
Year 31 No 07 March 2008
Our February meeting with local guest artiste Andrew Gibb and his Band proved to be a huge success – in fact the biggest turnout at Biggar for years. 107 people through the turnstiles to hear this young man (in fact he’s just turned 15) who has been making quite a name for himself locally and on the competition scene.
But firstly we had a wealth of other local talent with accordionists Gavin Jackson, Fraser Hewitt, Jim Paterson, Claire Black, Calum Muir, Katie & Stevie Todd, Janet Graham (Cumbernauld), Fiona Sinclair, Jim Gold, David Kennedy, Alan Gardiner, Scott Nichol and not forgetting young Adam Gibb, Andrew’s younger brother who is already snapping at his heels. Not content with making amazing progress on the accordion, Adam is also taking fiddle lessons. Definitely another name to watch out for in the future.
On keyboard were Keith Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Nichol, David Ilgunus and Stevie Todd.
On drums Geordie Shiels, Charlie Todd and Ross Anderson.
On fiddle Emma Gardiner and Tom Gold and on concertina David Corner. A big thank you to all of them for turning out.
Accompanying our guests , Andrew Gibb, were Tom Orr on keyboard, Gordon Smith on drums, Duncan Hutchison on second accordion and Maggie Adamson, all the way from Shetland, on fiddle. Andrew and Maggie teamed up some years ago to enter various competitions, so it was particularly nice to see and hear her with the band. Like Andrew, her playing is mature far beyong her years, a treat to listen to.
The band played a wide variety of material, much to the enjoyment of the audience and Andrew’s compering also raised a laugh or two. Playing in front of an audience regularly certainly brings these youngsters out of their shells.
Thanks to the band for helping to make it such a memorable evening.
Year 31 No 08 April 2008
Our 9th March meeting took place on a rather inclement evening, weather wise, but there was certainly nothing rough about the performance of our guest artistes, The Robert Black Trio. But more of that later.
Local artistes who turned out to support us were accordionists Jim Paterson, Calum Muir, Duncan Hutchison, Robbie Paterson, Ian Graham, Charlie Todd, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Andrew Gibb, Tom Orr and Scott Nichol.
On keyboard were Alan Gardiner and Tom Orr.
On drums George Shiels, Tom Hope and Ian Graham.
On concertina David Corner.
On fiddle Tom Gold and a most welcome visitor from Locharbriggs was John Caskie who was persuaded to give us a couple of songs.
Our MC, Alan Gardiner, also offered the Club’s congratulations, regarding recent wins at the NAAFC Championships at Dunblane Hydro, to Andrew Gibb, who won the Trios and Bands, and to Tom Orr who won the Senior Scottish and the Senior Pipe Competitions.
Our guest for the evening was The Robert Black Trio consisting of Robert and brother Duncan sharing lead and keyboard and Billy Thom on drums. Midway through their first spot, in the midst of a selection, Duncan transperred from keyboard to accordion and a moment later Robert transferred from accordion to keyboard leaving Duncan in the lead role for the remained of the spot.
As expected their playing was immaculate, with a good balance between Scottish and other styles. No appearance of the Trio would be complete without a jazz influence and both brothers gave us some marvelous tributes to one of their heroes, Jack Emblow. For their second spot Robert took the lead throughout and treated us to quite a number of his own compositions, most of which are regularly played by other musicians. And in the meantime Billy Thom provided rhythm as only he can.
Year 31 No 09 May 2008
The season ended (April) on a ‘high note’ with local lad Tom Orr and his Band filling the guest artiste spot. Tom was ably supported by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Gordon Smith on drums and Scott Nicol on keyboard.
But first it was a feast of local talent in the form of accordionists Calum Muir, Jim Paterson, Charlie Todd, Duncan Hutchison, Adan & Andrew Gibb, Jim gold, Fiona Paul, Jennifer Cowie, Liam Stewart and Bill Crookston.
Sharing the keyboard duties were Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold and Keith Dickson with Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold, Andy Kain and David Corner on fiddle, David also on concertina, and Geordie Shiels, Tom Hope, Ian Graham and Andrew Barrie on drums.
We were also treated to a couple of Irish jigs on the dance floor from young Aimee Dale, to music provided by Mum Marie on fiddle. Brother Cameron opted out this time but maybe he can be persuaded on a future visit.
Tom and the Band with their usual élan and included a few sets from their recent live broadcast from Celtic Connections. It was good to see the Municipal Hall crowded again as local listeners turned out in force to hear this very popular entertained. The programme was predominantly Scottish and played in their unique style.
By coincidence drummer Gordon Smith was paying his 4th or 5th visit to the Club in aguest artiste role this season. In his vote of thanks at the end of the evening Club Chairman, Alan Gardiner, joked that the Committee was simply going to book Gordon for each of the evenings next season and let him bring along different friends each time.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the Club over the season and we look forward to seeing you all back at the Municipal Hall in September.
Biggar kicked off the new season in September with a long standing favourite at any Accordion Club, Iain MacPhail and his SDB. Iain, together with Brian Griffin on harmony accordion, Robin Hamilton on keyboard and George Darling on drums, gave us a host of favourites old and new, including quite a number of tricky medleys. The marvelous arrangements Iain devises are always very distinctive and give the band an instantly recognisable sound.
As well as our younger players from KODA, Iain’s appearance attracted quite a number of visiting players ‘frae a’ the airts’.
On accordion – Sandy Scott (Avonbridge), Alan Gardiner, Jim Paterson, Calum Muir, Fiona Sinclair (Eddleston), Jennifer Cowie (Penicuik), Mel McLaren (dunfermline), Scott Nichol, Ian Graham, Duncan Hutchison, Tom Orr, Gavin Jackson, Andrew Gibb, Jamie Young, Jim Gold, Bill and Elaine Crookston (Dunbar) and Davy Miller (Forth).
On fiddle – Emma Gardiner and Tom Gold.
On keyboard – Dorothy Lawson, Mel McLaren, Tom Orr, Scott Nichol and Keith Dickson.
On drums – Geordie Shiels, Andrew Barrie, Alex McLaren, tom hope, Charlie Todd and Ian Graham.
We have no meeting in October.
Year 31 No 04 December 2007
November 11th at the Municipal Hall, biggar saw the welcome return of one of the characters on the scene, namely Michael Philip and his Band. Never one to do things by halves, Michael had brought a full 6-piece in the shape of Andy Kain (fiddle), Nicol McLaren (second box), Malcolm Ross (drums), Suzanne Croy (string bass) and Graham Berry (keyboard). It’s a rare privilege these days to hear the full line-up for a Scottish Dance Band and the audience lapped it up. Michael’s couthy stories linked the sets, which included a variety of well tried and tested tunes, together with several of his own fine compositions (he has a new book due out shortly) and a couple of solo spots from Andy Kain.
Local musicians for the evening were:-
On accordion – Jim Paterson, Katie and Steven Todd, Jennifer Cowie, Duncan Muir, Adam Gibb, Emma Dickson, Calum Muir, Scott Nichol, Alan Gardiner, Duncan Hutchison, Bill and Elaine Crookston (all the way from Dunbar), Jim Gold and susan MAcFadyen (again far traveled from West Kilbride).
On fiddle were Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold and David Corner (who also gave us a tune on his concertina).
On keyboard – Keith Dickson, Claire Logan and Alan Gardiner.
On drums – George Shiels, Tom hope and Charlie Todd.
Many thanks to them all for making it a splendid evening’s entertainment.
Year 31 No 06 February 2008
With Christmas in sight, Sunday 9th December saw our regular meeting at The Municipal Hall in the company of our guests, The Gary Donaldson Trio. Chairman Alan Gardiner explained that as “a wee laddie in short breeks” he had first heard Gary as part of The Donaldson Brothers at The Clydesdale Hotel. Alan may have been stretching his own youthfulness a little but there is no doubt that the ravages of time have not diminished Gary’s breathtaking skill on an accordion keyboard.
While his Scottish selections were faultless, his skills really shone through on the Continental tunes; tunes with unpronounceable and un-translated titles such as the Nordlandsidyll Vals from Norway. On this occasion his fellow musicians on stage were drummer Gordon Smith and our very own Keith Dickson on keyboard.
Supporting us on the night were local accordionists – Roy Anderson, Emma Dickson, Adele Queen, Duncan Hutchison (Moffat), Charlie Todd, Jamie Young (Dumfries), Jim Gold (who recently played at the St Andrews Night in Kampala, Uganda), Ian Graham and Bill and Elaine Crookston.
On fiddle was Tom Gold, on concertina David Corner, and on keyboard Hannah Jamieson, Keith Dickson and Alan Gardiner and on drums Geordie Shiels, Tom Hope and Ian Graham.
January, as usual, saw a slightly smaller turnout not helped by the rather inclement weather but it was still a respectable audience who joined us to hear ‘local’ lad Iain Cathcart and his Band.
But first it was over to the local artistes. On accordions we had Katies and Steven Todd, Calum Muir, James Paterson, Fiona Sinclair, Jim Gold, Gavin Jackson, Jamie Young, Duncan Hutchison, Charlie Todd, Ian Graham, Scott Nichol and Tom Orr. Tom’s getting ready for another ‘Take the Floor’ and, if his two sets tonight were anything to go by, it should be a cracker.
On fiddle were Tom Gold and David Corner (who also gave us a tune on his concertina), on keyboard alan Gardiner, Stevie Todd, Tom Orr and Scott Nichol and on drums Geordie Shiels, Ian Graham and Tom Hope.
But to our guests. With Iain were the ‘usual suspects’ – far traveled Scott Gordon on drums, and the two Fifers on second box and keyboard, James Coutts and Graham Berry. Iain has a very relaxed style of playing but boy does it swing! He’s also not averse to playing popular, well tried and tested tunes, all of which go down well with the listeners. His sing-along selections for many of the popular dances are particularly well put together. Yes, thanks to the band boys and our local players for braving the inclement conditions to entertain us.
Year 31 No 07 March 2008
Our February meeting with local guest artiste Andrew Gibb and his Band proved to be a huge success – in fact the biggest turnout at Biggar for years. 107 people through the turnstiles to hear this young man (in fact he’s just turned 15) who has been making quite a name for himself locally and on the competition scene.
But firstly we had a wealth of other local talent with accordionists Gavin Jackson, Fraser Hewitt, Jim Paterson, Claire Black, Calum Muir, Katie & Stevie Todd, Janet Graham (Cumbernauld), Fiona Sinclair, Jim Gold, David Kennedy, Alan Gardiner, Scott Nichol and not forgetting young Adam Gibb, Andrew’s younger brother who is already snapping at his heels. Not content with making amazing progress on the accordion, Adam is also taking fiddle lessons. Definitely another name to watch out for in the future.
On keyboard were Keith Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Nichol, David Ilgunus and Stevie Todd.
On drums Geordie Shiels, Charlie Todd and Ross Anderson.
On fiddle Emma Gardiner and Tom Gold and on concertina David Corner. A big thank you to all of them for turning out.
Accompanying our guests , Andrew Gibb, were Tom Orr on keyboard, Gordon Smith on drums, Duncan Hutchison on second accordion and Maggie Adamson, all the way from Shetland, on fiddle. Andrew and Maggie teamed up some years ago to enter various competitions, so it was particularly nice to see and hear her with the band. Like Andrew, her playing is mature far beyong her years, a treat to listen to.
The band played a wide variety of material, much to the enjoyment of the audience and Andrew’s compering also raised a laugh or two. Playing in front of an audience regularly certainly brings these youngsters out of their shells.
Thanks to the band for helping to make it such a memorable evening.
Year 31 No 08 April 2008
Our 9th March meeting took place on a rather inclement evening, weather wise, but there was certainly nothing rough about the performance of our guest artistes, The Robert Black Trio. But more of that later.
Local artistes who turned out to support us were accordionists Jim Paterson, Calum Muir, Duncan Hutchison, Robbie Paterson, Ian Graham, Charlie Todd, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Andrew Gibb, Tom Orr and Scott Nichol.
On keyboard were Alan Gardiner and Tom Orr.
On drums George Shiels, Tom Hope and Ian Graham.
On concertina David Corner.
On fiddle Tom Gold and a most welcome visitor from Locharbriggs was John Caskie who was persuaded to give us a couple of songs.
Our MC, Alan Gardiner, also offered the Club’s congratulations, regarding recent wins at the NAAFC Championships at Dunblane Hydro, to Andrew Gibb, who won the Trios and Bands, and to Tom Orr who won the Senior Scottish and the Senior Pipe Competitions.
Our guest for the evening was The Robert Black Trio consisting of Robert and brother Duncan sharing lead and keyboard and Billy Thom on drums. Midway through their first spot, in the midst of a selection, Duncan transperred from keyboard to accordion and a moment later Robert transferred from accordion to keyboard leaving Duncan in the lead role for the remained of the spot.
As expected their playing was immaculate, with a good balance between Scottish and other styles. No appearance of the Trio would be complete without a jazz influence and both brothers gave us some marvelous tributes to one of their heroes, Jack Emblow. For their second spot Robert took the lead throughout and treated us to quite a number of his own compositions, most of which are regularly played by other musicians. And in the meantime Billy Thom provided rhythm as only he can.
Year 31 No 09 May 2008
The season ended (April) on a ‘high note’ with local lad Tom Orr and his Band filling the guest artiste spot. Tom was ably supported by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Gordon Smith on drums and Scott Nicol on keyboard.
But first it was a feast of local talent in the form of accordionists Calum Muir, Jim Paterson, Charlie Todd, Duncan Hutchison, Adan & Andrew Gibb, Jim gold, Fiona Paul, Jennifer Cowie, Liam Stewart and Bill Crookston.
Sharing the keyboard duties were Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold and Keith Dickson with Emma Gardiner, Tom Gold, Andy Kain and David Corner on fiddle, David also on concertina, and Geordie Shiels, Tom Hope, Ian Graham and Andrew Barrie on drums.
We were also treated to a couple of Irish jigs on the dance floor from young Aimee Dale, to music provided by Mum Marie on fiddle. Brother Cameron opted out this time but maybe he can be persuaded on a future visit.
Tom and the Band with their usual élan and included a few sets from their recent live broadcast from Celtic Connections. It was good to see the Municipal Hall crowded again as local listeners turned out in force to hear this very popular entertained. The programme was predominantly Scottish and played in their unique style.
By coincidence drummer Gordon Smith was paying his 4th or 5th visit to the Club in aguest artiste role this season. In his vote of thanks at the end of the evening Club Chairman, Alan Gardiner, joked that the Committee was simply going to book Gordon for each of the evenings next season and let him bring along different friends each time.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the Club over the season and we look forward to seeing you all back at the Municipal Hall in September.