Box and Fiddle
Year 19 No 06
March 1996
Bill Hendry of Falkirk
(A Tribute – died 22.12.95)
By Grant Crawford
Friday, 22nd December, 1995, saw the passing of Bill Hendry, one of the most popular figures ever to have graced the Scottish Dance Music scene.
Bill was born in Dalmuir, Clydebank but like many children he was evacuated during the blitz to Grangemouth, where he was brought up by an aunt. His working life was also spent in Grangemouth where he worked for B.P. On taking early retirement, Bill was presented with a cheque which he used to purchase a beautiful white upright Yamaha piano which took pride of place in his home.
Although regarded as one of the finest pianists amongst fellow Scottish traditional musicians he was also regarded as one of the top jazz pianists. On one occasion before the start of a dance, Bill sat at the piano and played a Scottish waltz in the styles, of Tatum, Gardner, Shearing and Powell to name but four. In the late 1950s and early ‘60s Bill played in a “Modern Dance Trio” and through this trio came his introduction to the Scottish scene.
Andrew Rankine had been booked to play at a Grand Ball and although it was basically to be Scottish dance music the programme of dance included quicksteps, slow foxtrots and modern waltzes. In order that the dancers got the best, Andrew made a few phone calls and the result was the amalgamation of his own front line of Ron Gonnella and Jim Johnstone and the rhythm section consisting of the aforementioned modern trio, consisting of Bill on piano, Tommy McTague on bass and a young Bill Thom on drums. From this one dance came the birth of one of the finest dance bands ever. When asked how he could play two such diverse styles of music, Bill would explain that it was because both types of music had a natural swing, a fact also noted by no less than the great Duke Ellington.
Bill played with the Rankine band for many years, travelling the length and breadth of Britain until personal circumstances led to him having to leave the band. He then continued to work as a freelance musician with many bands before being asked to occupy the vacant piano stool in the band of a Stenhousemuir accordionist called Ian Holmes. Indeed this led to a partnership lasting over 30 years until Bill’s retirement from the scene in 1995. But such was the admiration for Bill that he was constantly being asked to play with many bands and the list of bands he played with reads like a “Who’s who” of Scottish Dance Music – John Carmichael, Bert Shorthouse, George Stirrat, Neil Barron, Lex Keith, Sandy Nixon (who composed a fine 6/8 march called “Bill Hendry of Falkirk”, as thanks for Bill filling in for his Dundee namesake on a gruelling trip to Shetland), George Meikle, Charlie Kirkpatrick and of course both Jimmy Shand Snr and Jnr.
Indeed, it is Bill on piano on the “Dancing Shands” video and recordings. While there are many fine recording on vinyl, cassette, CD and video of Bill playing with Scottish Dance Bands, sadly the closest example of him playing in the jazz idiom is on some “novelty” tracks on a few Bert Shorthouse records.
It was not just the famous and established names Bill chose to play with as he enjoyed having a tune with anyone. He was a man of honour and principle and once he had taken on an engagement he would honour that booking even though a more prestigious booking with a bigger name and fee was on offer.
Indeed, Bill played regularly with my own band for 5 years before joining someone called Jim Johnstone! Bill and Jim had, of course, played together in the Rankine band but Bill was delighted to renew a special friendship and always considered Jim as his friend rather than his boss. It seems appropriate that Bill decided to bow out of the band scene while in the company of someone who was there at the beginning. It was also appropriate that it was Jim who gave such a fitting tribute at the funeral.
Although considered a ‘band player’ Bill was also an excellent accompanist both to singers and fiddlers. Bill played on Pibroch MacKenzie’s second solo album and that recording is perhaps a measure of Bill’s musical ability. He recorded that album without a dot of music in front of him – quite a feat considering Bill had never met or heard Pibroch until a few hours before the session was due to start!
Bill also had his own ‘trade mark’ that anyone who had played with him would recognise. He had a habit of grunting in time to the music, a carryover from playing solo in hotels and piano bars when there was no drummer to keep time. (so that’s what drummers are for!) During a recording of “Take the Floor” the sound engineer halted the session midway as the microphones were picking up noises from the piano. A piano tuner was in an adjoining studio and was asked to check the piano. It was thought that the culprit was a squeaking sustain pedal. No fault was found and it was suggested that the tape was played back at volume to see if the noise could be sourced. The source was soon identified as not the piano but the pianist.
However, musicianship was only a fraction of the qualities Bill possessed. His sense of humour was as keen as his playing, although many of the examples are not suitable for publication. One example that can be told is of the occasion at a wedding when the hotel had to be evacuated due to a fire alarm. Once the all clear was given the band were first back into the function suite and Bill proceeded to play the company back in to a medley of suitable tunes- “Blaze Away”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” etc
Bill was also a most generous man and his quality was shown to the full at a charity event organised by Radio Clyde. The raffle prizes were numerous and the members of the band had won several items. Bill had already won two prizes when another of his numbers was drawn. There were so many prizes the organisers refused to accept any offers of non-acceptance. The final prize Bill won was a pair of modern fashion earrings. After the raffle, Bill was approached by a young lady, whose voice can now be heard reading out traffic reports on national radio, asking Bill if he would sell her the earrings. She explained that they were part of a limited edition collection designed by a well known fashion guru and as she had the matching necklace and bracelet she would be willing to buy the earrings at full market value to complete the set. The girl’s face fell as Bill decline to sell but the smile soon reappeared when Bill told her she could have them as a gift as he had enjoyed her singing a few George Gershwin songs earlier in the evening.
Although the earrings were among the more valuable prizes of the evening, Bill was happy going home with a cook book that he could use to cook something different for his wife, Grace, and a cuddly toy for his new grandson, Craig.
Another young lady also received a ‘gift’ from Bill but was not so appreciative. The girl in question was one of twins having a 21st birthday party. When she bent over to blow out her share of the 42 candles on the cake, her heavily lacquered hair touched a candle and caught fire. Bill had the presence of mind to throw his glass of cola over her, dousing the flames. Rather than being thankful that Bill had saved her from possible serious injury all she could do was scream that he had ruined her new dress. Her parents, who were grateful but embarrassed by their daughter’s behaviour, led her away to get changed. Then the girl returned, Bill’s sense of humour came to the fore once more playing “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” much to the amusement of those who appreciated the subtlety of Bill’s choice of music.
Perhaps the most amusing incident in which Bill was involved was in that of the “Disappearing Band”. A couple were getting married in Spean Bridge and tried to engage Iain MacPhail and his full six piece broadcasting band. However, Iain was already engaged but passed on Sandy Nixon’s phone number. Now Sandy works only as a five piece, so that was one lost musician already. Sandy was also already booked but passed on my number. I work as a four so that would mean two musicians down. The wedding was to be held in early December and this led to a little problem – the Edinburgh Flu Epidemic. The evening before the wedding two members of the band called off because of flu. Despite numerous phone calls into the small hours of the morning replacement could not be found. After a quick call explaining the circumstances to the bridegroom it was agreed that a two-piece band was better than no band at all. The reception was in a marquee in the grounds of a large house and that meant there was no available power supply for the band. I was told I could take a long extension cable from the kitchen and lead it to the tent. As it was extremely dark with no outside lighting I could not see where I was walking and ended up falling down an uncovered manhole breaking my leg. As I was then transported to Belford Hospital it left Bill to do a solo job.
Bill was a nervous wreck – not at the thought of playing but at having to announce the dances through a microphone. I discharged myself from hospital, plaster on leg, and returned to hear the most amazing Dashing White Sergeant set ever played. Bill managed to play melody, chords and bas all on his own due to his technique. There is also a middle part to the story which had Bill in stitches of laughter. The event also just happened to take place during the Ambulance Strike, so in order that I could be transported safely the 15 miles to Fort William, the assembled guests were asked “is there a doctor or nurse in the company?” I was then told I was “lucky” as it just happened that a retired matron of Belford Hospital, a lady of at least 80, was in the company. She came forward and asked the caterers if they had some tea towels and old wooden vegetable boxes which could be broken to make a splint to stabilise my broken leg. Every time she bound the wooden splint on my leg I let out a scream due to the pain. I was told to be brave and put up with the pain but Bill could see the real reason for the pain. The sill woman hadn’t removed the pins from the wood and every time she bound me the pins were piercing my flesh!
On reflection I doubt if any other pianist could have coped with that situation. It also showed Bill’s ability to make a Crumar Elecronic Piano sound like an ‘old steam piano’. Bill was never one to run away from modern technology and indeed was amongst the first to purchase a digitally sampled piano. By his own admission he never quite got to grips with the operation of these computerised keyboards and many’s the time he would break into “French” after accidentally hitting the Demo button interrupting a set of Gaelic waltzes with some pre-programmed electronic multi-tracked composition.
Away from the music, Bill had a liking for motorbikes and when he was younger he used to race them and attend the Isle of Man TT.
His real love however, was his family. Wife Grace, son, David, daughter-in-law Maureen and grandsons David Jnr and Craig. He was very proud of the fact that son, David is an accomplished musician and elder grandson, David was also going to be a chip off he old block.
It was testament to the regard and respect with which he was held that it was standing room only in the crematorium, and despite several inches of snow that covered Scotland, many friends and colleagues had travelled from all over the country to Falkirk. Mourners entered to the sound on 2/4 Pipe Marches, his favourite, and left to the piano playing of Bill’s hero, Art Tatum.
While we in the Scottish music scene mourn the loss of a fine pianist, the loss we feel pales into insignificance when compared to the loss of a husband, father and grandfather that his family have to bear. All our thoughts and sympathies are with them.
On a personal note Bill taught me a lot about life and added to my musical education, introducing me to a different world of music. I feel very privileged to have played alongside a musician of Bill’s standard, but honoured to have had him as a friend.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but our lives are all the better for knowing WILLIAM CLYDE HENDRY, musician, friend but most of all Gentlemen.
(A Tribute – died 22.12.95)
By Grant Crawford
Friday, 22nd December, 1995, saw the passing of Bill Hendry, one of the most popular figures ever to have graced the Scottish Dance Music scene.
Bill was born in Dalmuir, Clydebank but like many children he was evacuated during the blitz to Grangemouth, where he was brought up by an aunt. His working life was also spent in Grangemouth where he worked for B.P. On taking early retirement, Bill was presented with a cheque which he used to purchase a beautiful white upright Yamaha piano which took pride of place in his home.
Although regarded as one of the finest pianists amongst fellow Scottish traditional musicians he was also regarded as one of the top jazz pianists. On one occasion before the start of a dance, Bill sat at the piano and played a Scottish waltz in the styles, of Tatum, Gardner, Shearing and Powell to name but four. In the late 1950s and early ‘60s Bill played in a “Modern Dance Trio” and through this trio came his introduction to the Scottish scene.
Andrew Rankine had been booked to play at a Grand Ball and although it was basically to be Scottish dance music the programme of dance included quicksteps, slow foxtrots and modern waltzes. In order that the dancers got the best, Andrew made a few phone calls and the result was the amalgamation of his own front line of Ron Gonnella and Jim Johnstone and the rhythm section consisting of the aforementioned modern trio, consisting of Bill on piano, Tommy McTague on bass and a young Bill Thom on drums. From this one dance came the birth of one of the finest dance bands ever. When asked how he could play two such diverse styles of music, Bill would explain that it was because both types of music had a natural swing, a fact also noted by no less than the great Duke Ellington.
Bill played with the Rankine band for many years, travelling the length and breadth of Britain until personal circumstances led to him having to leave the band. He then continued to work as a freelance musician with many bands before being asked to occupy the vacant piano stool in the band of a Stenhousemuir accordionist called Ian Holmes. Indeed this led to a partnership lasting over 30 years until Bill’s retirement from the scene in 1995. But such was the admiration for Bill that he was constantly being asked to play with many bands and the list of bands he played with reads like a “Who’s who” of Scottish Dance Music – John Carmichael, Bert Shorthouse, George Stirrat, Neil Barron, Lex Keith, Sandy Nixon (who composed a fine 6/8 march called “Bill Hendry of Falkirk”, as thanks for Bill filling in for his Dundee namesake on a gruelling trip to Shetland), George Meikle, Charlie Kirkpatrick and of course both Jimmy Shand Snr and Jnr.
Indeed, it is Bill on piano on the “Dancing Shands” video and recordings. While there are many fine recording on vinyl, cassette, CD and video of Bill playing with Scottish Dance Bands, sadly the closest example of him playing in the jazz idiom is on some “novelty” tracks on a few Bert Shorthouse records.
It was not just the famous and established names Bill chose to play with as he enjoyed having a tune with anyone. He was a man of honour and principle and once he had taken on an engagement he would honour that booking even though a more prestigious booking with a bigger name and fee was on offer.
Indeed, Bill played regularly with my own band for 5 years before joining someone called Jim Johnstone! Bill and Jim had, of course, played together in the Rankine band but Bill was delighted to renew a special friendship and always considered Jim as his friend rather than his boss. It seems appropriate that Bill decided to bow out of the band scene while in the company of someone who was there at the beginning. It was also appropriate that it was Jim who gave such a fitting tribute at the funeral.
Although considered a ‘band player’ Bill was also an excellent accompanist both to singers and fiddlers. Bill played on Pibroch MacKenzie’s second solo album and that recording is perhaps a measure of Bill’s musical ability. He recorded that album without a dot of music in front of him – quite a feat considering Bill had never met or heard Pibroch until a few hours before the session was due to start!
Bill also had his own ‘trade mark’ that anyone who had played with him would recognise. He had a habit of grunting in time to the music, a carryover from playing solo in hotels and piano bars when there was no drummer to keep time. (so that’s what drummers are for!) During a recording of “Take the Floor” the sound engineer halted the session midway as the microphones were picking up noises from the piano. A piano tuner was in an adjoining studio and was asked to check the piano. It was thought that the culprit was a squeaking sustain pedal. No fault was found and it was suggested that the tape was played back at volume to see if the noise could be sourced. The source was soon identified as not the piano but the pianist.
However, musicianship was only a fraction of the qualities Bill possessed. His sense of humour was as keen as his playing, although many of the examples are not suitable for publication. One example that can be told is of the occasion at a wedding when the hotel had to be evacuated due to a fire alarm. Once the all clear was given the band were first back into the function suite and Bill proceeded to play the company back in to a medley of suitable tunes- “Blaze Away”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” etc
Bill was also a most generous man and his quality was shown to the full at a charity event organised by Radio Clyde. The raffle prizes were numerous and the members of the band had won several items. Bill had already won two prizes when another of his numbers was drawn. There were so many prizes the organisers refused to accept any offers of non-acceptance. The final prize Bill won was a pair of modern fashion earrings. After the raffle, Bill was approached by a young lady, whose voice can now be heard reading out traffic reports on national radio, asking Bill if he would sell her the earrings. She explained that they were part of a limited edition collection designed by a well known fashion guru and as she had the matching necklace and bracelet she would be willing to buy the earrings at full market value to complete the set. The girl’s face fell as Bill decline to sell but the smile soon reappeared when Bill told her she could have them as a gift as he had enjoyed her singing a few George Gershwin songs earlier in the evening.
Although the earrings were among the more valuable prizes of the evening, Bill was happy going home with a cook book that he could use to cook something different for his wife, Grace, and a cuddly toy for his new grandson, Craig.
Another young lady also received a ‘gift’ from Bill but was not so appreciative. The girl in question was one of twins having a 21st birthday party. When she bent over to blow out her share of the 42 candles on the cake, her heavily lacquered hair touched a candle and caught fire. Bill had the presence of mind to throw his glass of cola over her, dousing the flames. Rather than being thankful that Bill had saved her from possible serious injury all she could do was scream that he had ruined her new dress. Her parents, who were grateful but embarrassed by their daughter’s behaviour, led her away to get changed. Then the girl returned, Bill’s sense of humour came to the fore once more playing “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” much to the amusement of those who appreciated the subtlety of Bill’s choice of music.
Perhaps the most amusing incident in which Bill was involved was in that of the “Disappearing Band”. A couple were getting married in Spean Bridge and tried to engage Iain MacPhail and his full six piece broadcasting band. However, Iain was already engaged but passed on Sandy Nixon’s phone number. Now Sandy works only as a five piece, so that was one lost musician already. Sandy was also already booked but passed on my number. I work as a four so that would mean two musicians down. The wedding was to be held in early December and this led to a little problem – the Edinburgh Flu Epidemic. The evening before the wedding two members of the band called off because of flu. Despite numerous phone calls into the small hours of the morning replacement could not be found. After a quick call explaining the circumstances to the bridegroom it was agreed that a two-piece band was better than no band at all. The reception was in a marquee in the grounds of a large house and that meant there was no available power supply for the band. I was told I could take a long extension cable from the kitchen and lead it to the tent. As it was extremely dark with no outside lighting I could not see where I was walking and ended up falling down an uncovered manhole breaking my leg. As I was then transported to Belford Hospital it left Bill to do a solo job.
Bill was a nervous wreck – not at the thought of playing but at having to announce the dances through a microphone. I discharged myself from hospital, plaster on leg, and returned to hear the most amazing Dashing White Sergeant set ever played. Bill managed to play melody, chords and bas all on his own due to his technique. There is also a middle part to the story which had Bill in stitches of laughter. The event also just happened to take place during the Ambulance Strike, so in order that I could be transported safely the 15 miles to Fort William, the assembled guests were asked “is there a doctor or nurse in the company?” I was then told I was “lucky” as it just happened that a retired matron of Belford Hospital, a lady of at least 80, was in the company. She came forward and asked the caterers if they had some tea towels and old wooden vegetable boxes which could be broken to make a splint to stabilise my broken leg. Every time she bound the wooden splint on my leg I let out a scream due to the pain. I was told to be brave and put up with the pain but Bill could see the real reason for the pain. The sill woman hadn’t removed the pins from the wood and every time she bound me the pins were piercing my flesh!
On reflection I doubt if any other pianist could have coped with that situation. It also showed Bill’s ability to make a Crumar Elecronic Piano sound like an ‘old steam piano’. Bill was never one to run away from modern technology and indeed was amongst the first to purchase a digitally sampled piano. By his own admission he never quite got to grips with the operation of these computerised keyboards and many’s the time he would break into “French” after accidentally hitting the Demo button interrupting a set of Gaelic waltzes with some pre-programmed electronic multi-tracked composition.
Away from the music, Bill had a liking for motorbikes and when he was younger he used to race them and attend the Isle of Man TT.
His real love however, was his family. Wife Grace, son, David, daughter-in-law Maureen and grandsons David Jnr and Craig. He was very proud of the fact that son, David is an accomplished musician and elder grandson, David was also going to be a chip off he old block.
It was testament to the regard and respect with which he was held that it was standing room only in the crematorium, and despite several inches of snow that covered Scotland, many friends and colleagues had travelled from all over the country to Falkirk. Mourners entered to the sound on 2/4 Pipe Marches, his favourite, and left to the piano playing of Bill’s hero, Art Tatum.
While we in the Scottish music scene mourn the loss of a fine pianist, the loss we feel pales into insignificance when compared to the loss of a husband, father and grandfather that his family have to bear. All our thoughts and sympathies are with them.
On a personal note Bill taught me a lot about life and added to my musical education, introducing me to a different world of music. I feel very privileged to have played alongside a musician of Bill’s standard, but honoured to have had him as a friend.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but our lives are all the better for knowing WILLIAM CLYDE HENDRY, musician, friend but most of all Gentlemen.
