Ian Holmes (1935 - 2017)
Ian served in the RAF from 1956 to 1958.
He was a member of Andrew Rankine's Broadcasting Band from 1960 until 1962.
He recorded, broadcast and appeared on The White Heather Club including two shows from Germany with Bobby MacLeod's band.
A bandleader for 52 years, Ian's first engagement with his own band was a BBC broadcast from Edinburgh on 7" May 1962 and the final public performance with his six piece band was at the meeting on 71h January, 2014 of the local Islesteps Accordion & Fiddle Club (See Story)
He recorded around 18 albums.
A prolific composer, he has produced over 450 tunes in various styles. This year alone (2014), he has been inspired to compose around 25 tunes of various styles:- Scottish--Irish--Bagpipe Marches--Scandinavian and Swiss. His latest tune "Maggie's 100th" is a fig for the special birthday of their long-time friend, Maggie Bisset.
Also this year he has been kept busy arranging and recording 14 tunes for a new CD "Ian In Switzerland (Volume Two)" All the parts were written and multi-tracked by Ian.
He and his wife Margaret also feature in a new DVD which was produced by local photographer, Brian Sherman. Containing five of Ian's Swiss-style tunes including a new schottisch "Dolfi Rogenmoser’s 80th Birthday". The DVD was gifted to their long-time friend whom they first met in 1983. Dolfi is one of Switzerlands' top accordionists.
Many of Ian's tunes have been dedicated to friends and family (There are 6 for his wife Margaret) and even the family pets have their tunes: - Karmas' Waltz--Kirsty's Waltz--Bellevalsen etc. and many are of local interest: -
The Dumfries Two-Step, The Dumfries Waltz, The Dumfries Strathspey, The Queen Of The South Polka, Torthorwald Castle (Polka), Caerlaverock Castle, Cardoness Castle, Glenkiln, Glenmidge, Glenmarlin, Morton Castle, Portrack House, Bessie's Hill, Underwood Cottage, Sweetheart Abbey, The Loreburn Jig, The Castledykes Reel, Rotchell Strathspey, The Glencairn Reel, Steilston Hill.
"Paddy's Rickle Bridge" on the A74 just south of Crawford. He must have crossed it hundreds of times going to and coming home from "gigs ".
A bagpipe march "Riddance Cottage" was written on 11th March, 2014 i.e. 79 years to the day after Ian was born there in 1935
"The Thornhill-Billy" is dedicated to their friend and fellow accordionist Billy Telfer.
Ian's Swiss tune "Ernst Ehrler Schottisch" was played by Joe Wiget's Landlerkapelle on a CD to mark the 65th birthday of their pianist friend Ernie.
One of Norway's most respected accordionists, Arnstein Johansen, produced a beautiful arrangement for three accordions, of Ian's waltz "Sunset On The Fjord". Although they never met, he and Ian were pen-pals for around twenty-five years.
In 1987 Ian was made an honourary member of the Bromolla Accordion Orchestra of Sweden and he still keeps in contact with several of the musicians.
Ian Johnstone Holmes was born on 11th March, 1935 at No 1 Riddance Cottage, Irongray, the home of his grandparents, James & Mary Cook. His parents were Archiebald Holmes who hailed from Clydebank and his mother Janet Cook. His father was employed as a chauffeur/gardener at Mabie House on the road between Dumfries and New Abbey. It might be interesting to note that on his birthday, 79 years later in 2014 he composed a bagpipe march which he called Riddance Cottage.
Although his Dad was a good player of the melodian, there was never one in the house, for money was tight and he considered the purchase of an instrument to be secondary to the needs of his young family, elder brother Archie and younger sister Janet (Etta).
The family moved from Mabie to Underwood Cottage with Dad happy to be working for Mr Wellwood-Maxwell of Steilston House. There are photographs of brother Archie on his bicycle and Ian on his tricycle. Whilst here, Ian started at Steilston School. From there the family moved to Portrack House in the Parish of Hollywood. Dad was employed at the Dalbeattie munitions factory and it entailed much travel. Although a promise had been made to allow the family the use of the cottage for the "duration of the war", the promise was broken and once again there was a move to Summerhill, a two-room bothy on the Cowhill Estate. By this time, Ian was a pupil of Hollywood Primary School. When the house became unsuitable for a growing family, they moved to 60 Queen Street in Dumfries, from where they attended St Michael's School.
Although he had not previously shown any great interest or aptitude for music, Ian began to play the piano-accordion when he was around 11 or 12 years of age on an instrument left at the house by his elder brother's pal Tommy Donohue and later-on, one borrowed from Robert Sturgeon the local butcher The first tune he mastered was The Auld Hoose (A brick at a time!) played on the black notes and although self-taught, he made good progress.
At that time shortly after the war 1946/47, the YWCA and YMCA were amalgamated and located in a joint clubhouse near the family home in Queen Street, Ian was soon asked to supply the music at parties and small dances and he was enrolled into the YW(M)CA concert party. It was about this time that he first heard Jimmy Shand and his band playing on the wireless and they bought the first "Shand" 78 rpm records. Little did he know that this musician, whom many looked on as a God-like figure, would become a personal friend over many years.
The first accordion he purchased for £11 from a man living in Castle Street. It was a 48 bass Puratone and there are photographs showing him with this instrument. When the Robert Wilson Show appeared at St Mary's Hall, accordionist Will Starr was on the bill and afterwards Dad took Ian backstage to meet him. He invited Ian to come to the County Hotel next morning and on hearing Ian play , Will gave him good advice on the use of the left-hand chords. Twenty-eight years would pass before they met once more. This time they had much to talk about, for by then Ian was a well ' established broadcasting and recording bandleader and whilst employed at Alexander’s Bus Factory in Camelon, his workmate was Will's brother-in-law, Jake Gilfilon.
A gentleman by the name of Tommy Wells who had a shop on the corner of Barnslaps and Henry Street played the piano and also the piano-accordion. When he decided to emigrate to Australia, he offered Ian his 80 bass Soprani accordion for the knock-down price of £15.00.
Ian can remember playing at charity functions in the Methodist Hall (now the King Robert The Bruce pub) on Buccleuch Street, St Georges Hall also Buccleuch Street, St Andrews Church Hall, Brooke Street, St Joseph's College and the old Troqueer Church Hall on Church Street, Maxwelltown. His first paid engagement was a Girls Guide party in the hall of the High School in George Street (Latterly the Loreburn Primary School). As usual he had to carry his accordion all the way from his home in Queen Street and back. He well remembers the reaction from the Guide leader, for she was less than happy when he asked for a fee of 10 shillings (50p in today’s money)
Around 1948 he decided that if he was to progress, he should learn to read music and he enrolled for lessons from Alex Carter in Lincluden. At that time Alex did not like Scottish Dance Music and he taught Ian mainly light classics. Ian believes it was the correct decision and that it is wrong to be taught Traditional Music as it tends to produce "clones ". It cannot be just coincidence that the 'big four' Shand, MacLeod, Fitchet and Powrie were virtually self-taught and they had nothing to learn and they were the inspiration to Ian and many of his generation and they remain inspirational. The best way to learn is by listening to the top performers. Although best-known as a Scottish Dance Musician, Ian has many musical interests and he is in no doubt his broad early grounding helped foster those interests. He is considered to be one of Scotland's most versatile accordionists with wide interests and a vast repertoire of Scandinavian and Continental tunes. He also has a special interest in Swiss music.
Having made progress Alex suggested Ian purchase a reconditioned 120 bass Scandalli Vibrante Four piano-accordion from Burns of London.
He was asked to play solos in concerts by the local RAFA Orchestra of which Alex was the conductor Most were held in the Drill Hall (now Loreburn Hall) Dumfries but they also played in Selkirk and at the Princes Street Bandstand, Edinburgh.
Alex also had him play as a member of Jock Thomson Concert Party which entertained round the village halls. Among the places they performed were:- Templand, Hightae, Shawhead, New Abbey, Haugh Of Urr, Dalry, Balmaclellan, Lockerbie, Kettleholm, Dornoch, Eastriggs and The Rigg.
When he was 14 Ian started to play as a member of Henry Connelly Band. This band was very popular and had engagements most Fridays and Saturdays. As ever, the accordion had to be carried from Queen Street to the Whitesands where Ian caught a bus to the rendezvous point (often Auldgirth Inn) Having played two nights and stayed with the Connelly family at Closeburn, he returned home on Sunday. All this for 15/- (75p) per night'
When he was around 15 he met Bobby MacLeod and his band at a dance in Moniaive. Ian played Bobby's Co-operativa accordion at half-time. Thereby started friendships which would last for over 50 years. The band line-up was:- Bobby and Alasdair Downie (accordions), Alex "Pibroch" Mackenzie (ddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Willie Lowe (double-bass) and Johnny Fellows (drums). Johnny was the first drummer to use brushes in a Scottish Dance Band and thereby started a trend. Willie Lowe and Ian remain friends and often have a "blether" on the telephone. Bobby maintained, that when he started to play at dances, he asked Willie to join him on piano, although Willie preferred Modern Music. He remembered asking Willie's advice on the correct harmonies to use with Gaelic waltzes. Willie replied "I don "t know, but the church harmonies would be these, to which Bobby stated "well if they are good enough for the church, they'll be good enough for us ". Many of the clever harmonies still used today were Willie's ideas. He was the first second accordionist to play a chordal accompaniment.
Later in 1984 in his book Pas De Bas, Bobby would write:-
"One of my best friends, Ian Holmes, the "Musicians ' Musician", delights with his flair for arrangements of the highest taste, combining always a subtlety of thought in his work". "Ian also innovates in himself outside the field of arranging, by playing professionally, all three types of accordion". (Piano-accordion, five-row continental chromatic and the Hohner "Shand" Morino 3-row British Chromatic)
In 1953 Ian purchased Bobby's Co-operativa accordion for £60 from Andy Tosh of the Hawthorn Accordion Band. This was the instrument on which Bobby had recorded his famous first tracks for Beltona. Sets such as:- Mrs MacLeods' Reel, The Balmoral Highlanders, Bonnie Dundee Gaelic Waltz, Glasgow Highlanders, Eva Three-Step etc. That night (2nd June 1953), seated on a lorry platform at the Cross of Moniaive, in bitter cold weather, Ian played it for the celebrations to mark the coronation of our present Queen Elizabeth. (In fact it was so cold he reverted to wearing a borrowed pair of woolen gloves) Later whilst travelling back home to Dumfries, he recalls seeing the many remnants of bonfires on top of the surrounding hills. Ian sold his Scandalli accordion to Morton Harvey from Nether-Kier Farm and around 1998 he would get it back from Morton’s widow, Christine. By that time the instrument was un-playable but Ian had it overhauled with new bellows fitted and it was so good he used it as one of four, played on his band's 2006 broadcast.
Also in 1953 Angus Fitchet's band were playing at a dance in the Scaurbridge Hall Penpont. As usual, the music was exceptional and Ian was among a crowd gathered round the stage. Angus bent down and remarked to Ian and the lovely girl standing next to him " I haven "t seen you twa dancing yet ". They did have a dance and this led to them starting courting. They have now been married for over 55 years. Bless you "Wee Fitchy"!
Margaret Bell also played the accordion and later they would play several duets, including Frosini's "Spick and Span" in that same Scaurbridge Hall and later still, Margaret played a set of Scottish Jigs in a broadcast from the Hall of Laurieknowe Primary School.
Around this time in 1953 whilst walking on English Street, Dumfries they met Jimmy Shand and his fiddler Syd Chambers and so started another long-lasting friendship. Both Syd and Ian were members of Bobby MacLeod's Band which recorded 2 LP`s, "The Scottish Dance Master and " A Scotsmans' Songs at the Decca Studios in West Hampstead in the mid-sixties.
In 1956 Ian underwent an operation and whilst convalescing he attended a dance at Kirkbean Hall where Bobby MacLeod's band were playing. It was just a five-piece, for second-accordionist, Hugh Mularky was ill. Bobby asked Ian to sit in. Later in the County Hotel in Dumfries Ian and Margaret joined Bobby and the band for a cup of tea. Bonnie Prince Charlie was reputated to have stayed in this hotel. Davie Whitehead excused himself saying he was tired and off to bed. However, he was soon back again, for when going upstairs, the night-porter had put his hand on Davie's bottom, saying, 'You'd better watch out, for Prince Charlie's ghost might walk tonight'. Next day Ian travelled with the band to play in Northumberland.
He recalls one of the dances was at a place called Cambo.Back at the lodgings after the dance, they discovered that there were two double beds in one large room and the beds had been made so that one person's pillow was at the head of the bed whilst the other was at the bottom, so it was head to toe. Davie Whitehead gulped "It's the Dublin Fusiliers tonight".
After a few 'blethers ' it was decided they should try to get some sleep but pianist, Davie quietly started whistling. The drummer, Lawrence Brotherhood eventually asked him to stop, to which Davie replied, 'Aye! Ok then, but let me finish the set first, twice each tune and back to the original '. The band line-up was Bobby & Ian on piano-accordions, Jimmy Ritchie (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Jimmy "Dinger" Bell (bass) and Lawrence Brotherhood (drums)
Also in 1956 Ian was "called up" for National Service in the Royal Air Force where he gained the lowly but grand-sounding rank of Senior Aircraftsman. He enlisted at Cardington where he remembers seeing the giant hanger which had been built to house the airship, R101. He then did his "square-bashing" at Bridgenorth and afterwards, his trade-training at Kirkham on the road between Preston and Blackpool. He remembers hitch-hiking from there to Dumfries with only about a shilling in his pocket. The wage was around £1.10/- per week. He was then sent to his permanent posting at West Freugh, Stranraer where he stayed till he was demobbed in 1958. By hitch-hiking, he was able to be home most weekends.
During his time at The Freugh', he often entertained his pals in the billets and he also played in the Officers 'Mess and for Flight get-togethers in Addie Swan's pub at Stoneykirk. Around this time he composed his first tunes, a 6/8 bagpipe march "Miss Margaret Bell" and "The Queen Of The South Polka".
In 1957 he was granted sufficient leave in order to practice and compete at a major accordion event in the City Hall Perth. From an entry of around 35, he won the All Scotland, Senior Traditional March Strathspey & Reel Section and was presented with the Jimmy Shand Shield.
Whilst at West Freugh, Ian went with some of his mates to a dance at nearby Sandhead, where he recalls seeing a notice stating, GENTLEMEN ARE FORBIDDEN TO DANCE WITH MALE PARTNERS.
Early in 1958 he went on leave with his pal Ted Hayes to his home in Dublin. At a dance in the Irish Club he met Pat McGarr and his Gallowglass Ceilidh Band. On learning that Ian was soon to be demobbed, Pat offered him a job playing with the band. As he and Margaret planned to marry soon after demob and after giving the matter much thought, Ian declined Pat's offer. Back in "civvy street" he returned to his mundane job as a coachbuilder for A.C. Penman where his mates nick-named him The "long-distance melodian player".
He and Margaret were married on the 6th of November that year and they spent their honeymoon at the Mishnish Hotel in Tobermory with Bobby and Jean MacLeod. They all went to the Golf Dance where the music was played by Pibroch MacKenzie and Calum MacLean. Ian and Calum have been firm friends since that time. Ian and Margaret set up home at Barrview in Amisfield, where they took an active interest in the village life. He also purchased his first Hohner accordion, a Morino 4 M and he did his first solo radio broadcast in a show called "Almost Brand New" on the BBC Scottish Home Service. Brogue shoes were in vogue at the time and he remembers being asked to remove his, to avoid the stamping sound being picked up by the microphones.
Once after a concert in Amisfield Hall, Ian and Margaret's uncles, Jim and Tom were gathered round the piano having a “‘tune" when he noticed the show's producer, hunched up and shaking whilst holding a cable. It quickly dawned on him, the man was being electrocuted and he managed to shout and gain the attention of one of the cast, Billy Brown who quickly pulled the cable from the wall socket and no doubt saved Mr Jimmy Gair 's life.
At this time Ian also joined The Raindrops Concert Party (Just a bunch of drips) which was organised by Mr Arthur Greenlee whose family owned Robertson's Rainwear shop in Queensberry Street, Dumfries. Visiting Rurals, Women's Guilds etc. the show was preceded by a mannequin parade featuring models who were in fact the local shop workers. Mr Greenlee was good fun and one night at Ae village, he told the audience Ian had recently acquired the new Morino accordion and whereas he would not say the price, he could tell them you could purchase a very good car for the same money. Putting his arm on Ian's shoulder he asked what his mother-in-law had to say about him getting the expensive instrument so soon after being married. Ian replied “Oh! but my mother-in-law’s an angel" to which Mr Greenlee replied " You're very lucky son, mine's still living".
At this time Ian & Margaret often listened to Radio Luxemburg. There they first heard Calum Kennedy singing The Hiking Song. They met him whilst on holiday in Skye. A story appeared in the papers telling of how Calum got into serious trouble in Dublin for "clocking" cars. Later in the mid 60's whilst recording for Decca with Bobby MacLeod's band, Calum appeared at the Railway Hotel in West Hampstead and told of how he and an Eastern conjurer nearly lost their lives when their vehicle became stuck in heavy snow in Glencoe. They were unable to open the doors and to avoid suffocation, they had to shovel snow into the vehicle. Calum had purchased a dozen pork pies for his family, before leaving Fort William, but the conjurer said for religious reasons he would not eat them. Calum said the guy gave him a few looks as he devoured his pie and when hunger eventually got the better of him, he said, "Bugger my religion, you give me meat pie". Calum said "he didn't half wolf it down".
In 1959 Ian was asked by Andrew Rankine to 'guest' with his band at dances in Preston and Nelson.
The year 1960 saw Ian and Margaret moving to 155 Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk and Ian secured employment in the repair shop of Alexander's buses at Brown Street, Camelon, Falkirk. The main reason for moving was to enable him to join Andrew Rankine's Scottish Dance Band. At the time the line-up was, Andrew and Ian (accordions), Bobby Christie (violin), Robert "Brush" Campbell (piano), Tom McTague (bass) and Billy Thom on drums. This was one of the most popular °Wits, playing all over Scotland and England. Most weeks they performed in English cities such as: - Newcastle, Liverpool, Leicester, London, Coventry, Wakefield, Southport, Darlington, Stockport etc. On the first trip to play in London, Andrew and Ian shared the driving. It was Ian's turn to drive when they reached London and he found it a very nerve-wracking experience.
However Andrew knew the route well and with his good guidance on lane changes, they arrived safely at the Porchester Hall.
The band also broadcast frequently on BBC radio, mostly from Queen Street, Edinburgh but occasionally from Aberdeen and Dundee. These programmes were broadcast live and Ian can remember one from the Edinburgh Queen Street Studio when just as they were waiting for the green light, bassist Tom McTague laid his lit cigarette on the piano lid whilst he gave his bass a final tuning. This was not noticed by the pianist, Bill Henry and when he lifted the lid, the lit cigarette rolled inside. With smoke rising there was an almighty scramble to secure and clear the offending 'ciggie'. This was done with only seconds to spare before the green light appeared and the band began playing the signature tune, Kate Dalrymple. On another occasion in the Coldside Studio in Dundee Library, the engineer had taken too long to get a balance. So long in fact, that there was only a very few minutes left before the start of the live programme. This was not noticed by the band, but luckily Ian & Andrew were standing with their accordions already strapped on and when the green light appeared and the continuity man in Glasgow announced "This is the Scottish Home Service" they began playing the signature tune Kate Dalrymple with the rest diving to their seats, grabbing their instruments and joining in. Andrew was at times quite disorganised and Ian can remember he and Andrew in the back seat of the van writing arrangements which in turn were copied by Tom McTague and used that night on the live broadcast from the Aberdeen Studio. Playing with such a band gave Ian the opportunity of writing arrangements and he produced around ten waltz selections. He had the lead accordion and fiddle play the melody whilst he played the melody together with a harmony note. He also had the bass player use the bow and this all produced a very solid sound. An example of this sound can be heard in the band's recording of "Ian's Scottish Waltz".
In 1961 the Rankine band played at a concert with Andy Stewart in the Festival Hall, London. Whilst outside during a break in rehearsals the band were approached by an old lady who requested directions to a certain street. Billy Thom had just spoken at great length on the subject of drumming and he told her 'You can’t go wrong Mrs, for it runs "parra-diddle" to Oxford Street'.
Around this time the band was booked for a dance at Dunoon and when they arrived at Gourock pier, vehicles were still being unloaded from McBrayne 's ferry. Whilst Andrew and the fiddler Bobby Finlayson stayed with the van, the rest of the band went to the toilets on the pier. When they emmerged, they discovered the ferry had already gone without them. They then hired Ritchie's' ferry which was very small and arriving at Dunoon after a 'choppy' crossing it was explained they should wait for the swell to take the boat in to the pier and then grab the hanging ladder A non-swimmer, Ian was last to go and very nervous. When the boat drifted towards the pier he stayed still. Just as well, for the boat was immediately swept back out. If he'd jumped when told, he'd have landed in the water. Mr Ritchie eventually decided to take the boat round the side to a cattle slipway which was easier and safer and when Ian was on the ladder, he was grabbed from above by the safe hands of Tom McTague, Bill Henry and Billy Thom.
Once, when the band were playing at a Scottish Country Dance in Perth City Hall, Andrew showed the new VW caravette to Ian Powrie. Ian said it was "a brave van, but you could have purchased a good few bottles of whisky for the price".
Andrew received an SOS from the police in Fort William as they desperately needed a band to play at their annual dance that night as apparently due to heavy snow, Jim Cameron had to call off The road through Glencoe was closed but they intended to catch the train at Crianlarich. It was soon realised they'd be too late in reaching Crianlarich so Andrew rushed into the Luib Hotel threw money on the bar counter and asked them to 'phone the station and request they hold the train back. When they arrived at Crianlarich they got stuck in the snow and could not reach the platform. Several of the passengers came and helped them carry their instruments into the train. A police car met them at Fort-William and conveyed them to the Hotel where it was discovered the piano was way out of tune. Six brawny cops carried a piano from a nearby hall.
Around 1961 Ian was asked by Bobby MacLeod to join his band for the TV show 'The White Heather Club Contrary to present stated opinions, this show was immensely popular and often at dances, folks would come up to Ian and say how much they enjoyed it. The compere and Star was Andy Stewart and among others Ian met and befriended were: - Dixie Ingram, Moira Anderson, Jack Cooper, Peter Mallan, Robin Hall, Jimmie McGregor, Norma Cairns, Isobel James, Harry Carmichael, The Brand Sisters and Jimmy Urquhart. Moira Anderson had a good sense of humour and once said she'd toured New Zealand so often, she was now known as Maori Anderson.
With shows starring the Corrie Folk Trio and Paddy Bell, the company travelled to and recorded two shows in Germany. These were done before an audience of troops from the Scots Grays in the Roundhouse which had been the German Officers ' quarters for the notorious Belsen Concentration camp. By this time Belsen village had been renamed Hohne. Ian and several others were taken to the immaculately-kept cemetery located on the actual site of the camp. The fiddler, Alex 'Pibroch' MacKenzie had been one of the first of the British Troops to enter and liberate the horror camp at the end of the war. A very moving and unforgettable experience.
After one of the recordings, the band played some swing-tunes and later when Pibroch asked the camp adjutant, the Duke Of Kent for his autograph, the Duke said "Having enjoyed your jazz-fiddling so much, I'll make a bargain with you. First you give me your autograph and then I'll give you mine".
The band were taken into the homes of officers and their wives. Bobby and Ian enjoyed the hospitality of Major and Mrs Duncan. While there, Ian composed a 6/8 bagpipe march which he called "The White Heather Clubs Visit To Germany". This tune was featured on Ian's 2009 band broadcast.
With the move to Stenhousemuir, Ian & Margaret joined Larbert East Parish Church. Whilst Margaret performed with the dramatic club Ian found time to play for clubs and the guild whenever required.
In 1961 their daughter Rhona (Rhona Bell Holmes) was born and a new continental style mazurka "Petite Ronabelle" was composed. This later appeared in Ian's book off ive continental solos The Gay Accordion. The night before Rhona's christening the Rankine band were playing in London and on the way home the van developed engine trouble. Somehow it got them home, but they were delayed so much that Ian arrived half an hour before the church service. Having shared the driving with Andrew, he was so tired he kept falling asleep during the service and had to be repeatedly nudged awake by Margaret's dad, Willie Bell.
The Rankine band recorded for EMI with producer George Martin who later gained great fame with The Beatles. One of the tracks was "Ian's Scottish Waltz". As the name suggests, this was one of several sets arranged for the band by Ian. With Tom McTague using the bow throughout it was said the band sounded like a small orchestra.
Once the band was booked to play at a mid-week dance in Strathpeffer and it was snowing heavily when they made their way up the A9. A few miles south of Aviemore a vehicle approached from behind with the driver blowing the horn and flashing the lights. Obviously impatient, he appeared unaware of the dangerous driving conditions as he flew past the van. Just around the next corner they came across tracks showing the car had failed to negotiate the corner and had in fact shot through the fence into a field. The driver was waving wildly for them to stop and whereas he didn’t stop, Andrew did prove he was a true "Knight of the Road" for he opened the window and waved back as they continued on their way. The snow stopped and having played at the dance they returned home safely.
In 1962 Ian started his own band and their first (live) broadcast was on 7th May that year from Edinburgh. A five-piece, the line-up was :- Ian (accordion), Kenny Wilson (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Bert Leishman (drums). After the rehearsal the band retired to the entry lounge to be greeted by none other than Jimmy Shand who was playing in the nearby Waverley Market and who had dropped in to wish them good-luck. Stan Saunders was a regular member of Jimmy's band but he'd kindly insisted Stan should play in Ian's broadcast.
At this time Ian wrote to many secretaries of Scottish Dance clubs in England, advising them he'd formed his own band and that he'd welcome bookings. He did not receive a single reply and in the 1970's when Margaret took a call from a secretary in Manchester, desperately looking for a band to cover for one which had called-off, she told him, "you were not interested in him then, so he not interested in you now". Very well put!
In 1963 their daughter Mhorag was born and for some daft reason the medical authorities had persuaded Margaret to have the birth at home. All went well until Margaret haemorrhaged, and both she and baby Mhorag had to be rushed by ambulance to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Progress was painfully slow due to a heavy fall of snow. On the way, the baby's oxygen cubicle went faulty and unable to repair it, the crew decided they should save the mother and proceeded to the Infirmary. Thank God both survived. Also in 1963 the band's first LP Let's Have A Party was issued. As some of the regular players were unavailable, the line-up was:- Ian & Lex Keith (accordions), Kenny Wilson fiddle), Jimmy Scott (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Billy Thom on drums. This was the first Scottish Dance Band to record a quick-step but there was also another first, for Ian insisted the band member's names should be listed on the sleeve.
In 1968 Ian decided to purchase the larger Morino 5 voice accordion and having traded-in his 1958 4 voice, he obtained a super instrument from Wilbert Grund the manager of Bell Accordions in Aycliffe. This instrument was manufactured at the Hohner factory in Alstattan, Switzerland. Later in the 1980s Ian holidayed at Wilbert’s (Bill's) home in Alvdalen, Sweden. Bill told Ian he'd sold the 4 voice to Jim Johnstone but he'd had many problems getting the monthly payments from him. Bill said J.J. was the only Scotsman to let him down and that he’d constantly lied about payments being in the post.
Around 1968, Ian's band performed the pilot shows for The White Heather Show, in The Fairfield Hall, Croydon, La Doke Vita, Newcastle, Middlesburgh and Kelso.
During the ten years spent at Stenhousemuir, Ian would often visit the nearby Bellsdyke Mental Hospital to play for the patients. During one such visit he spied a known face in the audience. It was a man he only knew as Val who had in the 1950's, lodged in Queen Street with Mrs Urquhart who had a second-hand shop in Nith Place. Val was well-known around town and he could often be seen on his small bicycle. He did not pedal but instead sat on the seat and his long legs enabled him to propel himself along by walking. Somehow he had a mania for dying clothes and it was known the Urquhart family dare not leave any garment lying around. He wore a women's skirt like a kilt and this could be red in the morning and green by the afternoon.
Ian also remembers entertaining on a Russian boat which was moored at Grangemouth and he with sax player George Moncur and bassist Walter Galloway were joined by some musical crew members. This was at the height of the 'Cold War 'and translator/ language teacher; Jimmy Watson who spoke fluent Russian, was closely watched by the Communist Party Member on board.
In the mid-sixties Ian was asked by Bobby Macleod to go to the Decca Studios in Londons' West Hampstead to record two LPs' " A Scotsman's Songs" and "The Scottish Dance-Master". The line-up was, Bobby and Ian (accordions), Syd Chambers (fiddle), Harry Carmichael (piano), Tom McTague (bass) and Andy Hardie on drums. For the Scotsman's Songs they were joined by studio organist, Harold Smart. Some of the tracks were so popular that cover versions were performed and recorded by other artists. One such track "I See Mull" was recorded by the Alexander Brothers. After the day's recording the band with the producer and engineer, Butch Bannister, retired for refreshments to the Railway Inn. There they met some of the country's top session musicians;- saxophonist, Tubby Hayes, trumpeter, Kenny Baker and drummer, Ronnie Verrill. Later in the near-bye Chinese restaurant they were introduced to the international singer Caterina Valente.
At a later date in Edinburgh, Bobby's band recorded two EPs with singer David Kinaird. One of the songs was The Brig O' Balgownie'.
In 1968 Ian purchased his Hohner, Morino 5 voice piano-accordion which had been manufactured in Switzerland.
In 1970 Ian & Margaret decided to return to Dumfries. For a time Ian lived with Na-Na Bell at her home in Locharbriggs and he resumed working with the near-by coachbuilders, A.C. Penman Ltd. travelling back to Stenhousemuir at the weekends.
After searching for around three months, he eventually found a suitable home and he and Margaret with daughters Rhona (9) and Morag (7) (and Scamp the wire-haired fox terrier) moved to 11 Averill Crescent.
After all the hustle and bustle of the 60's, Ian had hoped to lead a quieter life, but with Bobby McNiellie now on second-accordion, the band was in even greater demand and busier than ever, with often long distances to travel. The line-up in the halls was:- Ian and Bobby (accordions), Kenny Wilson (fiddle) and Gordon Young on drums. Sometimes it was hard work but always enjoyable, for Bobby McNiellie had the ability to memorise and play second-accordion arrangements which added a broad dimension to the music. It was often well into the morning when Ian returned to Averill Crescent and he always found it difficult to unwind, On occasions he would sit in the garden listening to the "dawn chorus" and on others he'd take Scamp for a walk in nearby Mabie Forest.
For broadcasts and recording the band was augmented with Bill Henry on piano and Stan Saunders on bass.
Immediately after their return to Dumfries, Ian was in demand to play at charitable functions. In this respect, he often played in the wards in the Crichton Hospital and at the Carnsalloch Cheshire Home. He frequently playedf or his own church, Maxwelltown West and for others:- St Andrews, St Georges, Greyfriars, Dunscore, Kirkcudbright etc.
The girls had learned to play the piano and when the band had a local engagement, they both did their spot in the preceding concert. Although she would never agree to owning a guitar Mhorag somehow learned to play chords and when she sang the melody, Rhona had the ability to sing her own harmonies on songs such as Amazing Grace and Streets Of London. Dad accompanied them on piano. The trio entertained at many church functions: - Locharbriggs, Dunscore, Maxwelltown West etc.
Ian was also asked to play at charitable concerts with the Dumfries Male Voice Choir Some of the venues he remembers are:- Dumfries Academy Hall, Lochmaben Hospital, Castle-Douglas, Devorgilla Home, Carnsalloch Home, Hightae Village Hall, Dalbeattie and Lockerbie Town Hall with its sloping stage. Ian played with the choir for many years.
In 1971 Ian and others were paid-off by A.C. Penman and after six weeks on the 'dole' he accepted a job in Len Frobisher’s music shop on Loreburn Street, later becoming a partner. This continued until 1973 when Len decided to retire and Ian was asked to remain as manager by the new owner Jimmy Clinkscale. Instead he decided to start his own business and they purchased number 5 Glasgow Street and they opened for business on ln July, 1973. Ian and Margaret remain grateful for the help and support shown in the early years by Mickie Ainsworth and Bill Wilkie. Business was very good and in 1975 they purchased number 9 Glasgow Street. In 1977 they purchased number 39 Galloway Street and the workshop above.
Finally in 1979 they purchased number 1 Glasgow Street with the flat above and cellar below. This meant they owned the whole corner of 3 shops and 2 flats. However with severe rate rises in the early 1980's they decided to let out both 9 Glasgow Street and 39 Galloway Street.
Over the years several musicians told Ian they had lost interest in playing with bands and they were therefore willing to sell their instruments for a `knock-down price'. On such occasions, Ian suggested they delay matters as they would perhaps get fresh inspiration to play once more. Many returned to tell him they had resumed playing. It would have been easy to have made a 'quick buck' out of such people but Ian and Margaret regarded their customers as friends. The music business continued for twenty-seven years until Ian and Margaret retired in 2000. On their final day, 30th September many people visited the shop to wish them good luck and a young boy said 'I'm going to miss you two'. One man telephoned from Dunscore to ask what time the shop would close. He walked in with just minutes to spare and told them he was determined to be their last customer. What a happy ending!
In the mid-1970s Ian was elected a deacon of Maxwelltown West Church and he served for around 27 years until recurring sight problems forced him to resign in 2003.
In 1978 Ian and the band recorded a programme for BBC Radio in the Salutation Hotel, Perth. For this they were joined by Angus Fitchet who had been the matchmaker who brought Ian & Margaret together in 1953. The following year Angus again joined the band to record a programme from Studio One in Glasgow.
Also in 1979 for Ian and Margaret a 'dream came true ' when they visited Switzerland with a coach tour, staying in a Montreaux hotel. They came home loaded with recordings of Swiss Landler Groups, some of whom they would later befriend.
Alas Ian was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and the general belief was, it had been brought on by the sudden death of his second-accordionist Bobby McNiellie in 1978.
In 1981 a Crosio 5 row accordion was traded in to the shop and Ian found it ideal for Scandinavian music and he began to play that system. The years 1982 and 1984 saw Ian and Margaret back in Switzerland, each time their base being the Johaniter Hotel in Lucerne. On the latter occasion they heard accordion duettists, Dolfi Rogenmoser and Willi Zayner at the nearby Bonanza restaurant. At the time they were unable to converse and yet these players would later become personal friends, visiting them at Averill
Crescent and in turn, Ian and Margaret were welcomed to their homes and met their families.
In 1983 Ian visited Sweden where he was a guest of Wilbert (Bill) Grund who had been the manager of Bell Accordions in Aycliffe before returning home to Sweden in 1973.
Having started to play the 5 row continental accordion in 1981, Ian had contacted Bill for guidance in purchasing a new instrument suitable for Scandinavian (i.e. Norwegian and Swedish) music. Bill invited him to holiday at his home in Alvdalen and he promised he would find a suitable instrument. In fact he himself had several instruments and having tried around half a dozen, Ian selected and purchased a Ballone Burini. A beautiful sounding accordion, with which he would later record a cassette and CD 'Sounds Scandinavian'.
Bill took Ian to the World's largest accordion festival at Ransater, near Karlstad in central Sweden. Here he met and befriended top accordionist/composer, Rune Evert Nilsson.
Ian returned in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989, each time meeting and playing with some of the top Norwegian and Swedish accordionists. From them Ian received many compositions and arrangements and many were happy to receive Ian's own compositions in the Scandinavian Style. Several of these have been recorded by Broderna (The Brothers) Farm including a Scandinavian Polkette which Ian had re-arranged and renamed "The Northlands". A Swedish dance was later devised for this tune.
In 1983 Ian ordered a book on Swiss accordion manufacturers by author Ernst Roth. They struck up a friendship and Ian and Margaret visited Ernst and his wife Gaby at their home in Adliswil. They still exchange letters and cards at Christmas time.
In 1984 whilst in Switzerland, Ian with Margaret, visited Rudolph Stalder’s accordion factory in Kehrsatz near Bern and here he purchased his first Schwyzerorgeli (Swiss accordion). Ian required to learn to read the special notation for this instrument which shows the position of the note on the keyboard and push and pull of the bellows. Later he modified this system to write for the Hohner, Corso two-row melodian and the Hohner "Shand" Morino.
In 1986 Ian visited Zermatt in Switzerland, with his friend, George Reid from Douglas in Lanarkshire.
In 1987 Ian was made an honorary member of one of Sweden's top and popular orchestras, `tunnbybalgarna', The Bromolla Accordion Orchestra, with which he had performed on several occasions.
It was indeed an honour, for although the orchestra had been formed in 1973, Ian was only the fifth person to be so honoured. During his presentation speech, Lennart Kroon stated Ian was regarded as a dear friend of the orchestra and through his music, he believed he was a true ambassador for Scotland and even Great Britain. Ian was later to receive a video of the orchestra playing his waltz, 'Memories Of Norway'. He also received CDs' of the leader Borje Farm and the family quartet Broderna Farm, playing his arrangement of Elg Anders and The Northlands. They also recorded his Swiss style tune, Engsligenalp Wandern. Through their friendship, Borje and Lillebil Farm and their son Fredrik, twice visited Scotland.
Also in 1987 Ian recorded and released his cassette, Sounds Scandinavian. As no one else had produced anything like it, it was very popular and when he reviewed it, Sweden's Ove Hahn stated it sounded so authentic he could hardly believe it was played by a Scotsman. Indeed, it could have been played by any of their leading accordionists. He awarded it 5 stars out of a possible 6. There were similar words ofp raise from the Norwegian reviewer who awarded it 4 stars out of the possible 5.
Whilst at Ransaeter in 1989 Ian met Erling Maribo, who is regarded as one of Norway's top accordionists in the style of Carl Jularbo and they struck up a lasting friendship. Erling and Monica visited Scotland in 1999. They had actually met at Varberg in 1987 but although they had a 'tune' together, Erling at the time, felt he was unable to converse sufficiently in English. It was certainly a different story two years later, for at the second meeting, Erling spoke very good English and he presented Ian with one of his latest composition, a Scandinavian waltz, dedicated to Ian and called "Dreams Of Scotland". Erling's group later recorded the tune.
When Erling and Monica visited Dumfries in 1999 they met Rhona and Danielle. They were so captivated with Danielle, that Erling dedicated a new waltz composition to her, with the title, "Sweet Danielle".
In 1989 Ian suffered a "frozen shoulder” and when the pain became worse he decided to change from the bulky piano-accordion to the more compact 5 row instrument and having used it on his 1990 broadcast from Carlisle there was a mixed reaction with some folk telling him "you have lost your sound". However, during an early visit to Tobermory, Ian was re-assured, for his friends Bobby MacLeod and Calum MacLean were both enthusiastic for the "new" sound. Bobby advised Ian not to listen to the critics, for he had received the same treatment when he changed from the Co-operativa to the Hohner Morino. Amusingly, some of his sternest critics became ardent Morino players themselves.
The year 1990 saw Ian and Margaret back on holiday in Switzerland. This time they were to meet five people who would become very good friends. The first two, Hansruedi and Susanne Gempeler have the Hochst guesthouse high in the mountains near to Frutigen and overlooking Adelboden. Amiable, Hansruedi, is very accomplished both as a chef and as an accordionist and he was always willing to join Ian for a 'tune'. Ian later dedicated a composition, which he called the "Hansruedi Gempeler Schottisch". He then composed a Swiss polka called "Susanne". Hansruedi and Susanne visited Ian and Margaret, whilst on holiday in Scotland in 2005 and they are visiting once more in early August 2014.
The third person was top Swiss accordionist/composer, Arthur Brugger. Ian himself returned to Switzerland in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and each time, Arthur met him at the Mitsubishi Centre in Thun and drove him to the Steinbock guesthouse at Unter der Birg near Arthur’s home village of Adelboden. This place was a haven for Swiss Landler Music and as Ian had learned many of Arthur’s tunes, they played together for many hours. In 1994 Ian sent Arthur his new Swiss polka, 'For My Friend Arthur Brugger' and later that year they played it together at the restaurant on the Allmenalp. The restaurant was run by Werner Richen and his family and later Ian would dedicate a landler waltz to them 'On The Allmenalp'. It was Arthur who persuaded Ian to record his CD "Ian In Switzerland" in 1998 and he was so pleased with the results that he sent Ian a magnificent cow-bell inscribed "Ian Holmes In Switzerland" greetings from the Swiss Mountains:- Arthur Brugger
The fourth and fifth people were Kurt and Ursula Matter who have the Mitsubishi Centre in Thun. At that time Kurt was importing "Matter" accordions and Swiss style accordions from Italy. Ian decided to purchase one of the latter and he offered to leave a deposit and have them send the instrument after he had forwarded the balance from home. They declined this offer, stating as he was a friend of Arthur Brugger they knew they could trust him and that Ian should take the instrument, then send the total purchase price. There was a 'bob or two' involved and it was good to be so trusted by people who then were total strangers. Needless to say, Ian did not let them down and both he and Margaret have visited Kurt and Ursula many times since.
In 1991 Ian and the band broadcast a programme on Radio Scotland consisting solely of tunes composed by Angus Fitchet.
Whilst in Switzerland in 1992 Ian visited the Reist accordion factory (Emmitaler Orgeli) in Wasen. On arrival he was asked if he was an American or an Englishman. Ian replied, 'neither for I am a Scotsman' to which came the reply "Oh, then you are a Hooligan". At that time due to their bad behaviour, Scotland's football supporters had gained international notoriety.
Ian decided to purchase a new tremelo-tuned orgeli (Swiss accordion) and although first told there was a four year waiting period, after negotiations the company finally agreed to supply it in two years.
Also in 1992 Ian and his band marked 30 years of broadcasting and afterwards a lady wrote an appreciative letter saying 'Congratulations on your 30 years on behalf of my husband and I'. 'Over those years your music has made us and millions of others very happy'.
In 1993 Ian was asked to appear at the Titano accordion festival at Vinstra in Norway. He played selections of Scottish Dance Music and also a Scandinavian style waltz he'd specially written, called "Hilsen Til Vinstra" (Greetings To Vinstra). Many players liked the tune and asked for copies. The festival was truly an international affair for there were accordionists from Italy, Germany, Romania, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden with Ian being the only player from Britain. (He jokes, he was the representative from Averill Crescent) He spent a week there and he considered it a great honour o e asked to represent his country on that auspicious occasion. Back in Switzerland in 1994, Ian collected his new "orgeli" from the Reist factory and having tried it, Ernst Roth exclaimed "are they allowing this wonderful instrument out of the country"?
In 1995 Ian returned to the Steinbock in Adelboden where he met up once more with Arthur Brugger and accordion duettists, Dolfi Rogenmoser and Willi Zahner who he and Margaret had heard playing at the Bonanza, Lucerne in 1984. This time things were different, for they were accompanied by bassist Kobi Kobelt and pianist, Ernst (Ernie) Ehrler who as a merchant banker in Schwyz spoke fluent English. Through him, Ian was able to converse with Dolfi and Willi and he discovered they all had a good sense of humour Ian was asked to play with them and acquitted himself so well that on one occasion Dolfi asked 'why does he speak Scots when he obviously a Swiss '?
Also in 1995 Ian fulfilled a long ambition to play a broadcast with the entire programme consisting of tunes composed by his friend, Jimmy Shand. Part of that ambition was to have Ian Powrie as guest fiddler. The programme was very well received with many people saying it was one of the best ever broadcasts. Jimmy 'phoned Ian the next morning to say thank you and that he was delighted at the way his tunes had been played and arranged.
Ian Powrie recorded a Scottish Country Dance CD with the band and he joined them on broadcasts for the next five years until he and his wife Leila returned to Australia in 1999.
Some time in the mid 1990's, Ian was asked to assist his friend, Jimmy Helm with details of broadcasting bands from the 1950's and 1960's for annual concert in tribute with all monies going to charities. Ian volunteered to play and each year since, he and Margaret have gone to St Andrews bearing the cost of two nights accommodation and refusing the offer of expenses.
In 2001 back in Switzerland Ian and Margaret met and befriended probably the country's top accordionst/ composer Walter Grob. Later that year Ian suffered sight loss and for a time he became completely blind. Back home after sitting in with Bruce Lindsay's band at a dance he composed three 6/8 bagpipe marches. Unable to write the tunes down, he instead whistled them on to a cassette recorder Two were included in a broadcast, "Willie Lowe of Connel" and Bruce Lindsay's Welcome To Crossmichael". The latter is included on the DVD " The Button Box In Scotland". Ian can also be seen playing his Swiss Accordion and Mini Swiss Accordion.
Also in 2001 Ian was asked by Mrs Mairi Savage their minister s' wife to give a talk to the Maxwelltown West Guild under the title My Life In Music. Although initially apprehensive, (not a sufficiently interesting life?) he did agree and it was extremely well received. So much so that it has been repeated for the Guild and many other groups and clubs.
With so many experiences to recall, he has been able to give several repeat talks with musical illustrations to The Ladies Probus Club, The Retired Teachers Club, The Blind Association, The Good Companions and Shawhead Retirement Group as well as appearances for The Kirkmichael Group and Mouswald Church.
When in October 2006 on BBC Radio Scotland, Ian was interviewed by Robbie Shepherd on the 8 types of accordion he then played, the response from listeners and fellow bandsmen was overwhelming, with many stating they had no idea there were so many different systems. Since then he hasacquired an Austrian Stieriche model.
In July 2007 Ian was the 'main guest playing six types of accordion at a fund-raising concert Dairy Hall and in September of that year at an accordion club in Windygates he featured 8 different accordions:- Hohner Morino piano-accordion, Hohner Morino 5 row, Hohner Shand Morino, Hohner Morino 5 voice Club model, Hohner Corso two-row melodion, Reist Mini orgeli, Reist full-size orgeli and his Zupan Steiriche.
Once when having agreed to play at a charity function he was asked why he had refused the offer of expenses Ian told the organiser, Margaret and I have discussed this matter and we both agree I have such a lot from my music that it is only proper that I put something back in.
I've had a wonderful life, for through my music I have visited so many inclusion in a new book "Who 's On The Dance-Music Tonight?. At first Ian had doubts on his ability to remember much from that period, but he eventually gave Jimmy names and the personnel of over 100 bands. When this list was shown to Jimmy Shand, he remarked, " My God, that laddie has a phenomenal memory".
In 1996 Ian was back in Switzerland and whilst at the Hochst Guesthouse he became aware of a problem with the sight of his left eye. This soon cleared and things returned to normal. However in 1997 the problem re-occurred but this time it became slowly worse until he became completely blind in his left eye. The same problem sometimes affected the right eye and on several occasions he was completely blind for around two weeks. In May 2000 he underwent major surgery to the left eye at Gartnavel Hospital. The next year saw the same operation to his right eye and a second operation was carried out on his left eye in 2004. Since that time things have remained stable. All the operations were carried out by Doctor Tom Barrie and Ian dedicated a new 6/8 bagpipe march to him in his broadcast on 14th October, 2006.
In 1998 during a visit from Bill Grund Ian drove him to Auchtermuchty to visit their mutual friend, Jimmy Shand. After Ian had played him a tune on his Matter Swiss accordion, Jimmy said "You're a one-off son, for no-one else can play so many different types of accordion and you don "t just play them, for you play them well". Great praise from such a man.
In 1999 Ian and Margaret received a visit from Swiss restaurateur Rolf Egli with his wife and son. He had heard of them from Dolfi Rogenmoser Ian and Margaret visited their Zurich restaurant in 2001 and 2003 where they were the special guests at a Landler Music Evening.
Later in 1999 Dolfi with Willi Zahner and Ernst Ehrler spent a week in Dumfries. Dolfi had said "As Ian and Margaret cannot visit us in Switzerland, we must visit them in Scotland". Ian was able to drive them around and he showed them our beautiful countryside. He also arranged for the trio to play at Bill Wilkie concert in Perth City Hall. The audience loved them and Ian joined in on their final number, a Swiss Schottisch called 'Gluck Gluck'. They received a standing ovation and in a recent interview for a magazine, Dolfi stated, that night was the most memorable of his long career. It was certainly memorable for Ian, for that was the same stage on which he had been presented with the Jimmy Shand Shield after becoming the all Scotland champion in 1957 and where he had played with Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine and with his own band.
After Sir Jimmy Shand died in 2000 it was decided to organise an places here and abroad and I have met so many interesting and kindly people. For years I was happy at my work and this work was also my hobby. How many people can say that?
To date Ian has composed in excess of 450 tunes in many styles:- Scottish, Irish, English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Swiss as well as all forms of Bagpipe Marches. He has recorded 18 albums and there are 3 volumes of his compositions and arrangements in the Dumfries Collection. His waltz "Sunset on the Fjord" was beautifully arranged for 3 accordions by his Norwegian friend, the legendary Arnstein Johansen.
In 2008 Ian & Margaret heard a swarthy-skinned young man busking with his accordion on Dumfries High Street. He was a good player and the music he played appeared to be East European. Having placed a contribution in his collection-box, Ian asked him in slow broken English, "Where is your home?" They were more than a little surprised when he laughed and back came his reply in a Scottish accent, “I'm from Moniaive". He then explained he'd learned to play that type of music after a visit to Romania.
On 7th January, 2014 Ian and his six piece Scottish Dance Band were the Guests at the Islesteps Accordion & Fiddle Club. Although it was not advertised as such, this was to be their final public performance. Somehow word had got around and there was a record turnout off and and fellow musicians from all over Scotland.
For his Swiss friend Ian composed a schottisch which he named "Dolfi Rogenmoser 's 80th Birthday". This with four other of Ian’s. Swiss style compositions, were included in a DVD sent to Dolfi.
Ian at the age of 79, is still very enthusiastic and at present he is kept busy arranging and recording tunes for a CD "Ian In Switzerland Volume Two". He also plans to produce a DVD showing him performing on his eight different types of accordions.
"Music has been so much of my life and I've been so lucky, for I've had a wonderful life, playing and composing". There are so many tunes, for family members, family pets and friends, as well as those dedicated to top musicians, holiday locations etc.
He is among those being inducted into the Scottish Traditional-Music. Hall Of Fame in 2014.
He was a member of Andrew Rankine's Broadcasting Band from 1960 until 1962.
He recorded, broadcast and appeared on The White Heather Club including two shows from Germany with Bobby MacLeod's band.
A bandleader for 52 years, Ian's first engagement with his own band was a BBC broadcast from Edinburgh on 7" May 1962 and the final public performance with his six piece band was at the meeting on 71h January, 2014 of the local Islesteps Accordion & Fiddle Club (See Story)
He recorded around 18 albums.
A prolific composer, he has produced over 450 tunes in various styles. This year alone (2014), he has been inspired to compose around 25 tunes of various styles:- Scottish--Irish--Bagpipe Marches--Scandinavian and Swiss. His latest tune "Maggie's 100th" is a fig for the special birthday of their long-time friend, Maggie Bisset.
Also this year he has been kept busy arranging and recording 14 tunes for a new CD "Ian In Switzerland (Volume Two)" All the parts were written and multi-tracked by Ian.
He and his wife Margaret also feature in a new DVD which was produced by local photographer, Brian Sherman. Containing five of Ian's Swiss-style tunes including a new schottisch "Dolfi Rogenmoser’s 80th Birthday". The DVD was gifted to their long-time friend whom they first met in 1983. Dolfi is one of Switzerlands' top accordionists.
Many of Ian's tunes have been dedicated to friends and family (There are 6 for his wife Margaret) and even the family pets have their tunes: - Karmas' Waltz--Kirsty's Waltz--Bellevalsen etc. and many are of local interest: -
The Dumfries Two-Step, The Dumfries Waltz, The Dumfries Strathspey, The Queen Of The South Polka, Torthorwald Castle (Polka), Caerlaverock Castle, Cardoness Castle, Glenkiln, Glenmidge, Glenmarlin, Morton Castle, Portrack House, Bessie's Hill, Underwood Cottage, Sweetheart Abbey, The Loreburn Jig, The Castledykes Reel, Rotchell Strathspey, The Glencairn Reel, Steilston Hill.
"Paddy's Rickle Bridge" on the A74 just south of Crawford. He must have crossed it hundreds of times going to and coming home from "gigs ".
A bagpipe march "Riddance Cottage" was written on 11th March, 2014 i.e. 79 years to the day after Ian was born there in 1935
"The Thornhill-Billy" is dedicated to their friend and fellow accordionist Billy Telfer.
Ian's Swiss tune "Ernst Ehrler Schottisch" was played by Joe Wiget's Landlerkapelle on a CD to mark the 65th birthday of their pianist friend Ernie.
One of Norway's most respected accordionists, Arnstein Johansen, produced a beautiful arrangement for three accordions, of Ian's waltz "Sunset On The Fjord". Although they never met, he and Ian were pen-pals for around twenty-five years.
In 1987 Ian was made an honourary member of the Bromolla Accordion Orchestra of Sweden and he still keeps in contact with several of the musicians.
Ian Johnstone Holmes was born on 11th March, 1935 at No 1 Riddance Cottage, Irongray, the home of his grandparents, James & Mary Cook. His parents were Archiebald Holmes who hailed from Clydebank and his mother Janet Cook. His father was employed as a chauffeur/gardener at Mabie House on the road between Dumfries and New Abbey. It might be interesting to note that on his birthday, 79 years later in 2014 he composed a bagpipe march which he called Riddance Cottage.
Although his Dad was a good player of the melodian, there was never one in the house, for money was tight and he considered the purchase of an instrument to be secondary to the needs of his young family, elder brother Archie and younger sister Janet (Etta).
The family moved from Mabie to Underwood Cottage with Dad happy to be working for Mr Wellwood-Maxwell of Steilston House. There are photographs of brother Archie on his bicycle and Ian on his tricycle. Whilst here, Ian started at Steilston School. From there the family moved to Portrack House in the Parish of Hollywood. Dad was employed at the Dalbeattie munitions factory and it entailed much travel. Although a promise had been made to allow the family the use of the cottage for the "duration of the war", the promise was broken and once again there was a move to Summerhill, a two-room bothy on the Cowhill Estate. By this time, Ian was a pupil of Hollywood Primary School. When the house became unsuitable for a growing family, they moved to 60 Queen Street in Dumfries, from where they attended St Michael's School.
Although he had not previously shown any great interest or aptitude for music, Ian began to play the piano-accordion when he was around 11 or 12 years of age on an instrument left at the house by his elder brother's pal Tommy Donohue and later-on, one borrowed from Robert Sturgeon the local butcher The first tune he mastered was The Auld Hoose (A brick at a time!) played on the black notes and although self-taught, he made good progress.
At that time shortly after the war 1946/47, the YWCA and YMCA were amalgamated and located in a joint clubhouse near the family home in Queen Street, Ian was soon asked to supply the music at parties and small dances and he was enrolled into the YW(M)CA concert party. It was about this time that he first heard Jimmy Shand and his band playing on the wireless and they bought the first "Shand" 78 rpm records. Little did he know that this musician, whom many looked on as a God-like figure, would become a personal friend over many years.
The first accordion he purchased for £11 from a man living in Castle Street. It was a 48 bass Puratone and there are photographs showing him with this instrument. When the Robert Wilson Show appeared at St Mary's Hall, accordionist Will Starr was on the bill and afterwards Dad took Ian backstage to meet him. He invited Ian to come to the County Hotel next morning and on hearing Ian play , Will gave him good advice on the use of the left-hand chords. Twenty-eight years would pass before they met once more. This time they had much to talk about, for by then Ian was a well ' established broadcasting and recording bandleader and whilst employed at Alexander’s Bus Factory in Camelon, his workmate was Will's brother-in-law, Jake Gilfilon.
A gentleman by the name of Tommy Wells who had a shop on the corner of Barnslaps and Henry Street played the piano and also the piano-accordion. When he decided to emigrate to Australia, he offered Ian his 80 bass Soprani accordion for the knock-down price of £15.00.
Ian can remember playing at charity functions in the Methodist Hall (now the King Robert The Bruce pub) on Buccleuch Street, St Georges Hall also Buccleuch Street, St Andrews Church Hall, Brooke Street, St Joseph's College and the old Troqueer Church Hall on Church Street, Maxwelltown. His first paid engagement was a Girls Guide party in the hall of the High School in George Street (Latterly the Loreburn Primary School). As usual he had to carry his accordion all the way from his home in Queen Street and back. He well remembers the reaction from the Guide leader, for she was less than happy when he asked for a fee of 10 shillings (50p in today’s money)
Around 1948 he decided that if he was to progress, he should learn to read music and he enrolled for lessons from Alex Carter in Lincluden. At that time Alex did not like Scottish Dance Music and he taught Ian mainly light classics. Ian believes it was the correct decision and that it is wrong to be taught Traditional Music as it tends to produce "clones ". It cannot be just coincidence that the 'big four' Shand, MacLeod, Fitchet and Powrie were virtually self-taught and they had nothing to learn and they were the inspiration to Ian and many of his generation and they remain inspirational. The best way to learn is by listening to the top performers. Although best-known as a Scottish Dance Musician, Ian has many musical interests and he is in no doubt his broad early grounding helped foster those interests. He is considered to be one of Scotland's most versatile accordionists with wide interests and a vast repertoire of Scandinavian and Continental tunes. He also has a special interest in Swiss music.
Having made progress Alex suggested Ian purchase a reconditioned 120 bass Scandalli Vibrante Four piano-accordion from Burns of London.
He was asked to play solos in concerts by the local RAFA Orchestra of which Alex was the conductor Most were held in the Drill Hall (now Loreburn Hall) Dumfries but they also played in Selkirk and at the Princes Street Bandstand, Edinburgh.
Alex also had him play as a member of Jock Thomson Concert Party which entertained round the village halls. Among the places they performed were:- Templand, Hightae, Shawhead, New Abbey, Haugh Of Urr, Dalry, Balmaclellan, Lockerbie, Kettleholm, Dornoch, Eastriggs and The Rigg.
When he was 14 Ian started to play as a member of Henry Connelly Band. This band was very popular and had engagements most Fridays and Saturdays. As ever, the accordion had to be carried from Queen Street to the Whitesands where Ian caught a bus to the rendezvous point (often Auldgirth Inn) Having played two nights and stayed with the Connelly family at Closeburn, he returned home on Sunday. All this for 15/- (75p) per night'
When he was around 15 he met Bobby MacLeod and his band at a dance in Moniaive. Ian played Bobby's Co-operativa accordion at half-time. Thereby started friendships which would last for over 50 years. The band line-up was:- Bobby and Alasdair Downie (accordions), Alex "Pibroch" Mackenzie (ddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Willie Lowe (double-bass) and Johnny Fellows (drums). Johnny was the first drummer to use brushes in a Scottish Dance Band and thereby started a trend. Willie Lowe and Ian remain friends and often have a "blether" on the telephone. Bobby maintained, that when he started to play at dances, he asked Willie to join him on piano, although Willie preferred Modern Music. He remembered asking Willie's advice on the correct harmonies to use with Gaelic waltzes. Willie replied "I don "t know, but the church harmonies would be these, to which Bobby stated "well if they are good enough for the church, they'll be good enough for us ". Many of the clever harmonies still used today were Willie's ideas. He was the first second accordionist to play a chordal accompaniment.
Later in 1984 in his book Pas De Bas, Bobby would write:-
"One of my best friends, Ian Holmes, the "Musicians ' Musician", delights with his flair for arrangements of the highest taste, combining always a subtlety of thought in his work". "Ian also innovates in himself outside the field of arranging, by playing professionally, all three types of accordion". (Piano-accordion, five-row continental chromatic and the Hohner "Shand" Morino 3-row British Chromatic)
In 1953 Ian purchased Bobby's Co-operativa accordion for £60 from Andy Tosh of the Hawthorn Accordion Band. This was the instrument on which Bobby had recorded his famous first tracks for Beltona. Sets such as:- Mrs MacLeods' Reel, The Balmoral Highlanders, Bonnie Dundee Gaelic Waltz, Glasgow Highlanders, Eva Three-Step etc. That night (2nd June 1953), seated on a lorry platform at the Cross of Moniaive, in bitter cold weather, Ian played it for the celebrations to mark the coronation of our present Queen Elizabeth. (In fact it was so cold he reverted to wearing a borrowed pair of woolen gloves) Later whilst travelling back home to Dumfries, he recalls seeing the many remnants of bonfires on top of the surrounding hills. Ian sold his Scandalli accordion to Morton Harvey from Nether-Kier Farm and around 1998 he would get it back from Morton’s widow, Christine. By that time the instrument was un-playable but Ian had it overhauled with new bellows fitted and it was so good he used it as one of four, played on his band's 2006 broadcast.
Also in 1953 Angus Fitchet's band were playing at a dance in the Scaurbridge Hall Penpont. As usual, the music was exceptional and Ian was among a crowd gathered round the stage. Angus bent down and remarked to Ian and the lovely girl standing next to him " I haven "t seen you twa dancing yet ". They did have a dance and this led to them starting courting. They have now been married for over 55 years. Bless you "Wee Fitchy"!
Margaret Bell also played the accordion and later they would play several duets, including Frosini's "Spick and Span" in that same Scaurbridge Hall and later still, Margaret played a set of Scottish Jigs in a broadcast from the Hall of Laurieknowe Primary School.
Around this time in 1953 whilst walking on English Street, Dumfries they met Jimmy Shand and his fiddler Syd Chambers and so started another long-lasting friendship. Both Syd and Ian were members of Bobby MacLeod's Band which recorded 2 LP`s, "The Scottish Dance Master and " A Scotsmans' Songs at the Decca Studios in West Hampstead in the mid-sixties.
In 1956 Ian underwent an operation and whilst convalescing he attended a dance at Kirkbean Hall where Bobby MacLeod's band were playing. It was just a five-piece, for second-accordionist, Hugh Mularky was ill. Bobby asked Ian to sit in. Later in the County Hotel in Dumfries Ian and Margaret joined Bobby and the band for a cup of tea. Bonnie Prince Charlie was reputated to have stayed in this hotel. Davie Whitehead excused himself saying he was tired and off to bed. However, he was soon back again, for when going upstairs, the night-porter had put his hand on Davie's bottom, saying, 'You'd better watch out, for Prince Charlie's ghost might walk tonight'. Next day Ian travelled with the band to play in Northumberland.
He recalls one of the dances was at a place called Cambo.Back at the lodgings after the dance, they discovered that there were two double beds in one large room and the beds had been made so that one person's pillow was at the head of the bed whilst the other was at the bottom, so it was head to toe. Davie Whitehead gulped "It's the Dublin Fusiliers tonight".
After a few 'blethers ' it was decided they should try to get some sleep but pianist, Davie quietly started whistling. The drummer, Lawrence Brotherhood eventually asked him to stop, to which Davie replied, 'Aye! Ok then, but let me finish the set first, twice each tune and back to the original '. The band line-up was Bobby & Ian on piano-accordions, Jimmy Ritchie (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Jimmy "Dinger" Bell (bass) and Lawrence Brotherhood (drums)
Also in 1956 Ian was "called up" for National Service in the Royal Air Force where he gained the lowly but grand-sounding rank of Senior Aircraftsman. He enlisted at Cardington where he remembers seeing the giant hanger which had been built to house the airship, R101. He then did his "square-bashing" at Bridgenorth and afterwards, his trade-training at Kirkham on the road between Preston and Blackpool. He remembers hitch-hiking from there to Dumfries with only about a shilling in his pocket. The wage was around £1.10/- per week. He was then sent to his permanent posting at West Freugh, Stranraer where he stayed till he was demobbed in 1958. By hitch-hiking, he was able to be home most weekends.
During his time at The Freugh', he often entertained his pals in the billets and he also played in the Officers 'Mess and for Flight get-togethers in Addie Swan's pub at Stoneykirk. Around this time he composed his first tunes, a 6/8 bagpipe march "Miss Margaret Bell" and "The Queen Of The South Polka".
In 1957 he was granted sufficient leave in order to practice and compete at a major accordion event in the City Hall Perth. From an entry of around 35, he won the All Scotland, Senior Traditional March Strathspey & Reel Section and was presented with the Jimmy Shand Shield.
Whilst at West Freugh, Ian went with some of his mates to a dance at nearby Sandhead, where he recalls seeing a notice stating, GENTLEMEN ARE FORBIDDEN TO DANCE WITH MALE PARTNERS.
Early in 1958 he went on leave with his pal Ted Hayes to his home in Dublin. At a dance in the Irish Club he met Pat McGarr and his Gallowglass Ceilidh Band. On learning that Ian was soon to be demobbed, Pat offered him a job playing with the band. As he and Margaret planned to marry soon after demob and after giving the matter much thought, Ian declined Pat's offer. Back in "civvy street" he returned to his mundane job as a coachbuilder for A.C. Penman where his mates nick-named him The "long-distance melodian player".
He and Margaret were married on the 6th of November that year and they spent their honeymoon at the Mishnish Hotel in Tobermory with Bobby and Jean MacLeod. They all went to the Golf Dance where the music was played by Pibroch MacKenzie and Calum MacLean. Ian and Calum have been firm friends since that time. Ian and Margaret set up home at Barrview in Amisfield, where they took an active interest in the village life. He also purchased his first Hohner accordion, a Morino 4 M and he did his first solo radio broadcast in a show called "Almost Brand New" on the BBC Scottish Home Service. Brogue shoes were in vogue at the time and he remembers being asked to remove his, to avoid the stamping sound being picked up by the microphones.
Once after a concert in Amisfield Hall, Ian and Margaret's uncles, Jim and Tom were gathered round the piano having a “‘tune" when he noticed the show's producer, hunched up and shaking whilst holding a cable. It quickly dawned on him, the man was being electrocuted and he managed to shout and gain the attention of one of the cast, Billy Brown who quickly pulled the cable from the wall socket and no doubt saved Mr Jimmy Gair 's life.
At this time Ian also joined The Raindrops Concert Party (Just a bunch of drips) which was organised by Mr Arthur Greenlee whose family owned Robertson's Rainwear shop in Queensberry Street, Dumfries. Visiting Rurals, Women's Guilds etc. the show was preceded by a mannequin parade featuring models who were in fact the local shop workers. Mr Greenlee was good fun and one night at Ae village, he told the audience Ian had recently acquired the new Morino accordion and whereas he would not say the price, he could tell them you could purchase a very good car for the same money. Putting his arm on Ian's shoulder he asked what his mother-in-law had to say about him getting the expensive instrument so soon after being married. Ian replied “Oh! but my mother-in-law’s an angel" to which Mr Greenlee replied " You're very lucky son, mine's still living".
At this time Ian & Margaret often listened to Radio Luxemburg. There they first heard Calum Kennedy singing The Hiking Song. They met him whilst on holiday in Skye. A story appeared in the papers telling of how Calum got into serious trouble in Dublin for "clocking" cars. Later in the mid 60's whilst recording for Decca with Bobby MacLeod's band, Calum appeared at the Railway Hotel in West Hampstead and told of how he and an Eastern conjurer nearly lost their lives when their vehicle became stuck in heavy snow in Glencoe. They were unable to open the doors and to avoid suffocation, they had to shovel snow into the vehicle. Calum had purchased a dozen pork pies for his family, before leaving Fort William, but the conjurer said for religious reasons he would not eat them. Calum said the guy gave him a few looks as he devoured his pie and when hunger eventually got the better of him, he said, "Bugger my religion, you give me meat pie". Calum said "he didn't half wolf it down".
In 1959 Ian was asked by Andrew Rankine to 'guest' with his band at dances in Preston and Nelson.
The year 1960 saw Ian and Margaret moving to 155 Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk and Ian secured employment in the repair shop of Alexander's buses at Brown Street, Camelon, Falkirk. The main reason for moving was to enable him to join Andrew Rankine's Scottish Dance Band. At the time the line-up was, Andrew and Ian (accordions), Bobby Christie (violin), Robert "Brush" Campbell (piano), Tom McTague (bass) and Billy Thom on drums. This was one of the most popular °Wits, playing all over Scotland and England. Most weeks they performed in English cities such as: - Newcastle, Liverpool, Leicester, London, Coventry, Wakefield, Southport, Darlington, Stockport etc. On the first trip to play in London, Andrew and Ian shared the driving. It was Ian's turn to drive when they reached London and he found it a very nerve-wracking experience.
However Andrew knew the route well and with his good guidance on lane changes, they arrived safely at the Porchester Hall.
The band also broadcast frequently on BBC radio, mostly from Queen Street, Edinburgh but occasionally from Aberdeen and Dundee. These programmes were broadcast live and Ian can remember one from the Edinburgh Queen Street Studio when just as they were waiting for the green light, bassist Tom McTague laid his lit cigarette on the piano lid whilst he gave his bass a final tuning. This was not noticed by the pianist, Bill Henry and when he lifted the lid, the lit cigarette rolled inside. With smoke rising there was an almighty scramble to secure and clear the offending 'ciggie'. This was done with only seconds to spare before the green light appeared and the band began playing the signature tune, Kate Dalrymple. On another occasion in the Coldside Studio in Dundee Library, the engineer had taken too long to get a balance. So long in fact, that there was only a very few minutes left before the start of the live programme. This was not noticed by the band, but luckily Ian & Andrew were standing with their accordions already strapped on and when the green light appeared and the continuity man in Glasgow announced "This is the Scottish Home Service" they began playing the signature tune Kate Dalrymple with the rest diving to their seats, grabbing their instruments and joining in. Andrew was at times quite disorganised and Ian can remember he and Andrew in the back seat of the van writing arrangements which in turn were copied by Tom McTague and used that night on the live broadcast from the Aberdeen Studio. Playing with such a band gave Ian the opportunity of writing arrangements and he produced around ten waltz selections. He had the lead accordion and fiddle play the melody whilst he played the melody together with a harmony note. He also had the bass player use the bow and this all produced a very solid sound. An example of this sound can be heard in the band's recording of "Ian's Scottish Waltz".
In 1961 the Rankine band played at a concert with Andy Stewart in the Festival Hall, London. Whilst outside during a break in rehearsals the band were approached by an old lady who requested directions to a certain street. Billy Thom had just spoken at great length on the subject of drumming and he told her 'You can’t go wrong Mrs, for it runs "parra-diddle" to Oxford Street'.
Around this time the band was booked for a dance at Dunoon and when they arrived at Gourock pier, vehicles were still being unloaded from McBrayne 's ferry. Whilst Andrew and the fiddler Bobby Finlayson stayed with the van, the rest of the band went to the toilets on the pier. When they emmerged, they discovered the ferry had already gone without them. They then hired Ritchie's' ferry which was very small and arriving at Dunoon after a 'choppy' crossing it was explained they should wait for the swell to take the boat in to the pier and then grab the hanging ladder A non-swimmer, Ian was last to go and very nervous. When the boat drifted towards the pier he stayed still. Just as well, for the boat was immediately swept back out. If he'd jumped when told, he'd have landed in the water. Mr Ritchie eventually decided to take the boat round the side to a cattle slipway which was easier and safer and when Ian was on the ladder, he was grabbed from above by the safe hands of Tom McTague, Bill Henry and Billy Thom.
Once, when the band were playing at a Scottish Country Dance in Perth City Hall, Andrew showed the new VW caravette to Ian Powrie. Ian said it was "a brave van, but you could have purchased a good few bottles of whisky for the price".
Andrew received an SOS from the police in Fort William as they desperately needed a band to play at their annual dance that night as apparently due to heavy snow, Jim Cameron had to call off The road through Glencoe was closed but they intended to catch the train at Crianlarich. It was soon realised they'd be too late in reaching Crianlarich so Andrew rushed into the Luib Hotel threw money on the bar counter and asked them to 'phone the station and request they hold the train back. When they arrived at Crianlarich they got stuck in the snow and could not reach the platform. Several of the passengers came and helped them carry their instruments into the train. A police car met them at Fort-William and conveyed them to the Hotel where it was discovered the piano was way out of tune. Six brawny cops carried a piano from a nearby hall.
Around 1961 Ian was asked by Bobby MacLeod to join his band for the TV show 'The White Heather Club Contrary to present stated opinions, this show was immensely popular and often at dances, folks would come up to Ian and say how much they enjoyed it. The compere and Star was Andy Stewart and among others Ian met and befriended were: - Dixie Ingram, Moira Anderson, Jack Cooper, Peter Mallan, Robin Hall, Jimmie McGregor, Norma Cairns, Isobel James, Harry Carmichael, The Brand Sisters and Jimmy Urquhart. Moira Anderson had a good sense of humour and once said she'd toured New Zealand so often, she was now known as Maori Anderson.
With shows starring the Corrie Folk Trio and Paddy Bell, the company travelled to and recorded two shows in Germany. These were done before an audience of troops from the Scots Grays in the Roundhouse which had been the German Officers ' quarters for the notorious Belsen Concentration camp. By this time Belsen village had been renamed Hohne. Ian and several others were taken to the immaculately-kept cemetery located on the actual site of the camp. The fiddler, Alex 'Pibroch' MacKenzie had been one of the first of the British Troops to enter and liberate the horror camp at the end of the war. A very moving and unforgettable experience.
After one of the recordings, the band played some swing-tunes and later when Pibroch asked the camp adjutant, the Duke Of Kent for his autograph, the Duke said "Having enjoyed your jazz-fiddling so much, I'll make a bargain with you. First you give me your autograph and then I'll give you mine".
The band were taken into the homes of officers and their wives. Bobby and Ian enjoyed the hospitality of Major and Mrs Duncan. While there, Ian composed a 6/8 bagpipe march which he called "The White Heather Clubs Visit To Germany". This tune was featured on Ian's 2009 band broadcast.
With the move to Stenhousemuir, Ian & Margaret joined Larbert East Parish Church. Whilst Margaret performed with the dramatic club Ian found time to play for clubs and the guild whenever required.
In 1961 their daughter Rhona (Rhona Bell Holmes) was born and a new continental style mazurka "Petite Ronabelle" was composed. This later appeared in Ian's book off ive continental solos The Gay Accordion. The night before Rhona's christening the Rankine band were playing in London and on the way home the van developed engine trouble. Somehow it got them home, but they were delayed so much that Ian arrived half an hour before the church service. Having shared the driving with Andrew, he was so tired he kept falling asleep during the service and had to be repeatedly nudged awake by Margaret's dad, Willie Bell.
The Rankine band recorded for EMI with producer George Martin who later gained great fame with The Beatles. One of the tracks was "Ian's Scottish Waltz". As the name suggests, this was one of several sets arranged for the band by Ian. With Tom McTague using the bow throughout it was said the band sounded like a small orchestra.
Once the band was booked to play at a mid-week dance in Strathpeffer and it was snowing heavily when they made their way up the A9. A few miles south of Aviemore a vehicle approached from behind with the driver blowing the horn and flashing the lights. Obviously impatient, he appeared unaware of the dangerous driving conditions as he flew past the van. Just around the next corner they came across tracks showing the car had failed to negotiate the corner and had in fact shot through the fence into a field. The driver was waving wildly for them to stop and whereas he didn’t stop, Andrew did prove he was a true "Knight of the Road" for he opened the window and waved back as they continued on their way. The snow stopped and having played at the dance they returned home safely.
In 1962 Ian started his own band and their first (live) broadcast was on 7th May that year from Edinburgh. A five-piece, the line-up was :- Ian (accordion), Kenny Wilson (fiddle), Davie Whitehead (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Bert Leishman (drums). After the rehearsal the band retired to the entry lounge to be greeted by none other than Jimmy Shand who was playing in the nearby Waverley Market and who had dropped in to wish them good-luck. Stan Saunders was a regular member of Jimmy's band but he'd kindly insisted Stan should play in Ian's broadcast.
At this time Ian wrote to many secretaries of Scottish Dance clubs in England, advising them he'd formed his own band and that he'd welcome bookings. He did not receive a single reply and in the 1970's when Margaret took a call from a secretary in Manchester, desperately looking for a band to cover for one which had called-off, she told him, "you were not interested in him then, so he not interested in you now". Very well put!
In 1963 their daughter Mhorag was born and for some daft reason the medical authorities had persuaded Margaret to have the birth at home. All went well until Margaret haemorrhaged, and both she and baby Mhorag had to be rushed by ambulance to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Progress was painfully slow due to a heavy fall of snow. On the way, the baby's oxygen cubicle went faulty and unable to repair it, the crew decided they should save the mother and proceeded to the Infirmary. Thank God both survived. Also in 1963 the band's first LP Let's Have A Party was issued. As some of the regular players were unavailable, the line-up was:- Ian & Lex Keith (accordions), Kenny Wilson fiddle), Jimmy Scott (piano), Stan Saunders (bass) and Billy Thom on drums. This was the first Scottish Dance Band to record a quick-step but there was also another first, for Ian insisted the band member's names should be listed on the sleeve.
In 1968 Ian decided to purchase the larger Morino 5 voice accordion and having traded-in his 1958 4 voice, he obtained a super instrument from Wilbert Grund the manager of Bell Accordions in Aycliffe. This instrument was manufactured at the Hohner factory in Alstattan, Switzerland. Later in the 1980s Ian holidayed at Wilbert’s (Bill's) home in Alvdalen, Sweden. Bill told Ian he'd sold the 4 voice to Jim Johnstone but he'd had many problems getting the monthly payments from him. Bill said J.J. was the only Scotsman to let him down and that he’d constantly lied about payments being in the post.
Around 1968, Ian's band performed the pilot shows for The White Heather Show, in The Fairfield Hall, Croydon, La Doke Vita, Newcastle, Middlesburgh and Kelso.
During the ten years spent at Stenhousemuir, Ian would often visit the nearby Bellsdyke Mental Hospital to play for the patients. During one such visit he spied a known face in the audience. It was a man he only knew as Val who had in the 1950's, lodged in Queen Street with Mrs Urquhart who had a second-hand shop in Nith Place. Val was well-known around town and he could often be seen on his small bicycle. He did not pedal but instead sat on the seat and his long legs enabled him to propel himself along by walking. Somehow he had a mania for dying clothes and it was known the Urquhart family dare not leave any garment lying around. He wore a women's skirt like a kilt and this could be red in the morning and green by the afternoon.
Ian also remembers entertaining on a Russian boat which was moored at Grangemouth and he with sax player George Moncur and bassist Walter Galloway were joined by some musical crew members. This was at the height of the 'Cold War 'and translator/ language teacher; Jimmy Watson who spoke fluent Russian, was closely watched by the Communist Party Member on board.
In the mid-sixties Ian was asked by Bobby Macleod to go to the Decca Studios in Londons' West Hampstead to record two LPs' " A Scotsman's Songs" and "The Scottish Dance-Master". The line-up was, Bobby and Ian (accordions), Syd Chambers (fiddle), Harry Carmichael (piano), Tom McTague (bass) and Andy Hardie on drums. For the Scotsman's Songs they were joined by studio organist, Harold Smart. Some of the tracks were so popular that cover versions were performed and recorded by other artists. One such track "I See Mull" was recorded by the Alexander Brothers. After the day's recording the band with the producer and engineer, Butch Bannister, retired for refreshments to the Railway Inn. There they met some of the country's top session musicians;- saxophonist, Tubby Hayes, trumpeter, Kenny Baker and drummer, Ronnie Verrill. Later in the near-bye Chinese restaurant they were introduced to the international singer Caterina Valente.
At a later date in Edinburgh, Bobby's band recorded two EPs with singer David Kinaird. One of the songs was The Brig O' Balgownie'.
In 1968 Ian purchased his Hohner, Morino 5 voice piano-accordion which had been manufactured in Switzerland.
In 1970 Ian & Margaret decided to return to Dumfries. For a time Ian lived with Na-Na Bell at her home in Locharbriggs and he resumed working with the near-by coachbuilders, A.C. Penman Ltd. travelling back to Stenhousemuir at the weekends.
After searching for around three months, he eventually found a suitable home and he and Margaret with daughters Rhona (9) and Morag (7) (and Scamp the wire-haired fox terrier) moved to 11 Averill Crescent.
After all the hustle and bustle of the 60's, Ian had hoped to lead a quieter life, but with Bobby McNiellie now on second-accordion, the band was in even greater demand and busier than ever, with often long distances to travel. The line-up in the halls was:- Ian and Bobby (accordions), Kenny Wilson (fiddle) and Gordon Young on drums. Sometimes it was hard work but always enjoyable, for Bobby McNiellie had the ability to memorise and play second-accordion arrangements which added a broad dimension to the music. It was often well into the morning when Ian returned to Averill Crescent and he always found it difficult to unwind, On occasions he would sit in the garden listening to the "dawn chorus" and on others he'd take Scamp for a walk in nearby Mabie Forest.
For broadcasts and recording the band was augmented with Bill Henry on piano and Stan Saunders on bass.
Immediately after their return to Dumfries, Ian was in demand to play at charitable functions. In this respect, he often played in the wards in the Crichton Hospital and at the Carnsalloch Cheshire Home. He frequently playedf or his own church, Maxwelltown West and for others:- St Andrews, St Georges, Greyfriars, Dunscore, Kirkcudbright etc.
The girls had learned to play the piano and when the band had a local engagement, they both did their spot in the preceding concert. Although she would never agree to owning a guitar Mhorag somehow learned to play chords and when she sang the melody, Rhona had the ability to sing her own harmonies on songs such as Amazing Grace and Streets Of London. Dad accompanied them on piano. The trio entertained at many church functions: - Locharbriggs, Dunscore, Maxwelltown West etc.
Ian was also asked to play at charitable concerts with the Dumfries Male Voice Choir Some of the venues he remembers are:- Dumfries Academy Hall, Lochmaben Hospital, Castle-Douglas, Devorgilla Home, Carnsalloch Home, Hightae Village Hall, Dalbeattie and Lockerbie Town Hall with its sloping stage. Ian played with the choir for many years.
In 1971 Ian and others were paid-off by A.C. Penman and after six weeks on the 'dole' he accepted a job in Len Frobisher’s music shop on Loreburn Street, later becoming a partner. This continued until 1973 when Len decided to retire and Ian was asked to remain as manager by the new owner Jimmy Clinkscale. Instead he decided to start his own business and they purchased number 5 Glasgow Street and they opened for business on ln July, 1973. Ian and Margaret remain grateful for the help and support shown in the early years by Mickie Ainsworth and Bill Wilkie. Business was very good and in 1975 they purchased number 9 Glasgow Street. In 1977 they purchased number 39 Galloway Street and the workshop above.
Finally in 1979 they purchased number 1 Glasgow Street with the flat above and cellar below. This meant they owned the whole corner of 3 shops and 2 flats. However with severe rate rises in the early 1980's they decided to let out both 9 Glasgow Street and 39 Galloway Street.
Over the years several musicians told Ian they had lost interest in playing with bands and they were therefore willing to sell their instruments for a `knock-down price'. On such occasions, Ian suggested they delay matters as they would perhaps get fresh inspiration to play once more. Many returned to tell him they had resumed playing. It would have been easy to have made a 'quick buck' out of such people but Ian and Margaret regarded their customers as friends. The music business continued for twenty-seven years until Ian and Margaret retired in 2000. On their final day, 30th September many people visited the shop to wish them good luck and a young boy said 'I'm going to miss you two'. One man telephoned from Dunscore to ask what time the shop would close. He walked in with just minutes to spare and told them he was determined to be their last customer. What a happy ending!
In the mid-1970s Ian was elected a deacon of Maxwelltown West Church and he served for around 27 years until recurring sight problems forced him to resign in 2003.
In 1978 Ian and the band recorded a programme for BBC Radio in the Salutation Hotel, Perth. For this they were joined by Angus Fitchet who had been the matchmaker who brought Ian & Margaret together in 1953. The following year Angus again joined the band to record a programme from Studio One in Glasgow.
Also in 1979 for Ian and Margaret a 'dream came true ' when they visited Switzerland with a coach tour, staying in a Montreaux hotel. They came home loaded with recordings of Swiss Landler Groups, some of whom they would later befriend.
Alas Ian was diagnosed with diabetes in 1979 and the general belief was, it had been brought on by the sudden death of his second-accordionist Bobby McNiellie in 1978.
In 1981 a Crosio 5 row accordion was traded in to the shop and Ian found it ideal for Scandinavian music and he began to play that system. The years 1982 and 1984 saw Ian and Margaret back in Switzerland, each time their base being the Johaniter Hotel in Lucerne. On the latter occasion they heard accordion duettists, Dolfi Rogenmoser and Willi Zayner at the nearby Bonanza restaurant. At the time they were unable to converse and yet these players would later become personal friends, visiting them at Averill
Crescent and in turn, Ian and Margaret were welcomed to their homes and met their families.
In 1983 Ian visited Sweden where he was a guest of Wilbert (Bill) Grund who had been the manager of Bell Accordions in Aycliffe before returning home to Sweden in 1973.
Having started to play the 5 row continental accordion in 1981, Ian had contacted Bill for guidance in purchasing a new instrument suitable for Scandinavian (i.e. Norwegian and Swedish) music. Bill invited him to holiday at his home in Alvdalen and he promised he would find a suitable instrument. In fact he himself had several instruments and having tried around half a dozen, Ian selected and purchased a Ballone Burini. A beautiful sounding accordion, with which he would later record a cassette and CD 'Sounds Scandinavian'.
Bill took Ian to the World's largest accordion festival at Ransater, near Karlstad in central Sweden. Here he met and befriended top accordionist/composer, Rune Evert Nilsson.
Ian returned in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989, each time meeting and playing with some of the top Norwegian and Swedish accordionists. From them Ian received many compositions and arrangements and many were happy to receive Ian's own compositions in the Scandinavian Style. Several of these have been recorded by Broderna (The Brothers) Farm including a Scandinavian Polkette which Ian had re-arranged and renamed "The Northlands". A Swedish dance was later devised for this tune.
In 1983 Ian ordered a book on Swiss accordion manufacturers by author Ernst Roth. They struck up a friendship and Ian and Margaret visited Ernst and his wife Gaby at their home in Adliswil. They still exchange letters and cards at Christmas time.
In 1984 whilst in Switzerland, Ian with Margaret, visited Rudolph Stalder’s accordion factory in Kehrsatz near Bern and here he purchased his first Schwyzerorgeli (Swiss accordion). Ian required to learn to read the special notation for this instrument which shows the position of the note on the keyboard and push and pull of the bellows. Later he modified this system to write for the Hohner, Corso two-row melodian and the Hohner "Shand" Morino.
In 1986 Ian visited Zermatt in Switzerland, with his friend, George Reid from Douglas in Lanarkshire.
In 1987 Ian was made an honorary member of one of Sweden's top and popular orchestras, `tunnbybalgarna', The Bromolla Accordion Orchestra, with which he had performed on several occasions.
It was indeed an honour, for although the orchestra had been formed in 1973, Ian was only the fifth person to be so honoured. During his presentation speech, Lennart Kroon stated Ian was regarded as a dear friend of the orchestra and through his music, he believed he was a true ambassador for Scotland and even Great Britain. Ian was later to receive a video of the orchestra playing his waltz, 'Memories Of Norway'. He also received CDs' of the leader Borje Farm and the family quartet Broderna Farm, playing his arrangement of Elg Anders and The Northlands. They also recorded his Swiss style tune, Engsligenalp Wandern. Through their friendship, Borje and Lillebil Farm and their son Fredrik, twice visited Scotland.
Also in 1987 Ian recorded and released his cassette, Sounds Scandinavian. As no one else had produced anything like it, it was very popular and when he reviewed it, Sweden's Ove Hahn stated it sounded so authentic he could hardly believe it was played by a Scotsman. Indeed, it could have been played by any of their leading accordionists. He awarded it 5 stars out of a possible 6. There were similar words ofp raise from the Norwegian reviewer who awarded it 4 stars out of the possible 5.
Whilst at Ransaeter in 1989 Ian met Erling Maribo, who is regarded as one of Norway's top accordionists in the style of Carl Jularbo and they struck up a lasting friendship. Erling and Monica visited Scotland in 1999. They had actually met at Varberg in 1987 but although they had a 'tune' together, Erling at the time, felt he was unable to converse sufficiently in English. It was certainly a different story two years later, for at the second meeting, Erling spoke very good English and he presented Ian with one of his latest composition, a Scandinavian waltz, dedicated to Ian and called "Dreams Of Scotland". Erling's group later recorded the tune.
When Erling and Monica visited Dumfries in 1999 they met Rhona and Danielle. They were so captivated with Danielle, that Erling dedicated a new waltz composition to her, with the title, "Sweet Danielle".
In 1989 Ian suffered a "frozen shoulder” and when the pain became worse he decided to change from the bulky piano-accordion to the more compact 5 row instrument and having used it on his 1990 broadcast from Carlisle there was a mixed reaction with some folk telling him "you have lost your sound". However, during an early visit to Tobermory, Ian was re-assured, for his friends Bobby MacLeod and Calum MacLean were both enthusiastic for the "new" sound. Bobby advised Ian not to listen to the critics, for he had received the same treatment when he changed from the Co-operativa to the Hohner Morino. Amusingly, some of his sternest critics became ardent Morino players themselves.
The year 1990 saw Ian and Margaret back on holiday in Switzerland. This time they were to meet five people who would become very good friends. The first two, Hansruedi and Susanne Gempeler have the Hochst guesthouse high in the mountains near to Frutigen and overlooking Adelboden. Amiable, Hansruedi, is very accomplished both as a chef and as an accordionist and he was always willing to join Ian for a 'tune'. Ian later dedicated a composition, which he called the "Hansruedi Gempeler Schottisch". He then composed a Swiss polka called "Susanne". Hansruedi and Susanne visited Ian and Margaret, whilst on holiday in Scotland in 2005 and they are visiting once more in early August 2014.
The third person was top Swiss accordionist/composer, Arthur Brugger. Ian himself returned to Switzerland in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and each time, Arthur met him at the Mitsubishi Centre in Thun and drove him to the Steinbock guesthouse at Unter der Birg near Arthur’s home village of Adelboden. This place was a haven for Swiss Landler Music and as Ian had learned many of Arthur’s tunes, they played together for many hours. In 1994 Ian sent Arthur his new Swiss polka, 'For My Friend Arthur Brugger' and later that year they played it together at the restaurant on the Allmenalp. The restaurant was run by Werner Richen and his family and later Ian would dedicate a landler waltz to them 'On The Allmenalp'. It was Arthur who persuaded Ian to record his CD "Ian In Switzerland" in 1998 and he was so pleased with the results that he sent Ian a magnificent cow-bell inscribed "Ian Holmes In Switzerland" greetings from the Swiss Mountains:- Arthur Brugger
The fourth and fifth people were Kurt and Ursula Matter who have the Mitsubishi Centre in Thun. At that time Kurt was importing "Matter" accordions and Swiss style accordions from Italy. Ian decided to purchase one of the latter and he offered to leave a deposit and have them send the instrument after he had forwarded the balance from home. They declined this offer, stating as he was a friend of Arthur Brugger they knew they could trust him and that Ian should take the instrument, then send the total purchase price. There was a 'bob or two' involved and it was good to be so trusted by people who then were total strangers. Needless to say, Ian did not let them down and both he and Margaret have visited Kurt and Ursula many times since.
In 1991 Ian and the band broadcast a programme on Radio Scotland consisting solely of tunes composed by Angus Fitchet.
Whilst in Switzerland in 1992 Ian visited the Reist accordion factory (Emmitaler Orgeli) in Wasen. On arrival he was asked if he was an American or an Englishman. Ian replied, 'neither for I am a Scotsman' to which came the reply "Oh, then you are a Hooligan". At that time due to their bad behaviour, Scotland's football supporters had gained international notoriety.
Ian decided to purchase a new tremelo-tuned orgeli (Swiss accordion) and although first told there was a four year waiting period, after negotiations the company finally agreed to supply it in two years.
Also in 1992 Ian and his band marked 30 years of broadcasting and afterwards a lady wrote an appreciative letter saying 'Congratulations on your 30 years on behalf of my husband and I'. 'Over those years your music has made us and millions of others very happy'.
In 1993 Ian was asked to appear at the Titano accordion festival at Vinstra in Norway. He played selections of Scottish Dance Music and also a Scandinavian style waltz he'd specially written, called "Hilsen Til Vinstra" (Greetings To Vinstra). Many players liked the tune and asked for copies. The festival was truly an international affair for there were accordionists from Italy, Germany, Romania, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden with Ian being the only player from Britain. (He jokes, he was the representative from Averill Crescent) He spent a week there and he considered it a great honour o e asked to represent his country on that auspicious occasion. Back in Switzerland in 1994, Ian collected his new "orgeli" from the Reist factory and having tried it, Ernst Roth exclaimed "are they allowing this wonderful instrument out of the country"?
In 1995 Ian returned to the Steinbock in Adelboden where he met up once more with Arthur Brugger and accordion duettists, Dolfi Rogenmoser and Willi Zahner who he and Margaret had heard playing at the Bonanza, Lucerne in 1984. This time things were different, for they were accompanied by bassist Kobi Kobelt and pianist, Ernst (Ernie) Ehrler who as a merchant banker in Schwyz spoke fluent English. Through him, Ian was able to converse with Dolfi and Willi and he discovered they all had a good sense of humour Ian was asked to play with them and acquitted himself so well that on one occasion Dolfi asked 'why does he speak Scots when he obviously a Swiss '?
Also in 1995 Ian fulfilled a long ambition to play a broadcast with the entire programme consisting of tunes composed by his friend, Jimmy Shand. Part of that ambition was to have Ian Powrie as guest fiddler. The programme was very well received with many people saying it was one of the best ever broadcasts. Jimmy 'phoned Ian the next morning to say thank you and that he was delighted at the way his tunes had been played and arranged.
Ian Powrie recorded a Scottish Country Dance CD with the band and he joined them on broadcasts for the next five years until he and his wife Leila returned to Australia in 1999.
Some time in the mid 1990's, Ian was asked to assist his friend, Jimmy Helm with details of broadcasting bands from the 1950's and 1960's for annual concert in tribute with all monies going to charities. Ian volunteered to play and each year since, he and Margaret have gone to St Andrews bearing the cost of two nights accommodation and refusing the offer of expenses.
In 2001 back in Switzerland Ian and Margaret met and befriended probably the country's top accordionst/ composer Walter Grob. Later that year Ian suffered sight loss and for a time he became completely blind. Back home after sitting in with Bruce Lindsay's band at a dance he composed three 6/8 bagpipe marches. Unable to write the tunes down, he instead whistled them on to a cassette recorder Two were included in a broadcast, "Willie Lowe of Connel" and Bruce Lindsay's Welcome To Crossmichael". The latter is included on the DVD " The Button Box In Scotland". Ian can also be seen playing his Swiss Accordion and Mini Swiss Accordion.
Also in 2001 Ian was asked by Mrs Mairi Savage their minister s' wife to give a talk to the Maxwelltown West Guild under the title My Life In Music. Although initially apprehensive, (not a sufficiently interesting life?) he did agree and it was extremely well received. So much so that it has been repeated for the Guild and many other groups and clubs.
With so many experiences to recall, he has been able to give several repeat talks with musical illustrations to The Ladies Probus Club, The Retired Teachers Club, The Blind Association, The Good Companions and Shawhead Retirement Group as well as appearances for The Kirkmichael Group and Mouswald Church.
When in October 2006 on BBC Radio Scotland, Ian was interviewed by Robbie Shepherd on the 8 types of accordion he then played, the response from listeners and fellow bandsmen was overwhelming, with many stating they had no idea there were so many different systems. Since then he hasacquired an Austrian Stieriche model.
In July 2007 Ian was the 'main guest playing six types of accordion at a fund-raising concert Dairy Hall and in September of that year at an accordion club in Windygates he featured 8 different accordions:- Hohner Morino piano-accordion, Hohner Morino 5 row, Hohner Shand Morino, Hohner Morino 5 voice Club model, Hohner Corso two-row melodion, Reist Mini orgeli, Reist full-size orgeli and his Zupan Steiriche.
Once when having agreed to play at a charity function he was asked why he had refused the offer of expenses Ian told the organiser, Margaret and I have discussed this matter and we both agree I have such a lot from my music that it is only proper that I put something back in.
I've had a wonderful life, for through my music I have visited so many inclusion in a new book "Who 's On The Dance-Music Tonight?. At first Ian had doubts on his ability to remember much from that period, but he eventually gave Jimmy names and the personnel of over 100 bands. When this list was shown to Jimmy Shand, he remarked, " My God, that laddie has a phenomenal memory".
In 1996 Ian was back in Switzerland and whilst at the Hochst Guesthouse he became aware of a problem with the sight of his left eye. This soon cleared and things returned to normal. However in 1997 the problem re-occurred but this time it became slowly worse until he became completely blind in his left eye. The same problem sometimes affected the right eye and on several occasions he was completely blind for around two weeks. In May 2000 he underwent major surgery to the left eye at Gartnavel Hospital. The next year saw the same operation to his right eye and a second operation was carried out on his left eye in 2004. Since that time things have remained stable. All the operations were carried out by Doctor Tom Barrie and Ian dedicated a new 6/8 bagpipe march to him in his broadcast on 14th October, 2006.
In 1998 during a visit from Bill Grund Ian drove him to Auchtermuchty to visit their mutual friend, Jimmy Shand. After Ian had played him a tune on his Matter Swiss accordion, Jimmy said "You're a one-off son, for no-one else can play so many different types of accordion and you don "t just play them, for you play them well". Great praise from such a man.
In 1999 Ian and Margaret received a visit from Swiss restaurateur Rolf Egli with his wife and son. He had heard of them from Dolfi Rogenmoser Ian and Margaret visited their Zurich restaurant in 2001 and 2003 where they were the special guests at a Landler Music Evening.
Later in 1999 Dolfi with Willi Zahner and Ernst Ehrler spent a week in Dumfries. Dolfi had said "As Ian and Margaret cannot visit us in Switzerland, we must visit them in Scotland". Ian was able to drive them around and he showed them our beautiful countryside. He also arranged for the trio to play at Bill Wilkie concert in Perth City Hall. The audience loved them and Ian joined in on their final number, a Swiss Schottisch called 'Gluck Gluck'. They received a standing ovation and in a recent interview for a magazine, Dolfi stated, that night was the most memorable of his long career. It was certainly memorable for Ian, for that was the same stage on which he had been presented with the Jimmy Shand Shield after becoming the all Scotland champion in 1957 and where he had played with Bobby MacLeod, Andrew Rankine and with his own band.
After Sir Jimmy Shand died in 2000 it was decided to organise an places here and abroad and I have met so many interesting and kindly people. For years I was happy at my work and this work was also my hobby. How many people can say that?
To date Ian has composed in excess of 450 tunes in many styles:- Scottish, Irish, English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Swiss as well as all forms of Bagpipe Marches. He has recorded 18 albums and there are 3 volumes of his compositions and arrangements in the Dumfries Collection. His waltz "Sunset on the Fjord" was beautifully arranged for 3 accordions by his Norwegian friend, the legendary Arnstein Johansen.
In 2008 Ian & Margaret heard a swarthy-skinned young man busking with his accordion on Dumfries High Street. He was a good player and the music he played appeared to be East European. Having placed a contribution in his collection-box, Ian asked him in slow broken English, "Where is your home?" They were more than a little surprised when he laughed and back came his reply in a Scottish accent, “I'm from Moniaive". He then explained he'd learned to play that type of music after a visit to Romania.
On 7th January, 2014 Ian and his six piece Scottish Dance Band were the Guests at the Islesteps Accordion & Fiddle Club. Although it was not advertised as such, this was to be their final public performance. Somehow word had got around and there was a record turnout off and and fellow musicians from all over Scotland.
For his Swiss friend Ian composed a schottisch which he named "Dolfi Rogenmoser 's 80th Birthday". This with four other of Ian’s. Swiss style compositions, were included in a DVD sent to Dolfi.
Ian at the age of 79, is still very enthusiastic and at present he is kept busy arranging and recording tunes for a CD "Ian In Switzerland Volume Two". He also plans to produce a DVD showing him performing on his eight different types of accordions.
"Music has been so much of my life and I've been so lucky, for I've had a wonderful life, playing and composing". There are so many tunes, for family members, family pets and friends, as well as those dedicated to top musicians, holiday locations etc.
He is among those being inducted into the Scottish Traditional-Music. Hall Of Fame in 2014.