Box and Fiddle
Year 05 No 04
December 1981
Price 25p
12 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
We are now slap bang in the middle of season 81-82. Some Clubs are swinging merrily along while others are finding the going rough. To those Clubs who are having a rough ride I say to them ‘Hang in there’.
I know it is not easy but surely it is better for a few musicians and friends to get together is some backroom. After all, that was how it all started. It may be of interest if these Clubs would send their finding to Association Secretary Andrew Nairn. From the over-all picture may come the answer.
Denny and Dunipace Club is closing down temporarily until early spring, when they hope to re-open.
The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, inform me that the new order of badges and ties has arrived. The ties are brown and maroon. It would help to keep postage down if bulk orders could be sent for.
Dermot O’Brien Trio will be doing another tour from 14th April till 29th inclusive. Interested parties please contact Deryn Waitt.
The reports coming in seem to suggest that the new 12-page paper has been voted a success. This is only because you all played your part by sending the material and by the photographs from all over the Association, keep sending lads and lassies.
Finally, a word about our much maligned columnist Derek Hamilton. Derek does a great job, there are not many among us who would take the time and trouble to review tapes, records etc for us. He tells us what he feels about what he hears and if, occasionally, he finds fault, even with the best in the land, we should remember he who has never played a tune badly at some time has never been born.
Over the years I reckon that Derek has been a fair commentator of our music, whether by tape, record or radio.
Kirsty Raises £1,070
By Ian Smith
On 8th November, 1981, in the Albert Hall, Stirling, Kirsty Bissett organized her second Ceilidh in aid of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital Charity. This was an All-Day Ceilidh plus a Saturday stint in the Shopping Centre, Stirling – a magnificent effort by Kirsty and her friends who rallied round to make this grand total from a very worthwhile venture. It also gave pleasure to hundreds of people who are already requesting a repeat as soon as possible. Well done Kirsty.
From Kirsty
May I take this opportunity to thank my friends who enjoyed the Stirling Ceilidh on 20th March and asked me to hold another one and gave me the support required to be able to say we had another successful Ceilidh, so full of talent.
Again we ran out of time. What next? – a 48-hour marathon? I’m sure we could fill that over and over again with the youngsters and the not-so-young who gave their full support.
Jimmy McGregor from Perth did an excellent job along with Bill Roadie who collected the names of players. Jim kept the programme going and I’m sure he would even have danced the Highland Fling for us as he is so talented himself.
What can be added about Paddy Neary, the wizard on accordion, who gave up his Sunday afternoon to entertain us as a donation. A special thank you, Paddy.
Previous to the 8th November Ceilidh, on Saturday 31st October, we had a gatheriong of players in the Stirling Shopping Centre – the M.A.F.I.A. Gang, Vicky, Stuart and Arthur McKeown (accordion) Adam Rennie (drums) and from Dundee Mr and Mrs Tom clark with son Kevin and Bruce Quirie (accordion), sister Margaret (fiddle) Netta Brown, Tommy Millar, Andy Penman (Falkirk), Grant Crawford and Hugh Gebbie (East Kilbride), Eric Smilth (mouth organ) with daughter Alison (fiddle) from Milngavie, Bob Richardson (penny whistle), Charlotte Gibb (Fintry - accordion) and myself Kirsty on accordion.
We played from 10am until 4.30pm. Boy, did we have fun and our collectors Vicky, Netta and Nigel were delighted with the amount collected - £461 plus raffles, making a total of £500 plus £270 from 20th March, making the effort all that much more fun.
The Dundee crowd swelled on 8th November and included Jacky Cooper (drums) and John Strachan (piano). Thank you, Dundee, for the support.
The Godfather from the Mafia was let out on bail, along with George Orr and Hugh Ferguson from Balloch on drums and Sammy on guitar and vocals.
Dancing and Music
We had penny whistles, mouth organs, accordions, fiddles, drums, singers, Irish dancers and Highland dancers. A big thank you to Jacqueline Dick for the lovely dancing and music ; Michelle Mitchell, Irish dancer, Fiona and Billy Johnston and Leslie Thomson, Highland dancers ; Jimmy Baker from Perth on mouth organ and Angus Russell, folk singer.
Thank you all the non-professionals and professionals, including George Stirrat, who brought his family. Hope you all enjoyed the mysterious TV personalities and the newspaper personality – ‘Weekly News’ page 15, 28th November.
Iain MacPhail and his band played for the dancing in the evening.
Thanks are due to Ian Smith for his write-up in the ‘B&F’ and to Robbie Shepherd for his mention on ’TTF’ and to all who donated raffle prizes.
The final total for the three events was £1,070
Once again thanks and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Musselburgh Annual Festival
by Norrie Williams (Festival Chairman)
The date – Saturday, 6th March, 1982, the place – Brunton Halls, Musselburgh. A must for your diary. A day for meeting old friends, for making new ones, for discussing, arguing and airing views on the common interest which will bring us all together for that happy occasion.
A day when the emotions work overtime, a day to marvel at the superb technique of young fingers dancing effortlessly over strings and keyboards in traditional and classical vein, a day when music played from the heart curls the feet and brings goose pimples to the neck and when the infectious enjoyment of the group playing turns us all on.
And just for good measure, two hours of good music ‘off the top’ in the Grand Concert followed by three hours of dancing to a premier Scottish Dance Band.
This year we have the greatest pleasure welcoming to Musselburgh for the first time, John Huband and the Tayside Sound, a band which has well and truly established itself in the top bracket.
Once again we will be calling on members of the visiting band to for the greater part of the the adjudicating panel. The traditional accordion sections will be judged by John Huband of Dundee and Davie Stewart of Kirriemuir – no need to comment on their complete mastery of the instruments. In charge of the ‘four stringer’ section, a household name in the fiddle world, also from ‘Kirrie’ – Angus Cameron.
Completing the panel, Archie Duncan, that most experienced and respected professional accordionist from Glasgow will officiate in the classical sections and lastly the pipe music competitions which proved so successful when introduced for the first time last March will be judged by John Crawford of Freuchie, a player whose name is synonymous with pipe music on the accordion.
At the coming Musselburgh Festival (the 8th), a new cup, the Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy, donated by a well-known band drummer (who wishes to remain anonymous) is open to competitors in the band section. This trophy will be awarded to the band adjudged to have the best rhythm/backing group. The backing group would normally contain various permutations from the following – piano, harmony accordion, double bass, guitar, drums etc.
To qualify for this new trophy the line-up must include a drummer. However, the Iain MacPhail Cup is still open to all competing bands, whether or not drums are used. Although two awards are being contested, bands will only be required to play once.
On behalf of the Festival Committee I give you all, players and non-players alike, a warm invitation to join us in the Brunton Halls on 6th March.
We will try to maintain the high standard set by Miss Christine Hunter and Mr Alex Little.
One last thing. I can remember faces, but not names, so please introduce yourselves when we meet even if your names be Fitchet, MacLeod or Shand!
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
Just after my copy was submitted last month I received a phone call from Linda Brock to say that Robin had been rushed into Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with acute pains. It looked like the gall bladder trouble which has plagued Robin for the last two years from time to time.
Robin had a major operation shortly after his admission and I’m glad to report he’s now recovering at home. He’s managed into Radio Forth studios for a quick visit, but is by no means well enough yet to get back to full work. I’m sure all ‘B&F’ readers will want to say ‘Get well soon, Robin’ and we hope it’s not long before you’re back at the helm of ‘Folk’s Around Robin’.
Radio Forth have put out some repeats during Robin’s absence and Steve Jack has taken over the interview spot for the new stuff.
Take the Floor
TTF on BBC Radio Scotland seems to be going from strength to strength since Freeland Barbour took over the production. The band sessions have been, on the whole, better from a recording point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lothian session even though George Meikle was in danger of taking over Alex MacArthur’s record of ‘most slips in a broadcast’. The sets were good and almost all of them appear on the band’s new record.
The Tain chose to do the same (play all the sets from their new record) on their latest broadcast. Clean, tidy playing here from this good, solid, if a little old fashioned dance band.
The highlight, for me though, from the last month’s broadcasts was Robbie Shepherd’s feature on Tom Hughes, the fiddler from Jedburgh.
Tom’s a natural for interview and his stories of the past were most interesting and his fiddle playing a treat. His border accent was so infectious even Robbie Shepherd was slipping into the ‘twang’ as well!
‘The Reel Blend’ on Friday nights is an excellent programme with Robbie Shepherd presenting a fine balance of old and new. The 9.30 slot on Friday nights, however, I’m sure, is a drawback to audience figures. Hopefully Freeland Barbour can find another time for this programme so that a wider audience can hear it. Robbie has managed to cater for the enthusiast as well as the regular punter.
Max Houliston has his first broadcast in a long, long time on 12th December and on the same night Robbie has a chat with John Huband.
On 19th December the Glendarual Band make a welcome return and the feature will be on Donal Ring, the Irish Ceili Band leader.
Bill Black’s Band star in the ‘TTF’ programme going out on Boxing Night. The show will only run 50 minutes that night and there will be no feature.
A couple of audience shows recorded at Aberdeen studio will be broadcast on the first two Saturdays of the new year. John Ellis and the Highland Country Band appear on the 2nd and John Huband and the Tayside Sound on the 9th.
West Sound
John Carmichael has fairly settled into his new profession as presenter on West Sound of the programme ‘Sounds Scottish’. The show goes out on Sundays between 5 and 7pm. John manages to dig up some super records and his chat is excellent.
John (Ikey to his friends) has spent a big part of his working life in Canada and he leans toward Cape Breton music. Very happy, infectious music it is too. The Cape Breton Symphony is a record which John features quite a lot. Great stuff indeed.
Ne’erday Shows being broadcast this year are as follows –
The BBC have a ‘Hogmanay Spectacular’ live from the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh from 11pm on Old Year’s Night to 1am on New Years morning.
It’s just part of the composite bonanza that will start at 7pm and go on through to the wee sma’ hours.
At 9pm there will be a live concert from the Glasgow studio by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. This will last about an hour.
Jim Johnstone and his Band feature in the live session from the Caledonian at just after midnight and earlier on the Jack Sinclair Showband take part in a recorded session of the Radio Two Ballroom from the Royal Darroch Hotel in Cults in Aberdeen.
Full details of all the artists taking part are not to hand as I write this, but the whole programme should contain a little bit of everything from disco to Scottish.
The bumper two-week edition of ‘Radio Times’ will have full details well in advance.
I understand too that all the local stations will have their own shows for Hogmanay.
Billy Grant
By Derek Hamilton
The backline of the current Scottish Dance Bands get more publicity nowadays than ever before. And quite rightly too! Names like Davie Flockhart, Gus Millar, Billy Craib, Billy Thom and Neil McMillan have become just about as well known names as Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod, Alex MacArthur and so on.
It’s really only in comparatively recent times that the back-line boys have been given credit. In the past, all but perhaps the most popular bands, like Ian Powrie for example, had comparatively anonymous side men.
One such anonymous player is Billy Grant. Billy is a drummer of the highest calibre who has appeared on countless records and broadcasts as well as television shows with some of the top names in the Scottish music scene.
Billy lives in Glasgow and in the mid-sixties was the regular drummer with Alistair Herron and his band. He did broadcasts of Scottish dance music with Alistair between 1964 and 1967. Billy was also the drummer on Max Houliston’s first broadcast from Glasgow in 1965.
Colin Campbell and his Highland Band used Billy Grant on drums for broadcasts and records. ‘Up Among the Heather’ was one record which springs to mind.
In 1964 BBC Television had a series of ‘Songs All the Way’ in which Alistair Herron’s Band featured. Billy was there on drums. On STV in 1967/68 you may remember a series with Alasdair Gillies called ‘Alasdair Sings’. It featured Colin Campbell’s Highland Band with, of course, Billy Grant on drums.
Apart from all the tours with shows like’This is Scotland’, Billy also accompanied Alasdair Gillies, Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor, and many more, to places as far apart as Wick and Brighton and just about everywhere in between.
Billy did quite a few records for David Silver when his band was popular in the ‘60’s.
More recently LPs like ‘Souvenir of Scotland’ with Malcolm Kennedy, ‘Swing Your Partners’ with Fergie MacDonald, ‘Scottish Accordion Hits’ Vols 1 & 2 with Calum McLean, ‘Hot Stuff’ with the Currie Brothers, ‘Take Two’ also by those brilliant boys from Milngavie, have all had Billy Grant on drums.
Sandy MacArthur used Billy on his first album for Bluebell and Tommy Darkie’s ‘Homecoming’ on the Shona label had Billy Grant on drums.
Billy is a self-taught drummer who has a great knowledge of the Scottish scene and an all-round capability in modern music as well. Like so many other drummers his idol in the early days was the legendary Arthur Easson. He’s also a great admirer of Billy Thom and Gus Millar.
Nowadays Billy plays mainly with button box player Charlie Kirkpatrick, but enjoys the odd session now and then.
The wealth of talent amongst the ‘back-line’ boys is tremendous. Billy Grant is just one example from scores of great back-line musicians who very seldom hear their names mentioned.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
A record came to my notice recently which, I think, is one of the best to come out of the Scottish scene for some time. It’s a live L.P. recorded at Crieff Hydro Hotel, and features Ron Gonella on fiddle, John Gibson on piano and Iain MacPhail on accordion. There’s also songs by a super singer.
The LP contains some of the finest fiddle playing I have heard in a long time. I am conscious on having made comment on Ron Gonella in the past when I said I didn’t think he was the best band fiddler in the business, but on this LP he shines. This is undoubtedly Ron Gonella’s forte. He is a superb soloist, possibly the best around at present. His sweet style is instantly recognisable. The sweetness of his fiddle verges on the beautiful. There are loads of superlatives I could add but one that springs to mind which I think sums up the sound which Ron produces – soothing.
Ron also introduces each set with just a little bit about the tunes (the sleeve goes into more detail) and the audience are totally unobtrusive but responsive when required.
There are some great tunes, both traditional and contemporary, played impeccably by the Perthshire fiddler. Some of his own compositions are super.
The backing is provided by John Gibson from Edinburgh on piano (electronic vox provides bass and piano sounds on the fiddle tracks and Linda Rhodes is used on the vocal tracks).
Iain MacPhail provides a most tasteful back-up on accordion, sometimes playing melody, sometimes chords and harmony, but never dominating the fiddle.
Songs are well chosen, although this is the one area where the recording falls down slightly. The voice levels are low and the backing tends to over-power on occasions. This is no fault of the musicians however. The blame must be shouldered by the Craighall Mobile Unit and Bryce Laing. One blemish in an otherwise excellent recording.
The sweet, singing sound of the fiddle has been captured perfectly by the Craighall boys.
The LP has no label name, but is titled ‘Ron Gonella and Friends Live at Crieff Hydro Hotel’. A super record indeed.
David Silver’s Bluebell label continues to release albums at an enormous rate. This month four new records have popped through the distributors letterboxes and have found their way into the shops.
The Golden Fiddle Awards 1981 Vol 2 – Bluebell BBR/LP143
Long Live the Scottish Dance Bands – Bluebell BBR/LP 145 (a sampler)
It’s the Tain Again – Bluebell BBR LP 140
The Way Old Friends Do - The Alexander Brothers - Lismor LIDL 6004
In Strict Tempo - The Lothian SDB – Lismor LILP 5112
With the Jimmy Blair Tour in Normandy
by Adrian Hannah
Thursday, 24th September, 1981
The party departed Glasgow at 9.30am, travelling by coach to Southampton, where we boarded the ferry for Le Havre, arriving there in the early hours of Friday morning.
Friday, 25th September, 1981
From Le Havre we traveled to Caen, the city of 100 spires, a city heavily bombed at the time of the D-Day Landings.Here we were met by M. Albert Grandais, author of ‘La Bataille Du Calvados’ – M. Martin, Mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon, and members of the French-Great Britain Society. We were given a conducted tour of the Castle of William the Conqueror – the city and the Town Hall, and then entertained to a ‘Wine of Honour’, something we would come to know very well before our trip was over.
After some free time to stroll around Caen we headed for the village of Esquay Notre Dame, still in the area of Calvados. Here we were greeted by the local Mayor M. Lepeltier. Arriving as we did, just as the local primary school was breaking up for the day, the Orchestra was requested to give an impromptu concert much to the delight of the young children and mothers present. The children sat in a semi-circle in the playground, as the Orchestra played for some 30 minutes to rapturous applause.
Afterwards, we retired to the Town Hall, where we were entertained to another feat of local home baking and soft drinks. From Esquay we traveled to what was to be our base for the visit ‘The Convent of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary’ at Vire, where, all tired, we had dinner and relaxed after our long trip.
Saturday, 26th September, 1981
After a fairly easy morning the party headed for Caen, for our first official engagement at the Caen Fair, the second largest in France, where we were entertained to an excellent lunch, before playing in the Palais de Sports.
The concert was exceptionally well received by both the public and the Press, and really set the scene for the rest of the tour. Late in the afternoon we left the Calvados region, and traveled to Le-Beny-Bocage and the town of Saint-Martin-de-Besaces, to be met by M. Mennard, the leading local business man, who gave us a tour of the local War Museum which was the work of M. Mennard and his family, before escorting us to the local village hall, where our next concert was to be held. M. Mennard informed us, that although he had distributed 100 posters, 1,000 handbills and sold tickets, local people still did not believe that two Accordion Orchestras were coming all the way from Scotland to play for them.
It was here that we realised just what a fan club Jimmy Blair had in Normandy, and yet this was the first time he had taken his pupils to the area he loved so well. They had followed us from Caen, both old and new friends of Jimmy’s. Of the 43 in our party, 42 were treated like Lords, but the King’s honours were reserved for Jimmy, so high was the esteem in which he was held.
Once again the concert was a huge success, both Orchestras playing so well for Jimmy and their audience. Once the show was over, the chairs were all cleared, the tables laid, and again the ‘Wine of Honour’ was on, and this was midnight.
Sunday, 27th September, 1981
A day free from concerts and a chance for Jimmy to take us on the grand tour of ‘His Normandy’ – jog a few memories – and introduce the young to a piece of history they knew so little about.
Our first stop was the Monument to the 15th Scottish Division at Tourville-Sur-Odon, where we were met by M. Martin, the local Mayor, and a party of old soldiers and Resistance workers, bedecked with medals, as was Jimmy, with his Croix de Guerre in pride of place.
As arranged by Jimmy, some of the lads donned their accordions and played the French National Anthem as both M. Martin and Jimmy placed wreaths on the Monument, Jimmy’s wreath having been brought all the way from Scotland.
The service over, once again the inevitable ‘Wine of Honour’ in the local hall, from where we traveled to the very impressive and beautifully maintained British Cemetery. This also contained the graves of some young German boy soldiers, who had been on maneuvers at the time of the landings.
Next port of call was Bayeaux and the recently-opened War Museum, full of relics from the Second World War, and if you didn’t get round this with Jimmy you missed out.
Time now to visit the beaches and this took us to Arramanche, a friendly seaside town, which in itself is a museum, with all types of war machines, refurbished and on display on the front, overlooking the artificial harbour created by the allies. From here we headed for Saint Lo, an evening meal and back to Vire to relax in whatever way we chose.
Monday , 28th September, 1981
After a fairly leisurely day we made for Esquay Notre Dame and the home of M. Lepeltier, where, we were entertained, all 43 of us, until it was time for our final concert of the tour in the village awarded the Croix de Guerre, as was Jimmy for his exploits in and around it. Here, once again, although the majority of the faces were new ones to us, the familiar ones of the fan club which had by now increased were very much in evidence.
The concert was as before, with both Orchestras playing, and displays of both Highland and Irish dancing. For confirmation of how well the tour had gone, on this last night, one had only to look at the smile on Jimmy’s face – a smile as big as the man himself – an ambition fulfilled, to present his pupils to his friends in Normandy.
One of the pieces performed by the Orchestras was a local song, especially arranged by Jimmy, called ‘Ma Normandie’. Our trip was all but over, just the journey home now, but it had ended as it had begun, on a very high note, and we all knew it was ‘His Normandy’.
Postscript : Since the tour of Normandy we have all been grieved by the loss to us of Jimmy Blair, who died on Monday, 9th November. Jimmy, although suffering severe pain, would not be put off. He wanted to take his pupils to Normandy and entertain his friends, and possibly the following extract from a letter received by Mrs Blair from Paula Grandais explains why –
“And now our dear Jimmy has gone. I know words are useless and that you certainly won’t feel like reading letters, but I must tell you that never in this part of Normandy, and particularly in the area of His Memorial (the Monument to the 15th Scottish Division) will our dear friend be forgotten”.
I am indebted to Charles Monaghan of the Parents’/Pupils Association of our Music School for the compilation of facts, figures and place names.
Jimmy Blair (Obituary)
by Norrie Williams (representing the NAAFC Exec Committee)
I had heard the Scotia Players many times on the radio in the 50’s with the distinctive one-third interval sound from the accordions, but it was not until the mid-60’s that I met Jimmy Blair in person when his band was playing at a Scottish Country Dance in Bedfordshire.
My initial impressions of Jimmy as a big jovial man with a very big heart, were to remain and strengthen as I got to know him over the last ten years. He was truly one of nature’s gentlemen, his two great loves – people and music.
He was generous to a fault with an incredible capacity for hard work and for helping others. Even when latterly dogged with deteriorating health, Jimmy drove himself to the limits to ensure that countless numbers of the younger generation would be able to carry forward the high standard of accordion playing and music which was so close to his heart. To say he succeeded is an understatement.
Unlike so many of us, Jimmy was always sympathetic to the other person’s point of view. This was clearly shown when as Chairman of the Milngavie Club for a period, although he would have preferred a 50/50 balanced programme of ‘Teuchter’ (his own affectionate term) and other music for the sake of others he strove to ensure that the programme and guest artistes were at least 85% Scottish traditional.
Incidentally, it may not be generally known that Jimmy started what must have been one of the first Accordion Clubs, The Scotia, around 1948.
There have been those who, whilst acknowledging that Jimmy was an undisputed authority in the classical and light music field, thought that he did not have quite the same feel or affection for his own native music.
Let me banish this misconception once and for all.
On one occasion when we were discussing Scottish music (what else!) over a bowl of soup, Jimmy said that of all the great artistes he had personally heard on the accordion club circuit, one in particular, his music and style, stood out above all others – Bobby MacLeod. Enough said.
All who met Jimmy are the better for having done so. The community as a whole and the accordion world, in particular, although very much the poorer for his untimely passing, have inherited a priceless legacy through his unselfish, unstinting efforts.
For many years to come, countless young fingers (and some not so young) rippling expertly over accordion keyboards will be a fitting tribute to the memory of this man.
Jimmy Blair – a Tribute
by Bill Wilkie
I was first associated with Jimmy Blair in the days when I presented Shows regularly in the City Hall, Perth. I always featured a leading Country dance band and as Jimmy’s Scotia Players were enjoying tremendous popularity at the time I invited him to take the band spots in one of the shows. He presented a vigorous band act with music in his own special style.
In succeeding years I was to meet Jimmy many times at the Festivals. We all know how successful his pupils and bands were at Perth. The work he must have put in was evident in his high standard of perfection.
Dedicated, he pressed on with his teaching, Festival organizing and recently a trip to France with his Orchestra, although, undoubtedly, he had been feeling unwell.
All who studied under him and everyone who enjoyed his Festivals owe him a great debt. He was a sincere person who commanded respect and this respect was spontaneously shown by the large numbers who attended the funeral service in Glasgow.
Jimmy will never be forgotten in our time as there will always be a Jimmy Blair prodigy playing somewhere.
Jimmy Blair
by Jimmy Clinkscale (Oakendean House, Melrose, Roxburghshire)
It was with sadness that all lovers of Scottish dance music learned of the recent death of Jimmy Blair in Glasgow’s Western General Hospital.
Jimmy (60), a self-taught accordionist, was much respected for his contribution to music through his extensive library of Country Dance tunes, hid own highly popular band and his school of music in Jordanhill.
His orchestra of young pupils toured Canada in June, when he and his wife Loretta celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary. The orchestra also played in Normandy, where Jimmy’s ashes are now buried, in September. It was a visit full of memories as Jimmy fought there during WW2 with the Glasgow Highlanders and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.
Jimmy is survived by Loretta, who continues to run the school, and their four sons, Colin (24), Malcolm (22), Gary (21) and Jamie (18) Colin, Malcolm and Gary all continue the tradition of accordion playing.
Jimmy Blair
by Adrian Hannah
Mr Blair was more than a music teachers to me ; he was a personal friend and tutor (and not always in the subject of music!) who gave unending advice and encouragement. This enthusiasm was unselfish to such an extent that he was happiest when his orchestra was touring abroad, gaining experience and friendship from accordion players in all parts of the world.
I hope this report gives ‘B&F’ readers an idea of what Mr Blair did for us all.
Accordion Tour Review
In September two Scottish Accordion Orchestras had a hectic five-day stay in Normandy, with engagements in various towns and villages. Their conductor was the late Jimmy Blair, the well-known Scottish Dance Band leader, who had been concentrating on teaching for quite a few years. The Orchestras have one many Scottish and British Championships and many of the members have also won solo, duet, group etc Championships in Britain, including Jimmy’s own son Gary. The average age is 18, but ranges from 18 to 22.
The invitation to Normandy was no accident and arose because ex-Sergeant Jimmy Blair took part in the invasion of Normandy in 1944. During those battles Jimmy was awarded the Croix de Guerre from the French Government for events which took place in and around these same villages which were visited, and where Jimmy Blair and his family had been honoured guests many, many times since 1949.
The friendships started in 1949 when a monument tot the 15th Scottish Division was unveiled. Jimmy Blair was at the ceremony and soon made friends with the locals. Especially the mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon, M. Devaux, where the monument was erected and who was of invaluable assistance to the British War Graves Commission in tracing soldiers buried in outlandish places, and arranging for re-interment in a beautiful cemetery nearby.
The son-in-law of the Mayor was a Professor at Caen University. Some years later he decided to write a book entitled ‘La Bataille Du Calvados’. One of his principal correspondents was Jimmy Blair, and after scores of letters between them and other British, French and German correspondents, the book was published. The author’s name is Albert Grandais. Many of the anecdotes in the book were the actual experiences of Jimmy Blair. Unfortunately, the book is in French!
All these connections with Normandy had made it one of Jimmy’s favourite holiday spots and he hopes to shoe the boys and girls in the Orchestra why! And also to let them see how many good men never came back from the war.
The French people who organized the tour were – M. Martin, present Mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon. M. Lepeltier, Mayor of Esquay Notre Dame, and Albert and Paula Grandais of Caen.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 27 Jan 82 Neil Barron SDB
Arniston (Rangers FC Social Club, Gorebridge) –
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Dec 81 Richard Ross 17 Jan 82 Fraser McGlynn
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Dec 81 Annual Junior Competition
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 19 Jan 82 Ron Hodgson
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall ( ) – Iain MacPhail SDB
Drumpellier (Dal;rymple House, Clelland) – 21 Dec 81
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – Annual Dinner Dance Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 5 Jan 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) –
Edinburgh (Hearts Supporters Club, 99 Slateford Rd) – 13 Jan 82 Peter Innes SDB
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13 Jan 82 Iain Kennedy (fiddle)
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Dec 81 Fort William Club 18 Jan 82 Tain SDB
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 23 Dec 81 The Lothianaires
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 23 Dec Graeme Mitchell Quartet
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 22 Dec 81 The Lothianaires 7 Jan 82 Allan Smith & the Doublet SDB
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 29 Dec 81 Langtoun Trio 29 Jan 82 Annual Dance Jimmy Shand Jnr
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 7 Jan 82 Douglas Lawrence (fiddle)
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 19 Dec 81 Tartan Lads
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) – 5 Jan 82 Tartan Lads
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25 Jan 82 Jimmy Blair Orchestra
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Jan 82 Max Houliston SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4 Jan 82 Gordon Pattullo
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – Dec 81 Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Campbeltown
6. Castle Douglas
7. Crieff
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Derwentside
11. Dundee & District
12. Dunfermline & District
13. Edinburgh
14. Fort William
15. Forres
16. Galston
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. Langholm
21. Lesmahagow
22. Lockerbie
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. New Cumnock
25. Newtongrange
26. North East
27. Oban
28. Ormiston
29. Peebles
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
32. Wooler (Glendale)
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (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 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Arniston A&F Club (cNov 1981)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
14. Cumnock A&F Club
15. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
16. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Drumpellier A&F Club (cNov 1981)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
29. Galston A&F Club (1969)
30. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. 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?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
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
We are now slap bang in the middle of season 81-82. Some Clubs are swinging merrily along while others are finding the going rough. To those Clubs who are having a rough ride I say to them ‘Hang in there’.
I know it is not easy but surely it is better for a few musicians and friends to get together is some backroom. After all, that was how it all started. It may be of interest if these Clubs would send their finding to Association Secretary Andrew Nairn. From the over-all picture may come the answer.
Denny and Dunipace Club is closing down temporarily until early spring, when they hope to re-open.
The Association Secretary, Andrew Nairn, inform me that the new order of badges and ties has arrived. The ties are brown and maroon. It would help to keep postage down if bulk orders could be sent for.
Dermot O’Brien Trio will be doing another tour from 14th April till 29th inclusive. Interested parties please contact Deryn Waitt.
The reports coming in seem to suggest that the new 12-page paper has been voted a success. This is only because you all played your part by sending the material and by the photographs from all over the Association, keep sending lads and lassies.
Finally, a word about our much maligned columnist Derek Hamilton. Derek does a great job, there are not many among us who would take the time and trouble to review tapes, records etc for us. He tells us what he feels about what he hears and if, occasionally, he finds fault, even with the best in the land, we should remember he who has never played a tune badly at some time has never been born.
Over the years I reckon that Derek has been a fair commentator of our music, whether by tape, record or radio.
Kirsty Raises £1,070
By Ian Smith
On 8th November, 1981, in the Albert Hall, Stirling, Kirsty Bissett organized her second Ceilidh in aid of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital Charity. This was an All-Day Ceilidh plus a Saturday stint in the Shopping Centre, Stirling – a magnificent effort by Kirsty and her friends who rallied round to make this grand total from a very worthwhile venture. It also gave pleasure to hundreds of people who are already requesting a repeat as soon as possible. Well done Kirsty.
From Kirsty
May I take this opportunity to thank my friends who enjoyed the Stirling Ceilidh on 20th March and asked me to hold another one and gave me the support required to be able to say we had another successful Ceilidh, so full of talent.
Again we ran out of time. What next? – a 48-hour marathon? I’m sure we could fill that over and over again with the youngsters and the not-so-young who gave their full support.
Jimmy McGregor from Perth did an excellent job along with Bill Roadie who collected the names of players. Jim kept the programme going and I’m sure he would even have danced the Highland Fling for us as he is so talented himself.
What can be added about Paddy Neary, the wizard on accordion, who gave up his Sunday afternoon to entertain us as a donation. A special thank you, Paddy.
Previous to the 8th November Ceilidh, on Saturday 31st October, we had a gatheriong of players in the Stirling Shopping Centre – the M.A.F.I.A. Gang, Vicky, Stuart and Arthur McKeown (accordion) Adam Rennie (drums) and from Dundee Mr and Mrs Tom clark with son Kevin and Bruce Quirie (accordion), sister Margaret (fiddle) Netta Brown, Tommy Millar, Andy Penman (Falkirk), Grant Crawford and Hugh Gebbie (East Kilbride), Eric Smilth (mouth organ) with daughter Alison (fiddle) from Milngavie, Bob Richardson (penny whistle), Charlotte Gibb (Fintry - accordion) and myself Kirsty on accordion.
We played from 10am until 4.30pm. Boy, did we have fun and our collectors Vicky, Netta and Nigel were delighted with the amount collected - £461 plus raffles, making a total of £500 plus £270 from 20th March, making the effort all that much more fun.
The Dundee crowd swelled on 8th November and included Jacky Cooper (drums) and John Strachan (piano). Thank you, Dundee, for the support.
The Godfather from the Mafia was let out on bail, along with George Orr and Hugh Ferguson from Balloch on drums and Sammy on guitar and vocals.
Dancing and Music
We had penny whistles, mouth organs, accordions, fiddles, drums, singers, Irish dancers and Highland dancers. A big thank you to Jacqueline Dick for the lovely dancing and music ; Michelle Mitchell, Irish dancer, Fiona and Billy Johnston and Leslie Thomson, Highland dancers ; Jimmy Baker from Perth on mouth organ and Angus Russell, folk singer.
Thank you all the non-professionals and professionals, including George Stirrat, who brought his family. Hope you all enjoyed the mysterious TV personalities and the newspaper personality – ‘Weekly News’ page 15, 28th November.
Iain MacPhail and his band played for the dancing in the evening.
Thanks are due to Ian Smith for his write-up in the ‘B&F’ and to Robbie Shepherd for his mention on ’TTF’ and to all who donated raffle prizes.
The final total for the three events was £1,070
Once again thanks and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Musselburgh Annual Festival
by Norrie Williams (Festival Chairman)
The date – Saturday, 6th March, 1982, the place – Brunton Halls, Musselburgh. A must for your diary. A day for meeting old friends, for making new ones, for discussing, arguing and airing views on the common interest which will bring us all together for that happy occasion.
A day when the emotions work overtime, a day to marvel at the superb technique of young fingers dancing effortlessly over strings and keyboards in traditional and classical vein, a day when music played from the heart curls the feet and brings goose pimples to the neck and when the infectious enjoyment of the group playing turns us all on.
And just for good measure, two hours of good music ‘off the top’ in the Grand Concert followed by three hours of dancing to a premier Scottish Dance Band.
This year we have the greatest pleasure welcoming to Musselburgh for the first time, John Huband and the Tayside Sound, a band which has well and truly established itself in the top bracket.
Once again we will be calling on members of the visiting band to for the greater part of the the adjudicating panel. The traditional accordion sections will be judged by John Huband of Dundee and Davie Stewart of Kirriemuir – no need to comment on their complete mastery of the instruments. In charge of the ‘four stringer’ section, a household name in the fiddle world, also from ‘Kirrie’ – Angus Cameron.
Completing the panel, Archie Duncan, that most experienced and respected professional accordionist from Glasgow will officiate in the classical sections and lastly the pipe music competitions which proved so successful when introduced for the first time last March will be judged by John Crawford of Freuchie, a player whose name is synonymous with pipe music on the accordion.
At the coming Musselburgh Festival (the 8th), a new cup, the Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy, donated by a well-known band drummer (who wishes to remain anonymous) is open to competitors in the band section. This trophy will be awarded to the band adjudged to have the best rhythm/backing group. The backing group would normally contain various permutations from the following – piano, harmony accordion, double bass, guitar, drums etc.
To qualify for this new trophy the line-up must include a drummer. However, the Iain MacPhail Cup is still open to all competing bands, whether or not drums are used. Although two awards are being contested, bands will only be required to play once.
On behalf of the Festival Committee I give you all, players and non-players alike, a warm invitation to join us in the Brunton Halls on 6th March.
We will try to maintain the high standard set by Miss Christine Hunter and Mr Alex Little.
One last thing. I can remember faces, but not names, so please introduce yourselves when we meet even if your names be Fitchet, MacLeod or Shand!
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
Just after my copy was submitted last month I received a phone call from Linda Brock to say that Robin had been rushed into Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with acute pains. It looked like the gall bladder trouble which has plagued Robin for the last two years from time to time.
Robin had a major operation shortly after his admission and I’m glad to report he’s now recovering at home. He’s managed into Radio Forth studios for a quick visit, but is by no means well enough yet to get back to full work. I’m sure all ‘B&F’ readers will want to say ‘Get well soon, Robin’ and we hope it’s not long before you’re back at the helm of ‘Folk’s Around Robin’.
Radio Forth have put out some repeats during Robin’s absence and Steve Jack has taken over the interview spot for the new stuff.
Take the Floor
TTF on BBC Radio Scotland seems to be going from strength to strength since Freeland Barbour took over the production. The band sessions have been, on the whole, better from a recording point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lothian session even though George Meikle was in danger of taking over Alex MacArthur’s record of ‘most slips in a broadcast’. The sets were good and almost all of them appear on the band’s new record.
The Tain chose to do the same (play all the sets from their new record) on their latest broadcast. Clean, tidy playing here from this good, solid, if a little old fashioned dance band.
The highlight, for me though, from the last month’s broadcasts was Robbie Shepherd’s feature on Tom Hughes, the fiddler from Jedburgh.
Tom’s a natural for interview and his stories of the past were most interesting and his fiddle playing a treat. His border accent was so infectious even Robbie Shepherd was slipping into the ‘twang’ as well!
‘The Reel Blend’ on Friday nights is an excellent programme with Robbie Shepherd presenting a fine balance of old and new. The 9.30 slot on Friday nights, however, I’m sure, is a drawback to audience figures. Hopefully Freeland Barbour can find another time for this programme so that a wider audience can hear it. Robbie has managed to cater for the enthusiast as well as the regular punter.
Max Houliston has his first broadcast in a long, long time on 12th December and on the same night Robbie has a chat with John Huband.
On 19th December the Glendarual Band make a welcome return and the feature will be on Donal Ring, the Irish Ceili Band leader.
Bill Black’s Band star in the ‘TTF’ programme going out on Boxing Night. The show will only run 50 minutes that night and there will be no feature.
A couple of audience shows recorded at Aberdeen studio will be broadcast on the first two Saturdays of the new year. John Ellis and the Highland Country Band appear on the 2nd and John Huband and the Tayside Sound on the 9th.
West Sound
John Carmichael has fairly settled into his new profession as presenter on West Sound of the programme ‘Sounds Scottish’. The show goes out on Sundays between 5 and 7pm. John manages to dig up some super records and his chat is excellent.
John (Ikey to his friends) has spent a big part of his working life in Canada and he leans toward Cape Breton music. Very happy, infectious music it is too. The Cape Breton Symphony is a record which John features quite a lot. Great stuff indeed.
Ne’erday Shows being broadcast this year are as follows –
The BBC have a ‘Hogmanay Spectacular’ live from the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh from 11pm on Old Year’s Night to 1am on New Years morning.
It’s just part of the composite bonanza that will start at 7pm and go on through to the wee sma’ hours.
At 9pm there will be a live concert from the Glasgow studio by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. This will last about an hour.
Jim Johnstone and his Band feature in the live session from the Caledonian at just after midnight and earlier on the Jack Sinclair Showband take part in a recorded session of the Radio Two Ballroom from the Royal Darroch Hotel in Cults in Aberdeen.
Full details of all the artists taking part are not to hand as I write this, but the whole programme should contain a little bit of everything from disco to Scottish.
The bumper two-week edition of ‘Radio Times’ will have full details well in advance.
I understand too that all the local stations will have their own shows for Hogmanay.
Billy Grant
By Derek Hamilton
The backline of the current Scottish Dance Bands get more publicity nowadays than ever before. And quite rightly too! Names like Davie Flockhart, Gus Millar, Billy Craib, Billy Thom and Neil McMillan have become just about as well known names as Jim Johnstone, Jim MacLeod, Alex MacArthur and so on.
It’s really only in comparatively recent times that the back-line boys have been given credit. In the past, all but perhaps the most popular bands, like Ian Powrie for example, had comparatively anonymous side men.
One such anonymous player is Billy Grant. Billy is a drummer of the highest calibre who has appeared on countless records and broadcasts as well as television shows with some of the top names in the Scottish music scene.
Billy lives in Glasgow and in the mid-sixties was the regular drummer with Alistair Herron and his band. He did broadcasts of Scottish dance music with Alistair between 1964 and 1967. Billy was also the drummer on Max Houliston’s first broadcast from Glasgow in 1965.
Colin Campbell and his Highland Band used Billy Grant on drums for broadcasts and records. ‘Up Among the Heather’ was one record which springs to mind.
In 1964 BBC Television had a series of ‘Songs All the Way’ in which Alistair Herron’s Band featured. Billy was there on drums. On STV in 1967/68 you may remember a series with Alasdair Gillies called ‘Alasdair Sings’. It featured Colin Campbell’s Highland Band with, of course, Billy Grant on drums.
Apart from all the tours with shows like’This is Scotland’, Billy also accompanied Alasdair Gillies, Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor, and many more, to places as far apart as Wick and Brighton and just about everywhere in between.
Billy did quite a few records for David Silver when his band was popular in the ‘60’s.
More recently LPs like ‘Souvenir of Scotland’ with Malcolm Kennedy, ‘Swing Your Partners’ with Fergie MacDonald, ‘Scottish Accordion Hits’ Vols 1 & 2 with Calum McLean, ‘Hot Stuff’ with the Currie Brothers, ‘Take Two’ also by those brilliant boys from Milngavie, have all had Billy Grant on drums.
Sandy MacArthur used Billy on his first album for Bluebell and Tommy Darkie’s ‘Homecoming’ on the Shona label had Billy Grant on drums.
Billy is a self-taught drummer who has a great knowledge of the Scottish scene and an all-round capability in modern music as well. Like so many other drummers his idol in the early days was the legendary Arthur Easson. He’s also a great admirer of Billy Thom and Gus Millar.
Nowadays Billy plays mainly with button box player Charlie Kirkpatrick, but enjoys the odd session now and then.
The wealth of talent amongst the ‘back-line’ boys is tremendous. Billy Grant is just one example from scores of great back-line musicians who very seldom hear their names mentioned.
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
A record came to my notice recently which, I think, is one of the best to come out of the Scottish scene for some time. It’s a live L.P. recorded at Crieff Hydro Hotel, and features Ron Gonella on fiddle, John Gibson on piano and Iain MacPhail on accordion. There’s also songs by a super singer.
The LP contains some of the finest fiddle playing I have heard in a long time. I am conscious on having made comment on Ron Gonella in the past when I said I didn’t think he was the best band fiddler in the business, but on this LP he shines. This is undoubtedly Ron Gonella’s forte. He is a superb soloist, possibly the best around at present. His sweet style is instantly recognisable. The sweetness of his fiddle verges on the beautiful. There are loads of superlatives I could add but one that springs to mind which I think sums up the sound which Ron produces – soothing.
Ron also introduces each set with just a little bit about the tunes (the sleeve goes into more detail) and the audience are totally unobtrusive but responsive when required.
There are some great tunes, both traditional and contemporary, played impeccably by the Perthshire fiddler. Some of his own compositions are super.
The backing is provided by John Gibson from Edinburgh on piano (electronic vox provides bass and piano sounds on the fiddle tracks and Linda Rhodes is used on the vocal tracks).
Iain MacPhail provides a most tasteful back-up on accordion, sometimes playing melody, sometimes chords and harmony, but never dominating the fiddle.
Songs are well chosen, although this is the one area where the recording falls down slightly. The voice levels are low and the backing tends to over-power on occasions. This is no fault of the musicians however. The blame must be shouldered by the Craighall Mobile Unit and Bryce Laing. One blemish in an otherwise excellent recording.
The sweet, singing sound of the fiddle has been captured perfectly by the Craighall boys.
The LP has no label name, but is titled ‘Ron Gonella and Friends Live at Crieff Hydro Hotel’. A super record indeed.
David Silver’s Bluebell label continues to release albums at an enormous rate. This month four new records have popped through the distributors letterboxes and have found their way into the shops.
The Golden Fiddle Awards 1981 Vol 2 – Bluebell BBR/LP143
Long Live the Scottish Dance Bands – Bluebell BBR/LP 145 (a sampler)
It’s the Tain Again – Bluebell BBR LP 140
The Way Old Friends Do - The Alexander Brothers - Lismor LIDL 6004
In Strict Tempo - The Lothian SDB – Lismor LILP 5112
With the Jimmy Blair Tour in Normandy
by Adrian Hannah
Thursday, 24th September, 1981
The party departed Glasgow at 9.30am, travelling by coach to Southampton, where we boarded the ferry for Le Havre, arriving there in the early hours of Friday morning.
Friday, 25th September, 1981
From Le Havre we traveled to Caen, the city of 100 spires, a city heavily bombed at the time of the D-Day Landings.Here we were met by M. Albert Grandais, author of ‘La Bataille Du Calvados’ – M. Martin, Mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon, and members of the French-Great Britain Society. We were given a conducted tour of the Castle of William the Conqueror – the city and the Town Hall, and then entertained to a ‘Wine of Honour’, something we would come to know very well before our trip was over.
After some free time to stroll around Caen we headed for the village of Esquay Notre Dame, still in the area of Calvados. Here we were greeted by the local Mayor M. Lepeltier. Arriving as we did, just as the local primary school was breaking up for the day, the Orchestra was requested to give an impromptu concert much to the delight of the young children and mothers present. The children sat in a semi-circle in the playground, as the Orchestra played for some 30 minutes to rapturous applause.
Afterwards, we retired to the Town Hall, where we were entertained to another feat of local home baking and soft drinks. From Esquay we traveled to what was to be our base for the visit ‘The Convent of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary’ at Vire, where, all tired, we had dinner and relaxed after our long trip.
Saturday, 26th September, 1981
After a fairly easy morning the party headed for Caen, for our first official engagement at the Caen Fair, the second largest in France, where we were entertained to an excellent lunch, before playing in the Palais de Sports.
The concert was exceptionally well received by both the public and the Press, and really set the scene for the rest of the tour. Late in the afternoon we left the Calvados region, and traveled to Le-Beny-Bocage and the town of Saint-Martin-de-Besaces, to be met by M. Mennard, the leading local business man, who gave us a tour of the local War Museum which was the work of M. Mennard and his family, before escorting us to the local village hall, where our next concert was to be held. M. Mennard informed us, that although he had distributed 100 posters, 1,000 handbills and sold tickets, local people still did not believe that two Accordion Orchestras were coming all the way from Scotland to play for them.
It was here that we realised just what a fan club Jimmy Blair had in Normandy, and yet this was the first time he had taken his pupils to the area he loved so well. They had followed us from Caen, both old and new friends of Jimmy’s. Of the 43 in our party, 42 were treated like Lords, but the King’s honours were reserved for Jimmy, so high was the esteem in which he was held.
Once again the concert was a huge success, both Orchestras playing so well for Jimmy and their audience. Once the show was over, the chairs were all cleared, the tables laid, and again the ‘Wine of Honour’ was on, and this was midnight.
Sunday, 27th September, 1981
A day free from concerts and a chance for Jimmy to take us on the grand tour of ‘His Normandy’ – jog a few memories – and introduce the young to a piece of history they knew so little about.
Our first stop was the Monument to the 15th Scottish Division at Tourville-Sur-Odon, where we were met by M. Martin, the local Mayor, and a party of old soldiers and Resistance workers, bedecked with medals, as was Jimmy, with his Croix de Guerre in pride of place.
As arranged by Jimmy, some of the lads donned their accordions and played the French National Anthem as both M. Martin and Jimmy placed wreaths on the Monument, Jimmy’s wreath having been brought all the way from Scotland.
The service over, once again the inevitable ‘Wine of Honour’ in the local hall, from where we traveled to the very impressive and beautifully maintained British Cemetery. This also contained the graves of some young German boy soldiers, who had been on maneuvers at the time of the landings.
Next port of call was Bayeaux and the recently-opened War Museum, full of relics from the Second World War, and if you didn’t get round this with Jimmy you missed out.
Time now to visit the beaches and this took us to Arramanche, a friendly seaside town, which in itself is a museum, with all types of war machines, refurbished and on display on the front, overlooking the artificial harbour created by the allies. From here we headed for Saint Lo, an evening meal and back to Vire to relax in whatever way we chose.
Monday , 28th September, 1981
After a fairly leisurely day we made for Esquay Notre Dame and the home of M. Lepeltier, where, we were entertained, all 43 of us, until it was time for our final concert of the tour in the village awarded the Croix de Guerre, as was Jimmy for his exploits in and around it. Here, once again, although the majority of the faces were new ones to us, the familiar ones of the fan club which had by now increased were very much in evidence.
The concert was as before, with both Orchestras playing, and displays of both Highland and Irish dancing. For confirmation of how well the tour had gone, on this last night, one had only to look at the smile on Jimmy’s face – a smile as big as the man himself – an ambition fulfilled, to present his pupils to his friends in Normandy.
One of the pieces performed by the Orchestras was a local song, especially arranged by Jimmy, called ‘Ma Normandie’. Our trip was all but over, just the journey home now, but it had ended as it had begun, on a very high note, and we all knew it was ‘His Normandy’.
Postscript : Since the tour of Normandy we have all been grieved by the loss to us of Jimmy Blair, who died on Monday, 9th November. Jimmy, although suffering severe pain, would not be put off. He wanted to take his pupils to Normandy and entertain his friends, and possibly the following extract from a letter received by Mrs Blair from Paula Grandais explains why –
“And now our dear Jimmy has gone. I know words are useless and that you certainly won’t feel like reading letters, but I must tell you that never in this part of Normandy, and particularly in the area of His Memorial (the Monument to the 15th Scottish Division) will our dear friend be forgotten”.
I am indebted to Charles Monaghan of the Parents’/Pupils Association of our Music School for the compilation of facts, figures and place names.
Jimmy Blair (Obituary)
by Norrie Williams (representing the NAAFC Exec Committee)
I had heard the Scotia Players many times on the radio in the 50’s with the distinctive one-third interval sound from the accordions, but it was not until the mid-60’s that I met Jimmy Blair in person when his band was playing at a Scottish Country Dance in Bedfordshire.
My initial impressions of Jimmy as a big jovial man with a very big heart, were to remain and strengthen as I got to know him over the last ten years. He was truly one of nature’s gentlemen, his two great loves – people and music.
He was generous to a fault with an incredible capacity for hard work and for helping others. Even when latterly dogged with deteriorating health, Jimmy drove himself to the limits to ensure that countless numbers of the younger generation would be able to carry forward the high standard of accordion playing and music which was so close to his heart. To say he succeeded is an understatement.
Unlike so many of us, Jimmy was always sympathetic to the other person’s point of view. This was clearly shown when as Chairman of the Milngavie Club for a period, although he would have preferred a 50/50 balanced programme of ‘Teuchter’ (his own affectionate term) and other music for the sake of others he strove to ensure that the programme and guest artistes were at least 85% Scottish traditional.
Incidentally, it may not be generally known that Jimmy started what must have been one of the first Accordion Clubs, The Scotia, around 1948.
There have been those who, whilst acknowledging that Jimmy was an undisputed authority in the classical and light music field, thought that he did not have quite the same feel or affection for his own native music.
Let me banish this misconception once and for all.
On one occasion when we were discussing Scottish music (what else!) over a bowl of soup, Jimmy said that of all the great artistes he had personally heard on the accordion club circuit, one in particular, his music and style, stood out above all others – Bobby MacLeod. Enough said.
All who met Jimmy are the better for having done so. The community as a whole and the accordion world, in particular, although very much the poorer for his untimely passing, have inherited a priceless legacy through his unselfish, unstinting efforts.
For many years to come, countless young fingers (and some not so young) rippling expertly over accordion keyboards will be a fitting tribute to the memory of this man.
Jimmy Blair – a Tribute
by Bill Wilkie
I was first associated with Jimmy Blair in the days when I presented Shows regularly in the City Hall, Perth. I always featured a leading Country dance band and as Jimmy’s Scotia Players were enjoying tremendous popularity at the time I invited him to take the band spots in one of the shows. He presented a vigorous band act with music in his own special style.
In succeeding years I was to meet Jimmy many times at the Festivals. We all know how successful his pupils and bands were at Perth. The work he must have put in was evident in his high standard of perfection.
Dedicated, he pressed on with his teaching, Festival organizing and recently a trip to France with his Orchestra, although, undoubtedly, he had been feeling unwell.
All who studied under him and everyone who enjoyed his Festivals owe him a great debt. He was a sincere person who commanded respect and this respect was spontaneously shown by the large numbers who attended the funeral service in Glasgow.
Jimmy will never be forgotten in our time as there will always be a Jimmy Blair prodigy playing somewhere.
Jimmy Blair
by Jimmy Clinkscale (Oakendean House, Melrose, Roxburghshire)
It was with sadness that all lovers of Scottish dance music learned of the recent death of Jimmy Blair in Glasgow’s Western General Hospital.
Jimmy (60), a self-taught accordionist, was much respected for his contribution to music through his extensive library of Country Dance tunes, hid own highly popular band and his school of music in Jordanhill.
His orchestra of young pupils toured Canada in June, when he and his wife Loretta celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary. The orchestra also played in Normandy, where Jimmy’s ashes are now buried, in September. It was a visit full of memories as Jimmy fought there during WW2 with the Glasgow Highlanders and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.
Jimmy is survived by Loretta, who continues to run the school, and their four sons, Colin (24), Malcolm (22), Gary (21) and Jamie (18) Colin, Malcolm and Gary all continue the tradition of accordion playing.
Jimmy Blair
by Adrian Hannah
Mr Blair was more than a music teachers to me ; he was a personal friend and tutor (and not always in the subject of music!) who gave unending advice and encouragement. This enthusiasm was unselfish to such an extent that he was happiest when his orchestra was touring abroad, gaining experience and friendship from accordion players in all parts of the world.
I hope this report gives ‘B&F’ readers an idea of what Mr Blair did for us all.
Accordion Tour Review
In September two Scottish Accordion Orchestras had a hectic five-day stay in Normandy, with engagements in various towns and villages. Their conductor was the late Jimmy Blair, the well-known Scottish Dance Band leader, who had been concentrating on teaching for quite a few years. The Orchestras have one many Scottish and British Championships and many of the members have also won solo, duet, group etc Championships in Britain, including Jimmy’s own son Gary. The average age is 18, but ranges from 18 to 22.
The invitation to Normandy was no accident and arose because ex-Sergeant Jimmy Blair took part in the invasion of Normandy in 1944. During those battles Jimmy was awarded the Croix de Guerre from the French Government for events which took place in and around these same villages which were visited, and where Jimmy Blair and his family had been honoured guests many, many times since 1949.
The friendships started in 1949 when a monument tot the 15th Scottish Division was unveiled. Jimmy Blair was at the ceremony and soon made friends with the locals. Especially the mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon, M. Devaux, where the monument was erected and who was of invaluable assistance to the British War Graves Commission in tracing soldiers buried in outlandish places, and arranging for re-interment in a beautiful cemetery nearby.
The son-in-law of the Mayor was a Professor at Caen University. Some years later he decided to write a book entitled ‘La Bataille Du Calvados’. One of his principal correspondents was Jimmy Blair, and after scores of letters between them and other British, French and German correspondents, the book was published. The author’s name is Albert Grandais. Many of the anecdotes in the book were the actual experiences of Jimmy Blair. Unfortunately, the book is in French!
All these connections with Normandy had made it one of Jimmy’s favourite holiday spots and he hopes to shoe the boys and girls in the Orchestra why! And also to let them see how many good men never came back from the war.
The French people who organized the tour were – M. Martin, present Mayor of Tourville-Sur-Odon. M. Lepeltier, Mayor of Esquay Notre Dame, and Albert and Paula Grandais of Caen.
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 27 Jan 82 Neil Barron SDB
Arniston (Rangers FC Social Club, Gorebridge) –
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 20 Dec 81 Richard Ross 17 Jan 82 Fraser McGlynn
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) – 21 Dec 81 Annual Junior Competition
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) –
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) – 19 Jan 82 Ron Hodgson
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall ( ) – Iain MacPhail SDB
Drumpellier (Dal;rymple House, Clelland) – 21 Dec 81
Dumfries (Oughton’s)
Dunblane (Hydro) –
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) – Annual Dinner Dance Iain MacPhail SDB
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) – 5 Jan 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) –
Edinburgh (Hearts Supporters Club, 99 Slateford Rd) – 13 Jan 82 Peter Innes SDB
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) –
Forres (Brig Motel) – 13 Jan 82 Iain Kennedy (fiddle)
Fort William (Highland Hotel) –
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 21 Dec 81 Fort William Club 18 Jan 82 Tain SDB
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 23 Dec 81 The Lothianaires
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 23 Dec Graeme Mitchell Quartet
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 22 Dec 81 The Lothianaires 7 Jan 82 Allan Smith & the Doublet SDB
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 29 Dec 81 Langtoun Trio 29 Jan 82 Annual Dance Jimmy Shand Jnr
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 7 Jan 82 Douglas Lawrence (fiddle)
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 19 Dec 81 Tartan Lads
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) – 5 Jan 82 Tartan Lads
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 25 Jan 82 Jimmy Blair Orchestra
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) –
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Jan 82 Max Houliston SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) – 4 Jan 82 Gordon Pattullo
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – Dec 81 Iain MacPhail SDB
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Alnwick
2. Armadale
3. Balloch
4. Beith & District
5. Campbeltown
6. Castle Douglas
7. Crieff
8. Cumnock & District
9. Dalriada
10. Derwentside
11. Dundee & District
12. Dunfermline & District
13. Edinburgh
14. Fort William
15. Forres
16. Galston
17. Highland
18. Kelso
19. Kintore
20. Langholm
21. Lesmahagow
22. Lockerbie
23. M.A.F.I.A.
24. New Cumnock
25. Newtongrange
26. North East
27. Oban
28. Ormiston
29. Peebles
30. Shetland
31. Thurso
32. Wooler (Glendale)
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (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 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Arniston A&F Club (cNov 1981)
5. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
10. Buchan A&F Club
11. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
12. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
13. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
14. Cumnock A&F Club
15. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
16. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
17. Derwentside A&F Club
18. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
19. Drumpellier A&F Club (cNov 1981)
20. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
22. Dundee & District A&F Club
23. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
24. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
25. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
26. Falkirk A&F Club
27. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
28. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
29. Galston A&F Club (1969)
30. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. 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?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
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