Box and Fiddle
Year 25 No 12
August 2002
Price £1.75
36 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £24 + p&p £7.20
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Our last ‘summer issue’ already – I can’t believe how quickly the time’s going in! It was lovely to meet up with so many of you at the AGM – and wasn’t it a great day out. Next year’s shaping up to be even better p Ms Linton has something up her sleeve, and all will be revealed in next month’s issue. We decided to wait until next month to run Robin Ellis’s AGM and Luncheon report, because many Cubs will be starting back in September. If you want to see just a few of the photographs taken on the day, visit our website.
Lots of good news this month. The Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture Project has reached its target, and still the money is pouring in. The Secretary, John Thomson, has been overwhelmed by the response from Clubs, individuals and organisations – read his letter on Page 14. We were delighted to meet him at the lunch at the Invercarse Hotel.
Another target has been surpassed! This time it’s our Petition that has exceeded all expectations. We thought we were maybe being a bit ambitious in aiming for 10,000 signatures – but we’ve now passed the 11,000 mark. The NAAFC is seen as a voice worth listening to. Nicol will tell you more about the plans for the petition in next months issue.
I was recently invited to join a discussion on Radio 4 about the court case involving ’Ceilidh on the Breinnh’ (see Talking Point on Page 23). I spoke for all of two minutes, and all the presenter was interested in was whether or not I thought that someone from England could play Scottish traditional music. I thought that the issue merited a much wider discussion and so I e-mailed some musical acquaintances and asked for their opinions – you can see the results in the article.
As we go to press I’m off to Corsica to teach at a Dance Festival – it’s a long way to go for a weekend, but here’s hoping the sun’s shining.
Karin Ingram
The Border Common Ridings
by Karin Ingram
In the summer there are many Border Common Ridings an dFestivals, the reasons for which are interesting, wide-ranging and complex. Almost all feature a ride-out at the centre of their celebrations. Traditionally this was done by the town’s men, when they would ride around the town’s land boundaries to make sure they were secure.
From ‘Border Life’ (Autumn 1999)
When I worked for The Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust…………..
33rd Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
by Stuart Adamson
The first weekend in July saw the 33rd………….
The Macmeanmna Showcase
by Alasdair MacCuish
The Macmeanmna Showcase at Eden Court Theatre on June 7th…………
Collectors’ Pieces
by Charlie Gore
Charlie Gore edited and published ‘The Scottish Fiddle Music Index’ in 1994. This was the first attempt ever made to index the titles of the 12,000 or so traditional tunes, songs, airs and miscellaneous music published in the printed collections of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The chief value of the Index to researchers, musicians and students of the tradition is that it has made it possible to locate any tune listed and to identify an accessible source for the music (mostly based on collections held at the National Library of Scotland).
Some Edinburgh Worthies and a round-up of the Gow Collections
Probably not everyone in the world of Scottish traditional music is aware that the Gow family (which principally means Nathaniel Gow) published 19 full-scale printed volumes of dance and listening music. These range in date from 1784 to 1837, by which time Nathaniel himself was dead. One of the Edinburgh contemporaries of the Gows was William Shepherd (c1760-1812) Nathaniel’s partner in the music-selling venture, Gow and Shepherd. He composed some excellent music which he published in two volumes dated 1793 and 1800, the first published under his own name alone, the second by the partnership.
Another was John Pringle, born about 1770, possibly with Borders connections. His two volumes (published around 1801) contain 115 tunes of which only about 40 are not his own compositions. One or two rare gems include ‘The Bonniest Lass in a’ the Warld’ (surely Burns could not have resisted it if it had been around in his day).
Daniel Dow was born in 1732 and died (of plague) in 1783 a year before the Dows began to publish their collections. He lived in Kirkmichael (Perthshire), moved to Edinburgh about 1765 and taught music, notably the guitar. Some of his music is standard repertoire, ‘Monymusk’ (he published it as ‘Sir Archibald Grant of Monemusk’s Reel’; the Gows changed the title), ‘The Bonnie Lass of Fisherrow’ and ‘Donald Dow’ (he called it ‘Lady Charlotte Murray’s Reel’). Dow published four collections of tunes from 1773. All available at NLS etc.
Alexander ‘King’ MacGlashan (1740-97) was an Edinburgh bandleader, so named because of his ‘stately and dressy’ appearance (Glen). But he is now remembered for three hefty collections of music (probably 1778, ‘81 and ‘86), most if not all gathered from old and contemporary sources rather than his own compositions. One of them is entitled ‘A Collection of Reels, consisting chiefly of Strathspeys, Athole Reels….’ An expression not found elsewhere. They can be seen at NLS and in other library collections.
Coming on to the Gows, the six volumes of ‘Gows Reels’ span the years 1784 to 1822 (fifteen years after Niel’s death). Nathaniel (accordion to Glen, the fourth son on Niel) masterminded the family’s music publishing and went on to produce ‘The Repository’ (4 volumes) and ‘The Beauties of Niel Gow’ (3 volumes) as well as six volumes on his own account - a book of marches, one of ‘Allamandes’ (waltzes) and two of random dance music. The book he assembled of his son Neil Gow Junior’s compositions (he died in his late twenties) contains some real delights and should be better known. So should the ‘Sixth Book of Gow’s Reels’ which doesn’t appear to have been reprinted and was ignored by the 19th century compilers presumably because it contained a lot of ‘Slow Tunes’. Some of these very beautiful and, like all the Gow collections, it’s easy to unearth in most of the principal libraries.
Sounds of Scotland
Tayside’s finest recently came together in the courtyard of Sandford Country house Hotel, Newport-on-Tay, for a rather speculative outside event. Fortunately, all weather fears were laid to rest with a fine sunny evening….phew! The stone courtyard proved ideal with its arches and wishing-well against the white walled hotel background when piper, Lindsay Cramb, led off the proceedings.
The ‘Shand Sound’ however was soon to be heard, played superbly by a very talented group of musicians all interacting well…what a treat to hear. On accordion were Andy Greig, Neil Galloway, Joyce Ramsay, Andrew Liddle and Ronnie Henderson, aided by three very able fiddlers…..Brian Ness, Lindsay Downie and Garden Johnson. The accompanists on piano were Muriel Smith and Alf McConnachie, on drums, birthday boy George Borwick and Jod Taylor. This line-up was welded together by able compere, Peter Ramsay, and acting sound engineer, Bobby Crowe.
Ian Thomson gave a short update on the ‘Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture Project’ announced that the target had been achieved, and introduced David Annard, the sculptor. The evening concluded with a stramash including The Bluebell Polka.
Many thanks once again to all concerned who made the evening such a delight.
Talking Point
From time to time issues arise that encourage lively discussion. Whenever possible we will throw the topics over to you, the readers, and ask for your points of view. If you would like to be on the ‘Talking Point Team’ then send me your e-mail address, and I will add your name to our group mailing list. Some of you may have noticed the recent press coverage given to a court case in which a ceilidh band ‘Ceilidh on the Breinnh’ took The Ban-Car Hotel to court to obtain payment of their agreed fee for a Hogmanay gig. The following article appeared in the Aberdeen Press and Journal….
Ceilidh band ‘not Scottish enough’ Wins case
An Aberdeenshire ceilidh band was yesterday awarded a withheld £800 fee plus costs – after a court threw out claims its music was ‘not Scottish enough’ for a Hogmanay gig.
Ceilidh on the Breinnh took The Ban-Car Hotel at Lonmay to court, claiming the management had failed to pay the agreed £800 fee for the Hogmanay booking.
Following yesterday’s civil action victory at Peterhead Sheriff Court, the ceilidh band spoke of the booking that turned into their ‘gig from hell’.
Band member Art Dickinson said they were happy with the court verdict, but were sorry it had come to this.
“We have been vindicated in court. But I am still flabbergasted that the defence could stand up in court and claim that our music was ‘not Scottish enough’ for a Hogmanay gig we were booked for. It beggars belief that this can happen. It is amazing that this level of racism exists’.
However, hotel manager Tina Gibbons said last night many disappointed audience members had complained the band did not play traditional ceilidh music and that is why they were only offered £300. Mr Dickinson claimed he and the other three band members were subjected to a Hogmanay tirade of taunts, jeering and obscenities when they played in the hotel near Fraserburgh.
The two-man and two-woman ceilidh band played on from 9pm – 1.30am and claim they were then told by hotelier David Gibbons that he would not pay their £800 fee.
The four claimed they were offered £300, with host Mr Gibbons telling the performers he had received ‘a lot of complaints that the band was not Scottish enough’.
Mr Dickinson said that the band had flatly refused the £300, and had no option but to take the hotelier to court.
Ceilidh on the Breinnh had previously played for the dinner-dance of the Buchan Tennis League, staged at The Ban-Car last autumn.
Mr Dickinson said, “They were a cosmopolitan crowd and gave us a tremendous reception, and were never off the floor. It was after that the hotel booked us for their Hogmanay night, saying we had gone down well. On Hogmanay we played the same style of music, just the same programme. But it turned out to be our very own gig from hell” said the keyboard player.
Over 20 years on stage……
A Dance Band Almanac
by Dave Francis
Bella has been found in a variety of settings….
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
Well you folks will be enjoying Summer Holidays……
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Hello folks, life has been hectic ……………..
CD Reviews
Will Starr – The Early Years – Vols 1 & 2 – Ross Records
Jim Cameron’s SDB – Vols 1 & 2 – Ross Records
The Birnam Oak – Pete Clark and the Niel Gow Ensemble – INVER233 – Independent
A Shetland Dance – Da Fustra – HRMCD008 – highlander Music
Going Trans Atlantic – Brian Laurie Accordion Showband – SHIELCD016 – Shielburn Associates
The Tartan Top Twenty – Greatest Accordion Hits – LCOM5292 – Lismor Recordings
Book Review
The Colin Dewar Collection – Deeay Music
The Bruce Collection – Vol 3 – 100 New Tunes for Scottish Country Dancing Composed by Pat Clark
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
3rd Aug 02 – Neil Barron SDB Leeds 9th Nov 1996 + Riding Mill Fiddlers, Pauline Kato & Tom McConville
10th Aug 02 – Da Fustra at Sound Hall, Lerwick 23rd May 1998 + High Strings & Brian Gear
17th Aug 02 – Fergie MacDonald Band at Acharacle (Marquee) on 3rd June 1995 + Phil Cunningham + Ishbel MacAskill
24th Aug 02 – Bill Black SDB from City Hall, Perth (75th Anniversary of the BBC) on 7th June 1997 + Mary Cameron & John huband
31st Aug 02 – Neil MAcEachern SDB from Victoria Hall, Helensburgh on 25th February 1995 + Currie Brothers & Alistair MacDonald
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Aug 02 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Aug 02 - tba
Campbeltown (The Royal Hotel) -
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 11th Aug 02 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Aug 02 – Cullivoe Dance Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Aug 02 – Alf Delorey & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Aug 02 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Aug 02 – Club Night
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 8th Aug 02 – Bob MacLeod SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Aug 02 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st Aug 02 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Blairgowrie
2. Button Key
3. Cults
4. Ellon
5. Glenrothes & District
6. Lesmahagow
7. Lewis & Harris
8. Turriff
9. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. West Barnes ( - present)
76. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
77. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84. Callander A&F Club (
85. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87. Club Accord
88. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
114. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
115. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
116. Tranent A&F Club
117. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
118. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
Our last ‘summer issue’ already – I can’t believe how quickly the time’s going in! It was lovely to meet up with so many of you at the AGM – and wasn’t it a great day out. Next year’s shaping up to be even better p Ms Linton has something up her sleeve, and all will be revealed in next month’s issue. We decided to wait until next month to run Robin Ellis’s AGM and Luncheon report, because many Cubs will be starting back in September. If you want to see just a few of the photographs taken on the day, visit our website.
Lots of good news this month. The Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture Project has reached its target, and still the money is pouring in. The Secretary, John Thomson, has been overwhelmed by the response from Clubs, individuals and organisations – read his letter on Page 14. We were delighted to meet him at the lunch at the Invercarse Hotel.
Another target has been surpassed! This time it’s our Petition that has exceeded all expectations. We thought we were maybe being a bit ambitious in aiming for 10,000 signatures – but we’ve now passed the 11,000 mark. The NAAFC is seen as a voice worth listening to. Nicol will tell you more about the plans for the petition in next months issue.
I was recently invited to join a discussion on Radio 4 about the court case involving ’Ceilidh on the Breinnh’ (see Talking Point on Page 23). I spoke for all of two minutes, and all the presenter was interested in was whether or not I thought that someone from England could play Scottish traditional music. I thought that the issue merited a much wider discussion and so I e-mailed some musical acquaintances and asked for their opinions – you can see the results in the article.
As we go to press I’m off to Corsica to teach at a Dance Festival – it’s a long way to go for a weekend, but here’s hoping the sun’s shining.
Karin Ingram
The Border Common Ridings
by Karin Ingram
In the summer there are many Border Common Ridings an dFestivals, the reasons for which are interesting, wide-ranging and complex. Almost all feature a ride-out at the centre of their celebrations. Traditionally this was done by the town’s men, when they would ride around the town’s land boundaries to make sure they were secure.
From ‘Border Life’ (Autumn 1999)
When I worked for The Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust…………..
33rd Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival
by Stuart Adamson
The first weekend in July saw the 33rd………….
The Macmeanmna Showcase
by Alasdair MacCuish
The Macmeanmna Showcase at Eden Court Theatre on June 7th…………
Collectors’ Pieces
by Charlie Gore
Charlie Gore edited and published ‘The Scottish Fiddle Music Index’ in 1994. This was the first attempt ever made to index the titles of the 12,000 or so traditional tunes, songs, airs and miscellaneous music published in the printed collections of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The chief value of the Index to researchers, musicians and students of the tradition is that it has made it possible to locate any tune listed and to identify an accessible source for the music (mostly based on collections held at the National Library of Scotland).
Some Edinburgh Worthies and a round-up of the Gow Collections
Probably not everyone in the world of Scottish traditional music is aware that the Gow family (which principally means Nathaniel Gow) published 19 full-scale printed volumes of dance and listening music. These range in date from 1784 to 1837, by which time Nathaniel himself was dead. One of the Edinburgh contemporaries of the Gows was William Shepherd (c1760-1812) Nathaniel’s partner in the music-selling venture, Gow and Shepherd. He composed some excellent music which he published in two volumes dated 1793 and 1800, the first published under his own name alone, the second by the partnership.
Another was John Pringle, born about 1770, possibly with Borders connections. His two volumes (published around 1801) contain 115 tunes of which only about 40 are not his own compositions. One or two rare gems include ‘The Bonniest Lass in a’ the Warld’ (surely Burns could not have resisted it if it had been around in his day).
Daniel Dow was born in 1732 and died (of plague) in 1783 a year before the Dows began to publish their collections. He lived in Kirkmichael (Perthshire), moved to Edinburgh about 1765 and taught music, notably the guitar. Some of his music is standard repertoire, ‘Monymusk’ (he published it as ‘Sir Archibald Grant of Monemusk’s Reel’; the Gows changed the title), ‘The Bonnie Lass of Fisherrow’ and ‘Donald Dow’ (he called it ‘Lady Charlotte Murray’s Reel’). Dow published four collections of tunes from 1773. All available at NLS etc.
Alexander ‘King’ MacGlashan (1740-97) was an Edinburgh bandleader, so named because of his ‘stately and dressy’ appearance (Glen). But he is now remembered for three hefty collections of music (probably 1778, ‘81 and ‘86), most if not all gathered from old and contemporary sources rather than his own compositions. One of them is entitled ‘A Collection of Reels, consisting chiefly of Strathspeys, Athole Reels….’ An expression not found elsewhere. They can be seen at NLS and in other library collections.
Coming on to the Gows, the six volumes of ‘Gows Reels’ span the years 1784 to 1822 (fifteen years after Niel’s death). Nathaniel (accordion to Glen, the fourth son on Niel) masterminded the family’s music publishing and went on to produce ‘The Repository’ (4 volumes) and ‘The Beauties of Niel Gow’ (3 volumes) as well as six volumes on his own account - a book of marches, one of ‘Allamandes’ (waltzes) and two of random dance music. The book he assembled of his son Neil Gow Junior’s compositions (he died in his late twenties) contains some real delights and should be better known. So should the ‘Sixth Book of Gow’s Reels’ which doesn’t appear to have been reprinted and was ignored by the 19th century compilers presumably because it contained a lot of ‘Slow Tunes’. Some of these very beautiful and, like all the Gow collections, it’s easy to unearth in most of the principal libraries.
Sounds of Scotland
Tayside’s finest recently came together in the courtyard of Sandford Country house Hotel, Newport-on-Tay, for a rather speculative outside event. Fortunately, all weather fears were laid to rest with a fine sunny evening….phew! The stone courtyard proved ideal with its arches and wishing-well against the white walled hotel background when piper, Lindsay Cramb, led off the proceedings.
The ‘Shand Sound’ however was soon to be heard, played superbly by a very talented group of musicians all interacting well…what a treat to hear. On accordion were Andy Greig, Neil Galloway, Joyce Ramsay, Andrew Liddle and Ronnie Henderson, aided by three very able fiddlers…..Brian Ness, Lindsay Downie and Garden Johnson. The accompanists on piano were Muriel Smith and Alf McConnachie, on drums, birthday boy George Borwick and Jod Taylor. This line-up was welded together by able compere, Peter Ramsay, and acting sound engineer, Bobby Crowe.
Ian Thomson gave a short update on the ‘Sir Jimmy Shand Sculpture Project’ announced that the target had been achieved, and introduced David Annard, the sculptor. The evening concluded with a stramash including The Bluebell Polka.
Many thanks once again to all concerned who made the evening such a delight.
Talking Point
From time to time issues arise that encourage lively discussion. Whenever possible we will throw the topics over to you, the readers, and ask for your points of view. If you would like to be on the ‘Talking Point Team’ then send me your e-mail address, and I will add your name to our group mailing list. Some of you may have noticed the recent press coverage given to a court case in which a ceilidh band ‘Ceilidh on the Breinnh’ took The Ban-Car Hotel to court to obtain payment of their agreed fee for a Hogmanay gig. The following article appeared in the Aberdeen Press and Journal….
Ceilidh band ‘not Scottish enough’ Wins case
An Aberdeenshire ceilidh band was yesterday awarded a withheld £800 fee plus costs – after a court threw out claims its music was ‘not Scottish enough’ for a Hogmanay gig.
Ceilidh on the Breinnh took The Ban-Car Hotel at Lonmay to court, claiming the management had failed to pay the agreed £800 fee for the Hogmanay booking.
Following yesterday’s civil action victory at Peterhead Sheriff Court, the ceilidh band spoke of the booking that turned into their ‘gig from hell’.
Band member Art Dickinson said they were happy with the court verdict, but were sorry it had come to this.
“We have been vindicated in court. But I am still flabbergasted that the defence could stand up in court and claim that our music was ‘not Scottish enough’ for a Hogmanay gig we were booked for. It beggars belief that this can happen. It is amazing that this level of racism exists’.
However, hotel manager Tina Gibbons said last night many disappointed audience members had complained the band did not play traditional ceilidh music and that is why they were only offered £300. Mr Dickinson claimed he and the other three band members were subjected to a Hogmanay tirade of taunts, jeering and obscenities when they played in the hotel near Fraserburgh.
The two-man and two-woman ceilidh band played on from 9pm – 1.30am and claim they were then told by hotelier David Gibbons that he would not pay their £800 fee.
The four claimed they were offered £300, with host Mr Gibbons telling the performers he had received ‘a lot of complaints that the band was not Scottish enough’.
Mr Dickinson said that the band had flatly refused the £300, and had no option but to take the hotelier to court.
Ceilidh on the Breinnh had previously played for the dinner-dance of the Buchan Tennis League, staged at The Ban-Car last autumn.
Mr Dickinson said, “They were a cosmopolitan crowd and gave us a tremendous reception, and were never off the floor. It was after that the hotel booked us for their Hogmanay night, saying we had gone down well. On Hogmanay we played the same style of music, just the same programme. But it turned out to be our very own gig from hell” said the keyboard player.
Over 20 years on stage……
A Dance Band Almanac
by Dave Francis
Bella has been found in a variety of settings….
The Piping Shrike
by Jean Lumsden
Well you folks will be enjoying Summer Holidays……
Greeting from Inverness
by Margo MacLennan
Hello folks, life has been hectic ……………..
CD Reviews
Will Starr – The Early Years – Vols 1 & 2 – Ross Records
Jim Cameron’s SDB – Vols 1 & 2 – Ross Records
The Birnam Oak – Pete Clark and the Niel Gow Ensemble – INVER233 – Independent
A Shetland Dance – Da Fustra – HRMCD008 – highlander Music
Going Trans Atlantic – Brian Laurie Accordion Showband – SHIELCD016 – Shielburn Associates
The Tartan Top Twenty – Greatest Accordion Hits – LCOM5292 – Lismor Recordings
Book Review
The Colin Dewar Collection – Deeay Music
The Bruce Collection – Vol 3 – 100 New Tunes for Scottish Country Dancing Composed by Pat Clark
Take the Floor – Saturdays with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
3rd Aug 02 – Neil Barron SDB Leeds 9th Nov 1996 + Riding Mill Fiddlers, Pauline Kato & Tom McConville
10th Aug 02 – Da Fustra at Sound Hall, Lerwick 23rd May 1998 + High Strings & Brian Gear
17th Aug 02 – Fergie MacDonald Band at Acharacle (Marquee) on 3rd June 1995 + Phil Cunningham + Ishbel MacAskill
24th Aug 02 – Bill Black SDB from City Hall, Perth (75th Anniversary of the BBC) on 7th June 1997 + Mary Cameron & John huband
31st Aug 02 – Neil MAcEachern SDB from Victoria Hall, Helensburgh on 25th February 1995 + Currie Brothers & Alistair MacDonald
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Westburn Park Lounge) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) -
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) -
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) –
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Belford (Community Centre) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 13th Aug 02 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 8th Aug 02 - tba
Campbeltown (The Royal Hotel) -
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary’s Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 11th Aug 02 – All players welcome
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club)
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead)
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
East Kilbride (The Village Inn) –
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Aug 02 – Cullivoe Dance Band
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) -
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel, Wooler) –
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 7th Aug 02 – Alf Delorey & Friends
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 27th Aug 02 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) -
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) –
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) –
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) -
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 8th Aug 02 – Club Night
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 8th Aug 02 – Bob MacLeod SDB
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 7th Aug 02 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) -
Selkirk (Cricket Club) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Royal British Legion) – 1st Aug 02 – Jim & Jean McConnachie
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) -
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Blairgowrie
2. Button Key
3. Cults
4. Ellon
5. Glenrothes & District
6. Lesmahagow
7. Lewis & Harris
8. Turriff
9. Tynedale
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2002
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. West Barnes ( - present)
76. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
77. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – )
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
78. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
79. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
80. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
81. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
82. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
83. Buchan A&F Club
84. Callander A&F Club (
85. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
86. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
87. Club Accord
88. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
89. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
90. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
91. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
92. Derwentside A&F Club
93. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
94. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
95. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
96. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
97. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
98. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
99. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
100. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
101. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
102. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
103. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Mull A&F Club
107. Newcastleton Accordion Club
108. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
109. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
110. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
111. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
112. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
113. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
114. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
115. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
116. Tranent A&F Club
117. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
118. Wellbank A&F Club
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