Box and Fiddle
Year 05 No 05
January 1982
Price 25p
8 pages
8 month subscription £2.88
Editor – Ian Smith, 50 Mount Vernon Road, Stranraer Tele 4098
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
What a winter so far. Everything for us is against us, the struggle to keep going seems to get harder. Yet in six weeks time we will be looking for the first signs of spring and with spring comes hope and where there is hope there will be Accordion and Fiddle Clubs emerging again like the snowdrops.
Word has come through that Kirsty Bissett, our fundraising Queen, has been hospitalized since shortly after her famous ceilidh in Stirling. She is in Ward 5 of Bridge of Earn Hospital, Perth. Knowing Kirsty the staff will have a job in hand to keep her confined to her bed. Get well Kirsty, we miss you at the Clubs.
Will Secretaries please remind their Treasurers that it takes money to produce our paper and if it is to continue we would be grateful for some of their hard-earned cash. It does oil the wheels.
Our apologies as the paper this month is only an eight-pager. Weather and transport troubles are the reason for this.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
A Happy New Year to everybody. Here’s a brief resume of the Festive programmes as I heard (or saw) them.
Christmas being a Friday, Robbie Shepherd’s ‘Reel Blend’ took top honours on the BBC. Robbie spent his half-hour looking back at ’81.
Also on Christmas Day on ….Radio Scotland, Andy Cameron’s Christmas Party – two hours of madness recorded at the Gaiety in Ayr in early December. John Carmichael featured with one of his rare radio appearances on the box (sounds daft that – but the box is the squeeze type, not the one that gives you square eyes.)
Christmas this year was completed on BBC with Gerry MacKenzie’s Tartan Terror Show. Wish he would take a few extra tablets – it might put him to sleep for a while!
The Boxing Day session of ‘TTF’ was taken over by Bill Black and his Band. Not one of his best by a long chalk, but nevertheless it contained some smashing tunes. Maybe the band was too full of Christmas pudding, but it sounded a bit lethargic to me.
I also seem to recollect a certain Mr Bill Black sparking off some real argument on ‘TTF’ when he spoke about ‘rent-a-band’. Pity he doesn’t practice what he preaches.
West Sound took the opportunity of the Festive Season to boost its Scottish output. Over the Christmas and New Year period, John Carmichael had no less than ten hours of super records. At least on John’s show ‘Sounds Scottish’ the records are the important thing.
Not unlike Radio Forth’s Steve Jack who handles his show ‘Pure Scotch’ in the same way. There’s no stupid hooching and chooching over the records with these lads.
The New Year shows were less than inspiring. The only TV station to do a live thing was STV. It didn’t really come off too well. Grampian did the time honoured Johnnie Beattie ceilidh which was recorded some time ago (and it showed).
BBC chose to have an Irishman host an English show. Enough said about that.
Radio was left to carry the honours and the Beeb must win hands down on that one. They at least chose to do it live from Edinburgh (the Hogmanay bit that is) and despite Producer Richard Titchen plying bottles of the cratur on the Police pop group, the show did have a bit of sparkle about it.
The West Sound effort on the other hand was amateurish and poor. Not in the guest list, but in the production. The Kenny Thomson Band were good had the sound reproduction been better.
Billy McEwan backed the singers on organ and proved he’s a most professional player. Kathy Kay didn’t stand a chance, Tommy Trousdale should never have been given a chance! Lou Grant leaves everything to chance!
Highlight of West Sound Hogmanay was Linton MacMillan who performed excellently. Pity about the sound quality though – it really was diabolical.
New Year Saturday had John Ellis and the Highland Country Band from Aberdeen studio complete with audience. I thought the band played well and the recording was very good indeed. At times, however, the front line was a wee bit ragged. Now I’ve said that before and someone wrote in and said that could never happen. Irene Dear’s second box became a wee bit monotonous purely because it was too loud. It didn’t quite blend in the way it normally does.
It is, however, a shame to criticize such a band, but they themselves have set their standard. They, indeed, have almost become the standard by which everyone else is judged. The Highland Country Band is normally so meticulous and tidy, light and lively, and more than anything, accurate.
Robbie’s record review made a pleasant change – I enjoyed that.
I must make one comment about an earlier broadcast by the Wardlaw Band. I was never so disappointed in a broadcast as I was with Kenny Thomson’s last one for the Beeb and Radio Forth. Kenny seems to have done from one extreme to the other. The band used to be ‘sedate’. That’s the best word I can find to describe their style. But for some reason in these two broadcasts everything was played at double time and with the incessant bass drum thump that killed the double bass stone dead it left me with a thumping headache.
Wonder Young ‘Uns Do It Again
By Ian Smith
At the North of England NAO championships our young representatives on the accordion forayed over the Border to Carlisle and returned home loaded with trophies and medals. Quite the best haul ever. Well done, young masters and misses. Here are the results.
Area Junior Solo
Michael Armstrong (Carlisle)
Preparatory Solo
1) Barbara McLeod (Glasgow)
2) Linda Malloy (Glasgow)
3) Iain Newton (Kirkcaldy)
Elementary Solo
1) Alex Watson (West Lothian)
2) Julia Wilson (Carlisle)
3) Cameron Clarke (West Lothian)
Intermediate Solo
1) Michelle Armstrong (Brampton)
2) Lyn Shanks (West Lothian)
3) May Taylor (West Lothian)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Caroline Couser (Kirkcaldy)
2) Thelma Dickson (Glasgow)
3) John Donald (Ayr)
Under 10 Solo
1) Allan Frater (West Lothian)
2) William Sneddon (West Lothian)
3) Pamela McCann (fife)
Under 12 Solo
1) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
2) Lynette Wood (West Lothian)
3) Tracey Aitken (West Lothian)
Under 14 Solo
1) Diane Armstrong (West Lothian)
2) Alan Preston (Shotts)
3) Fiona Franci (Glasgow)
Elementary Duet
1) Kenneth MacIvor & Graham Tierney (Glasgow)
2) Catherine Fraser & Elaine Robertson (Whitburn)
3) Allan Frater & William Sneddon (West Lothian)
Intermediate Duet
1) May & Margo Taylor (West Lothian)
2) Caroline Couser & Glan McGill (Fife)
3) Lara Halliday & Fiona Franci (Glasgow)
Advanced Duet
1) Laurence Monaghan & Lianne Calder (Glasgow)
2) Jean Corrighan & Julie Best (Carlisle)
3) Roy Hendrie & Richard Ross (Glasgow)
Preparatory Band
Loretta Blair Prep Band
Elementary Band
Jimmy Blair Elementary Band
Intermediate Band
1) Jimmy Blair Intermediate Band
2) Harrow Accordion Band
Open Solo
1) Gillian Thwaytes (Carlisle)
2) Richard Ross (Glasgow)
3) Sandra MacFadyen (East Kilbride)
Scottish Under 12 Solo
1) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
2) Lorraine Banford (East Kilbride)
3) William Sneddon (West Lothian)
Scottish Under 14 Solo
1) Diane Armstrong (West Lothian)
2) Ewan Donald (Ayr)
3) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
Scottish Under 16 Solo
1) Ian Skinner (West Lothian)
2) John Donald (Ayr)
3) Nicola Reid (Fife)
Senior Scottish Solo
1) Hugh Donald (Ayr)
2) Thelma Dickson (Glasgow)
3) Allan Black (Biggar)
The adjudicators were Mr G. Romani and Mr I. J. Hodgson with Mr Max Houliston adjudicating the Scottish sections. Well done to teacher Wilson Wood of (West Lothian).
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Biggar and Better Sound of Alex MacArthur – Ross Records – WGR 022
Here’s a great one to start the New Year. The Alex MacArthur Band at their very best. Produced in Craighall, Edinburgh, this is a superb recording with some great sets included.
It’s the usual line-up of Alex on lead box, with Jack Delaney on second, Ian Mearns on fiddle, Ian Wilson on piano, Stan Saunders on bass and the only change from normal – Duncan Burns on drums.
There are eight sets on each side which makes this even better value for money.
Quite a few of the tunes were included in Sandy’s last broadcast.
The favourites of mine are every set! But if I had to highlight one or two they would be ‘A Trip to Bavaria’ which includes an arrangement of Caddam Woods which may make Jim Cameron turn in his grave, but which is so unique it is distinctive MacArthur. It has one of these chord sequences that makes you sit up and listen. The other highlight is the 9/8 march ‘Pibroch MacKenzie’s Farewell’. Ian Mearns has a super fiddle solo too and Jack Delaney takes over the lead for a couple of sets. Easily one of the best records to hit the scene for a long time!
The Pride of the North – Addie Harper and the Wick Band – Ross Records WGR 021
Echoes of Deeside – Jane Smith and Judith Davidson – Speyside CSP005
Paddy – Star of the Borders
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Paddy Neary has just finished another concert – an exhibition in the Scottish Borders – and the huddled audience of just over 200 are delighted.
“Incredible” says one man. “Did you see his fingers move?” says another, “They were just a blur!”
That’s the sort of reaction one of Ireland’s best known accordionists has known for most of his life now – and how he enjoys playing well!
“I hate giving a bad performance” says Paddy in that beautifully rounded Irish drawl. “It really depresses me. It’s like the whole world has collapsed around me. The fella who said you’re only as good as your last performance got it right. I feel sick when it happens and can’t wait for the next opportunity to do it all over again.
“It’s because I respect the music so much.”
Music and marriage are Paddy’s two great loves. He tied the knot with his wife June four years ago and feels his music has improved by leaps and bounds because of it.
“I only wish I’d married earlier” he says. He now has two young boys but would not like them to follow their father into a musical career.
“I’d like to see them enjoy music but not take it up professionally” he says.
It’s music that holds him together and his love, nay passion, for it emanates from every fibre of his body.
The man thinks, sleeps, eats and breathes the stuff, a love born out of his parents’ encouragement and his own innate ability. Without it the 33-year-old Irishman is like the shark that must always move in the water les it stagnates and dies.
Paddy was born into a musical background in Ardee, County Louth. His father, Mickey, was a farm labourer whose family had tilled the soil on the same estate for well over 100 years.
His mother loved the classics and Beethoven in particular and it was in this ground that the tended shoots of the young Neary’s budding musical career would take root and flourish. Paddy started plonking away on the piano before he was four, converting the sounds in his head into an elementary musical shape.
As he grew through childhood and listened to, and sometimes even joined in music sessions in the house, his education developed until, at the age of 11, he took up the accordion – a Christmas present from his dad.
He began playing in a three-piece band around the local hotels and also started composing his own tunes.
A capable pianist, even at that tender age, he swept the board with three composed Irish airs at the Newry Music Festival, beating a nearby piano teacher.
Even then he preferred slower, emotional pieces – songs like ‘The Dark Island’ or ‘Londonderry Air.’ “My favourite though is the slow movement from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathetique Symphony’”.
“I never play it though because I can hear the orchestra in the background and know what it should be sounding like. Mine is an awful little sound by comparison.”
It was only when Paddy moved to Scotland and purchased an electronic accordion that he began to enjoy playing it.
“It had strings you see, and I love strings. I really detested the accordion before that – it had no feeling or timbre like the piano.”
That was not the major turning point in his career however. Following a three year period in his late teens when he toured America and Germany with a showband, Paddy returned to Ireland and took the All-Ireland Accordion Championship.
He then went to University College, Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music – both at the same time. It was at the latter that he studied under DR A. J. Potter, a man who was to reveal to him what Paddy now recognises as one of the greatest gifts of music. The ability to approach music from within yourself.
“Before then I had always played a piece from the outside in,” he says “and any emotion which came in the tune was purely accidental. Dr Potter reshaped my whole musical education.”
Like many players, that realization has led him to continually strive to better his own musicianship but it inevitably promptsthe question ‘are you ever satisfied with you own ability?’
“Well my only real ambition is to improve my playing. I have always deeply admired the Norwegian player Toralf Tollefson who, in an age when there were no sophisticated accordions, could produce superb music which I have yet to hear bettered.
Paddy says that the only performance of his own that he would describe as definitive, a piece that he is entirely satisfied with, is ‘The Blue Danube’ by Strauss.
It was only when he moved to Scotland, however, that Paddy finally realised just how much enjoyment his music gave to people.
He came over in 1977 at the invitation of Alex MacArthur from Biggar who met Paddy while judging the All-Ireland Championships that same year. The initial visit consisted of a brief 10-day tour around some of the A&F Clubs, but Paddy was flabbergasted by the response.
“I couldn’t believe the appreciation for what I did”, he says “and made up my mind that I wanted to move to Scotland where there were so many marvellous people who wanted to hear my music.”
With an almost childlike innocence of the gifts he possessed, Paddy continued to impress Scots audiences settling down eventually in Auchterarder.
He says he’s a little bit disappointed with the way the scene has changed in his home country during that time, particularly on the East Coast.
“Most of the venues have become infiltrated with heavy pop music. Most of the time badly performed.
“As in most types of music there is good and bad, but a lot of it seems to be noise for noise’s sake.” He admits, however, to a healthy respect for Stevie Wonder. “He makes lovely music” adds Paddy.
Talking of the charts reminds Paddy that he does, after all, harbour an ambition. “I want to be the first accordionist to take the instrument – solo – to number one in the Hit Parade.”
“I have the tune but I am not going to tell you what it is!”
“What I would really love is to do for the accordion what James Galway has done for the flute. I’ve never met him but I wish I had his fingers” laughs Paddy.
Try telling that to the man in the Scottish Borders!
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I’m not a musical fanatic like the rest of my family and, therefore, do not read the ‘B&F’ regularly but whilst at my parents home for Christmas, I happened to read the October edition. The comments of you critic in his column ‘The Reel Radio’ have made me write this letter.
If Mr Hamilton would look out of his esoteric world of lounges and ear level, wall mounted speakers, he would discover that the vast majority of listeners to Scottish dance music put enjoyment of the music at the top of their list of priorities.
This is the reason my father and Jimmy Shand have lasted and will last as long as they can play.
Of course, there are players of greater technical ability – just as there were when MacLeod and Shand were in their prime. But there are few players, I would suggest, who can convey enjoyment and appreciation of the music to the same extent.
Surely this is the reason why MacLeod and Shand are still in such demand, and still have a contribution to make? Or maybe Accordion clubs can save on expenses by advertising MacLeod and Shand cut-outs and old recordings?
By the year 2000 they’ll have invented a robot with 20 fingers who can play anything written on the music sheet, but how many people will come and listen?
If Derek Hamilton’s views are correct, I can imagine future BBC auditions being confined to fulfilling two conditions – (1) all bands to be under 30, and (2) all bands able to play the High Level backwards.
Finally, I consider that in his comments about “MacLeod and Shand duels” and the John Huband/Calum McLean duet your critic trespassed from legitimate criticism to personal insult.
Duncan MacLeod
Inverurie
Aberdeenshire
Sir – I feel compelled to write a few lines re the last couple of Editorial paragraphs in the December B&F.
Your gallant support for Derek Hamilton is, I’m afraid, in vain. Mr Hamilton’s remarks in last October’s ‘The Reel Radio’ concerning Messrs MacLeod, Shand, MacLean and Huband are quite out of order and totally indefensible.
Mr Hamilton’s job is, I would say, to fairly criticize, not crucify, and he may spend a lot of time and effort trying to accomplish this, but, if his price for such time and effort is to indulge in bouts of irresponsible journalism, that amount to nothing short of ‘literary muggings’, then his price is far, far too high.
When the dust has finally settled in Derek Hamilton’s mind and commonsense and manners return, he might thoughtfully consider just what he has written and salvage, even at this eleventh hour, some respect for himself, possibly by offering a written apology to four great players, two of them legends in their own lifetimes.
John MacIntyre
Fort William
Sir – I have been getting the ‘B&F’ for a few months now and have enjoyed reading it, but you can imagine my surprise and delight to find on Page 5 of the November issue a photograph of my late father Felix Burns.
The reproduction of such an old photograph is really marvelous.
I am the last of the Burns family myself, so you can understand how I felt seeing the photograph. I did a broadcast talk about my father on Radio Scotland on 14th February, 1981, with Robbie Shepherd.
You might be interested to hear I play the violin, being in the profession all my life. Next August I shall be 76 years old and started to learn the violin at the age of six. It will mean that by August I shall have been 70 years on the fiddle. This might be a record.
Leo Burns
12 George Eliot Road
Coventry
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 24 Feb 82 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21 Feb 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) – 23 Jan 82 Supper Dance Bill black SDB 4 Feb 82 Jimmy Blue Trio
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall ( ) – Iain MacPhail SDB
Drumpellier (Dal;rymple House, Clelland) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 16 Feb 82 Walter Perrie
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) –
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 28 Jan 82 Archie Duncan
Edinburgh (Hearts Supporters Club, 99 Slateford Rd) –
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25 Jan 82 Alex McPhee (fiddle)
Forres (Brig Motel) – 20 Jan 82 Burns Night 10 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle)
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) – 11 Feb 82
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 15 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB 15 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 27 Jan 82 Lothianaires
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3 Feb 82 Graham Geddes 3 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4 Feb 82 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson 4 Mar 82 George Stirrat and Jimmy Yeaman
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 29 Jan 82 Annual Dance Jimmy Shand Jnr SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 4 Feb 82 Alan Roy
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Feb 82 member players
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 18 Apr 82 Festival
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 21 Jan 82 Jimmy Lindsay
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Jan 82 Max Houliston SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 5 Mar 82 Buffet Dance
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Banff & District
4. Castle Douglas
5. Cleland
6. Crieff & District
7. Dunblane
8. Dundee & District
9. Dunfermline & District
10. Fintry
11. Fort William
12. Forres
13. Galston
14. Gorebridge
15. Highland
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Monklands
21. Ormiston
22. Perth & District
23. Shetland
24. Stranraer
25. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
15. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
16. Derwentside A&F Club
17. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
18. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
28. Galston A&F Club (1969)
29. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
30. Gorebridge) (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £70
Half Page - £35
Quarter Page - £17.50
B&F Treasurer – Mrs Mary Plunkett, 2 Dounan Road, Dunragit, Wigtownshire
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
What a winter so far. Everything for us is against us, the struggle to keep going seems to get harder. Yet in six weeks time we will be looking for the first signs of spring and with spring comes hope and where there is hope there will be Accordion and Fiddle Clubs emerging again like the snowdrops.
Word has come through that Kirsty Bissett, our fundraising Queen, has been hospitalized since shortly after her famous ceilidh in Stirling. She is in Ward 5 of Bridge of Earn Hospital, Perth. Knowing Kirsty the staff will have a job in hand to keep her confined to her bed. Get well Kirsty, we miss you at the Clubs.
Will Secretaries please remind their Treasurers that it takes money to produce our paper and if it is to continue we would be grateful for some of their hard-earned cash. It does oil the wheels.
Our apologies as the paper this month is only an eight-pager. Weather and transport troubles are the reason for this.
The Reel Radio
by Derek Hamilton
A Happy New Year to everybody. Here’s a brief resume of the Festive programmes as I heard (or saw) them.
Christmas being a Friday, Robbie Shepherd’s ‘Reel Blend’ took top honours on the BBC. Robbie spent his half-hour looking back at ’81.
Also on Christmas Day on ….Radio Scotland, Andy Cameron’s Christmas Party – two hours of madness recorded at the Gaiety in Ayr in early December. John Carmichael featured with one of his rare radio appearances on the box (sounds daft that – but the box is the squeeze type, not the one that gives you square eyes.)
Christmas this year was completed on BBC with Gerry MacKenzie’s Tartan Terror Show. Wish he would take a few extra tablets – it might put him to sleep for a while!
The Boxing Day session of ‘TTF’ was taken over by Bill Black and his Band. Not one of his best by a long chalk, but nevertheless it contained some smashing tunes. Maybe the band was too full of Christmas pudding, but it sounded a bit lethargic to me.
I also seem to recollect a certain Mr Bill Black sparking off some real argument on ‘TTF’ when he spoke about ‘rent-a-band’. Pity he doesn’t practice what he preaches.
West Sound took the opportunity of the Festive Season to boost its Scottish output. Over the Christmas and New Year period, John Carmichael had no less than ten hours of super records. At least on John’s show ‘Sounds Scottish’ the records are the important thing.
Not unlike Radio Forth’s Steve Jack who handles his show ‘Pure Scotch’ in the same way. There’s no stupid hooching and chooching over the records with these lads.
The New Year shows were less than inspiring. The only TV station to do a live thing was STV. It didn’t really come off too well. Grampian did the time honoured Johnnie Beattie ceilidh which was recorded some time ago (and it showed).
BBC chose to have an Irishman host an English show. Enough said about that.
Radio was left to carry the honours and the Beeb must win hands down on that one. They at least chose to do it live from Edinburgh (the Hogmanay bit that is) and despite Producer Richard Titchen plying bottles of the cratur on the Police pop group, the show did have a bit of sparkle about it.
The West Sound effort on the other hand was amateurish and poor. Not in the guest list, but in the production. The Kenny Thomson Band were good had the sound reproduction been better.
Billy McEwan backed the singers on organ and proved he’s a most professional player. Kathy Kay didn’t stand a chance, Tommy Trousdale should never have been given a chance! Lou Grant leaves everything to chance!
Highlight of West Sound Hogmanay was Linton MacMillan who performed excellently. Pity about the sound quality though – it really was diabolical.
New Year Saturday had John Ellis and the Highland Country Band from Aberdeen studio complete with audience. I thought the band played well and the recording was very good indeed. At times, however, the front line was a wee bit ragged. Now I’ve said that before and someone wrote in and said that could never happen. Irene Dear’s second box became a wee bit monotonous purely because it was too loud. It didn’t quite blend in the way it normally does.
It is, however, a shame to criticize such a band, but they themselves have set their standard. They, indeed, have almost become the standard by which everyone else is judged. The Highland Country Band is normally so meticulous and tidy, light and lively, and more than anything, accurate.
Robbie’s record review made a pleasant change – I enjoyed that.
I must make one comment about an earlier broadcast by the Wardlaw Band. I was never so disappointed in a broadcast as I was with Kenny Thomson’s last one for the Beeb and Radio Forth. Kenny seems to have done from one extreme to the other. The band used to be ‘sedate’. That’s the best word I can find to describe their style. But for some reason in these two broadcasts everything was played at double time and with the incessant bass drum thump that killed the double bass stone dead it left me with a thumping headache.
Wonder Young ‘Uns Do It Again
By Ian Smith
At the North of England NAO championships our young representatives on the accordion forayed over the Border to Carlisle and returned home loaded with trophies and medals. Quite the best haul ever. Well done, young masters and misses. Here are the results.
Area Junior Solo
Michael Armstrong (Carlisle)
Preparatory Solo
1) Barbara McLeod (Glasgow)
2) Linda Malloy (Glasgow)
3) Iain Newton (Kirkcaldy)
Elementary Solo
1) Alex Watson (West Lothian)
2) Julia Wilson (Carlisle)
3) Cameron Clarke (West Lothian)
Intermediate Solo
1) Michelle Armstrong (Brampton)
2) Lyn Shanks (West Lothian)
3) May Taylor (West Lothian)
Higher Intermediate Solo
1) Caroline Couser (Kirkcaldy)
2) Thelma Dickson (Glasgow)
3) John Donald (Ayr)
Under 10 Solo
1) Allan Frater (West Lothian)
2) William Sneddon (West Lothian)
3) Pamela McCann (fife)
Under 12 Solo
1) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
2) Lynette Wood (West Lothian)
3) Tracey Aitken (West Lothian)
Under 14 Solo
1) Diane Armstrong (West Lothian)
2) Alan Preston (Shotts)
3) Fiona Franci (Glasgow)
Elementary Duet
1) Kenneth MacIvor & Graham Tierney (Glasgow)
2) Catherine Fraser & Elaine Robertson (Whitburn)
3) Allan Frater & William Sneddon (West Lothian)
Intermediate Duet
1) May & Margo Taylor (West Lothian)
2) Caroline Couser & Glan McGill (Fife)
3) Lara Halliday & Fiona Franci (Glasgow)
Advanced Duet
1) Laurence Monaghan & Lianne Calder (Glasgow)
2) Jean Corrighan & Julie Best (Carlisle)
3) Roy Hendrie & Richard Ross (Glasgow)
Preparatory Band
Loretta Blair Prep Band
Elementary Band
Jimmy Blair Elementary Band
Intermediate Band
1) Jimmy Blair Intermediate Band
2) Harrow Accordion Band
Open Solo
1) Gillian Thwaytes (Carlisle)
2) Richard Ross (Glasgow)
3) Sandra MacFadyen (East Kilbride)
Scottish Under 12 Solo
1) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
2) Lorraine Banford (East Kilbride)
3) William Sneddon (West Lothian)
Scottish Under 14 Solo
1) Diane Armstrong (West Lothian)
2) Ewan Donald (Ayr)
3) Lynne Mathieson (West Lothian)
Scottish Under 16 Solo
1) Ian Skinner (West Lothian)
2) John Donald (Ayr)
3) Nicola Reid (Fife)
Senior Scottish Solo
1) Hugh Donald (Ayr)
2) Thelma Dickson (Glasgow)
3) Allan Black (Biggar)
The adjudicators were Mr G. Romani and Mr I. J. Hodgson with Mr Max Houliston adjudicating the Scottish sections. Well done to teacher Wilson Wood of (West Lothian).
Record Review
by Derek Hamilton
The Biggar and Better Sound of Alex MacArthur – Ross Records – WGR 022
Here’s a great one to start the New Year. The Alex MacArthur Band at their very best. Produced in Craighall, Edinburgh, this is a superb recording with some great sets included.
It’s the usual line-up of Alex on lead box, with Jack Delaney on second, Ian Mearns on fiddle, Ian Wilson on piano, Stan Saunders on bass and the only change from normal – Duncan Burns on drums.
There are eight sets on each side which makes this even better value for money.
Quite a few of the tunes were included in Sandy’s last broadcast.
The favourites of mine are every set! But if I had to highlight one or two they would be ‘A Trip to Bavaria’ which includes an arrangement of Caddam Woods which may make Jim Cameron turn in his grave, but which is so unique it is distinctive MacArthur. It has one of these chord sequences that makes you sit up and listen. The other highlight is the 9/8 march ‘Pibroch MacKenzie’s Farewell’. Ian Mearns has a super fiddle solo too and Jack Delaney takes over the lead for a couple of sets. Easily one of the best records to hit the scene for a long time!
The Pride of the North – Addie Harper and the Wick Band – Ross Records WGR 021
Echoes of Deeside – Jane Smith and Judith Davidson – Speyside CSP005
Paddy – Star of the Borders
by Jimmy Clinkscale
Paddy Neary has just finished another concert – an exhibition in the Scottish Borders – and the huddled audience of just over 200 are delighted.
“Incredible” says one man. “Did you see his fingers move?” says another, “They were just a blur!”
That’s the sort of reaction one of Ireland’s best known accordionists has known for most of his life now – and how he enjoys playing well!
“I hate giving a bad performance” says Paddy in that beautifully rounded Irish drawl. “It really depresses me. It’s like the whole world has collapsed around me. The fella who said you’re only as good as your last performance got it right. I feel sick when it happens and can’t wait for the next opportunity to do it all over again.
“It’s because I respect the music so much.”
Music and marriage are Paddy’s two great loves. He tied the knot with his wife June four years ago and feels his music has improved by leaps and bounds because of it.
“I only wish I’d married earlier” he says. He now has two young boys but would not like them to follow their father into a musical career.
“I’d like to see them enjoy music but not take it up professionally” he says.
It’s music that holds him together and his love, nay passion, for it emanates from every fibre of his body.
The man thinks, sleeps, eats and breathes the stuff, a love born out of his parents’ encouragement and his own innate ability. Without it the 33-year-old Irishman is like the shark that must always move in the water les it stagnates and dies.
Paddy was born into a musical background in Ardee, County Louth. His father, Mickey, was a farm labourer whose family had tilled the soil on the same estate for well over 100 years.
His mother loved the classics and Beethoven in particular and it was in this ground that the tended shoots of the young Neary’s budding musical career would take root and flourish. Paddy started plonking away on the piano before he was four, converting the sounds in his head into an elementary musical shape.
As he grew through childhood and listened to, and sometimes even joined in music sessions in the house, his education developed until, at the age of 11, he took up the accordion – a Christmas present from his dad.
He began playing in a three-piece band around the local hotels and also started composing his own tunes.
A capable pianist, even at that tender age, he swept the board with three composed Irish airs at the Newry Music Festival, beating a nearby piano teacher.
Even then he preferred slower, emotional pieces – songs like ‘The Dark Island’ or ‘Londonderry Air.’ “My favourite though is the slow movement from Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathetique Symphony’”.
“I never play it though because I can hear the orchestra in the background and know what it should be sounding like. Mine is an awful little sound by comparison.”
It was only when Paddy moved to Scotland and purchased an electronic accordion that he began to enjoy playing it.
“It had strings you see, and I love strings. I really detested the accordion before that – it had no feeling or timbre like the piano.”
That was not the major turning point in his career however. Following a three year period in his late teens when he toured America and Germany with a showband, Paddy returned to Ireland and took the All-Ireland Accordion Championship.
He then went to University College, Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music – both at the same time. It was at the latter that he studied under DR A. J. Potter, a man who was to reveal to him what Paddy now recognises as one of the greatest gifts of music. The ability to approach music from within yourself.
“Before then I had always played a piece from the outside in,” he says “and any emotion which came in the tune was purely accidental. Dr Potter reshaped my whole musical education.”
Like many players, that realization has led him to continually strive to better his own musicianship but it inevitably promptsthe question ‘are you ever satisfied with you own ability?’
“Well my only real ambition is to improve my playing. I have always deeply admired the Norwegian player Toralf Tollefson who, in an age when there were no sophisticated accordions, could produce superb music which I have yet to hear bettered.
Paddy says that the only performance of his own that he would describe as definitive, a piece that he is entirely satisfied with, is ‘The Blue Danube’ by Strauss.
It was only when he moved to Scotland, however, that Paddy finally realised just how much enjoyment his music gave to people.
He came over in 1977 at the invitation of Alex MacArthur from Biggar who met Paddy while judging the All-Ireland Championships that same year. The initial visit consisted of a brief 10-day tour around some of the A&F Clubs, but Paddy was flabbergasted by the response.
“I couldn’t believe the appreciation for what I did”, he says “and made up my mind that I wanted to move to Scotland where there were so many marvellous people who wanted to hear my music.”
With an almost childlike innocence of the gifts he possessed, Paddy continued to impress Scots audiences settling down eventually in Auchterarder.
He says he’s a little bit disappointed with the way the scene has changed in his home country during that time, particularly on the East Coast.
“Most of the venues have become infiltrated with heavy pop music. Most of the time badly performed.
“As in most types of music there is good and bad, but a lot of it seems to be noise for noise’s sake.” He admits, however, to a healthy respect for Stevie Wonder. “He makes lovely music” adds Paddy.
Talking of the charts reminds Paddy that he does, after all, harbour an ambition. “I want to be the first accordionist to take the instrument – solo – to number one in the Hit Parade.”
“I have the tune but I am not going to tell you what it is!”
“What I would really love is to do for the accordion what James Galway has done for the flute. I’ve never met him but I wish I had his fingers” laughs Paddy.
Try telling that to the man in the Scottish Borders!
Letters to the Editor
Sir – I’m not a musical fanatic like the rest of my family and, therefore, do not read the ‘B&F’ regularly but whilst at my parents home for Christmas, I happened to read the October edition. The comments of you critic in his column ‘The Reel Radio’ have made me write this letter.
If Mr Hamilton would look out of his esoteric world of lounges and ear level, wall mounted speakers, he would discover that the vast majority of listeners to Scottish dance music put enjoyment of the music at the top of their list of priorities.
This is the reason my father and Jimmy Shand have lasted and will last as long as they can play.
Of course, there are players of greater technical ability – just as there were when MacLeod and Shand were in their prime. But there are few players, I would suggest, who can convey enjoyment and appreciation of the music to the same extent.
Surely this is the reason why MacLeod and Shand are still in such demand, and still have a contribution to make? Or maybe Accordion clubs can save on expenses by advertising MacLeod and Shand cut-outs and old recordings?
By the year 2000 they’ll have invented a robot with 20 fingers who can play anything written on the music sheet, but how many people will come and listen?
If Derek Hamilton’s views are correct, I can imagine future BBC auditions being confined to fulfilling two conditions – (1) all bands to be under 30, and (2) all bands able to play the High Level backwards.
Finally, I consider that in his comments about “MacLeod and Shand duels” and the John Huband/Calum McLean duet your critic trespassed from legitimate criticism to personal insult.
Duncan MacLeod
Inverurie
Aberdeenshire
Sir – I feel compelled to write a few lines re the last couple of Editorial paragraphs in the December B&F.
Your gallant support for Derek Hamilton is, I’m afraid, in vain. Mr Hamilton’s remarks in last October’s ‘The Reel Radio’ concerning Messrs MacLeod, Shand, MacLean and Huband are quite out of order and totally indefensible.
Mr Hamilton’s job is, I would say, to fairly criticize, not crucify, and he may spend a lot of time and effort trying to accomplish this, but, if his price for such time and effort is to indulge in bouts of irresponsible journalism, that amount to nothing short of ‘literary muggings’, then his price is far, far too high.
When the dust has finally settled in Derek Hamilton’s mind and commonsense and manners return, he might thoughtfully consider just what he has written and salvage, even at this eleventh hour, some respect for himself, possibly by offering a written apology to four great players, two of them legends in their own lifetimes.
John MacIntyre
Fort William
Sir – I have been getting the ‘B&F’ for a few months now and have enjoyed reading it, but you can imagine my surprise and delight to find on Page 5 of the November issue a photograph of my late father Felix Burns.
The reproduction of such an old photograph is really marvelous.
I am the last of the Burns family myself, so you can understand how I felt seeing the photograph. I did a broadcast talk about my father on Radio Scotland on 14th February, 1981, with Robbie Shepherd.
You might be interested to hear I play the violin, being in the profession all my life. Next August I shall be 76 years old and started to learn the violin at the age of six. It will mean that by August I shall have been 70 years on the fiddle. This might be a record.
Leo Burns
12 George Eliot Road
Coventry
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Queen’s Hotel) –
Alnwick (Nag’s Head) – members only
Armadale (Rob Roy Inn) – 24 Feb 82 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Balloch (Griffin Hotel, Alexandria) – 21 Feb 82 Iain MacPhail SDB
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff (Royal Oak Hotel) –
Beith (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Clydesdale Hotel) –
Buchan (Buchaness Hotel) –
Campbeltown (Argyll Arms) –
Castle Douglas (Ernespie Hotel) –
Coupar Angus (Royal Hotel) –
Crieff (Arduthie Hotel) – 23 Jan 82 Supper Dance Bill black SDB 4 Feb 82 Jimmy Blue Trio
Cumbria (Huntsman Inn – Penton) –
Cumnock (Tup Inn) –
Dalriada (Royal Hotel, Lochgilphead) –
Denny & Dunipace (Dunipace Junior Social Club) –
Derwentside (Working Men’s Club, Consett) –
Dingwall ( ) – Iain MacPhail SDB
Drumpellier (Dal;rymple House, Clelland) –
Dunblane (Hydro) – 16 Feb 82 Walter Perrie
Dundee (Queen’s Hotel, Nethergate) –
Dunfermline (Unitas Hall) –
East Kilbride (Stuart Hotel) – 28 Jan 82 Archie Duncan
Edinburgh (Hearts Supporters Club, 99 Slateford Rd) –
Falkirk (Plough Hotel, Stenhousemuir) –
Fintry (Clachan Hotel) – 25 Jan 82 Alex McPhee (fiddle)
Forres (Brig Motel) – 20 Jan 82 Burns Night 10 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB
Fort William (Highland Hotel) – 16 Feb 82 Bill Brian (fiddle)
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club, Galston) –
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – members only
Gorebridge (Rangers FC Social Club) – 11 Feb 82
Highland/ Inverness (Drumossie Hotel) – 15 Feb 82 Ian Anderson SDB 15 Mar 82 Addie Harper Trio
Kelso (Cross Key’s Hotel) – 27 Jan 82 Lothianaires
Kintore (Crown Hotel) – 3 Feb 82 Graham Geddes 3 Mar 82 John Huband & the Tayside Sound
Langholm (Crown Hotel) –
Lesmahagow (Craignethan Hotel) – 4 Feb 82 Ian Holmes & Kenny Wilson 4 Mar 82 George Stirrat and Jimmy Yeaman
Livingston (Cameron Ironworks Social Club) –
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) – 29 Jan 82 Annual Dance Jimmy Shand Jnr SDB
M.A.F.I.A. (Black Bull, Milngavie) – 4 Feb 82 Alan Roy
Monkland (Eastercroft Hotel, Caldercruix, Airdrie) – 1 Feb 82 member players
New Cumnock (Crown Hotel) –
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 18 Apr 82 Festival
Newton St Boswells (Railway Hotel) -
North East (Seafield Arms, Keith) –
Oban (Park Hotel) –
Orkney ( ) –
Ormiston (Miners’ Welfare Social Club) – 21 Jan 82 Jimmy Lindsay
Peebles (Ex-Servicemen’s Club) – 28 Jan 82 Max Houliston SDB
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Glynhill Hotel)
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel)
Shetland (venue?)
Stranraer (Buck’s Head Hotel) –
Thurso (Royal Hotel) – 5 Mar 82 Buffet Dance
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Armadale
2. Balloch
3. Banff & District
4. Castle Douglas
5. Cleland
6. Crieff & District
7. Dunblane
8. Dundee & District
9. Dunfermline & District
10. Fintry
11. Fort William
12. Forres
13. Galston
14. Gorebridge
15. Highland
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lesmahagow
19. M.A.F.I.A.
20. Monklands
21. Ormiston
22. Perth & District
23. Shetland
24. Stranraer
25. Thurso
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT SEPT 1981 (Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Sept 1976)
3. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1980) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months)
4. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1971)
5. Banchory A&F Club (1978)
6. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973)
7. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1971)
8. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974)
9. Buchan A&F Club
10. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
11. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980)
12. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
13. Cumnock A&F Club
14. Dalriada A&F Club (cMar 1981)
15. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (c Nov 1980)
16. Derwentside A&F Club
17. Dingwall & District (Aug 1979)
18. Cleland (cNov 1981) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
19. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughton’s) (April 1965)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971)
21. Dundee & District A&F Club
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club
23. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
24. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
25. Falkirk A&F Club
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Fort William A&F Club (Oct 1980)
28. Galston A&F Club (1969)
29. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
30. Gorebridge) (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
31. Greenhead Accordion Club (Hexham)
32. Highland A&F Club (Inverness)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981)
34. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976)
35. Kintore A&F Club
36. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
37. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967)
38. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Oct 1980)
39. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973)
40. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973)
41. M.A.F.I.A.
42. Monkland A&F Club
43. Newcastleton Accordion Club
44. Newtongrange A&F Club (Oct 1977)
45. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club
46. North Cumbria A&F Club
47. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971)
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975)
49. Orkney A&F Club
50. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club
51. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981)
52. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970)
53. Premier A&F Club NI (cNov 1980)
54. Rothbury Accordion Club (Feb 1974)
55. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978)
56. Stranraer & District Accordion Club
57. Thurso A&F Club (cSept 1981)
58. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980)
59. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
60. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
61. Club Accord
62. Coquetdale
63. Coupar Angus A&F Club
64. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
65. Fintry A&F Club
66. Gretna A&F Club (June 1966)
67. New Cumnock A&F Club
68. Renfrew A&F Club
69. Straiton Accordion Club (opened? 3rd club to open – closed March 1979)
70. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
71. Wellbank A&F Club
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