Box and Fiddle
Year 32 No 10
June 2009
Price £2.50
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £27.50 + p&p £9.90 (UK)
Editor – Karin Ingram, Hawick
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Well done to the competition winners at Banchory and Newtongrange and well done also to Ann Dunbar.
This month we have articles about two of our NAAFC Guests of Honour – Tom Alexander and Rory (Ruaraidh MacLeod). Next month we’ll feature Andrew Knight. Thank you to Runrig’s Fan Magazine, The Wire, for the piece about Fergie and his Jigs.
There seem to be a few heated opinions on our Letters Page this month. Please feel free to have your say. We will never print letters that are sent to us anonymously, but you can choose to withhold your name and address if you prefer.
Karin Ingram
Newtongrange Competitions
by Heather McLean
The Dean Tavern was the venue…………..
Banchory Competitions
by
The annual festival of Scottish……………
Tom Alexander – A Lifetime in Music
by Bill Brown
On Sunday, 28th June accordion and fiddle enthusiasts the length and breadth of Scotland will head to The Huntingtower Hotel in Perth for the National Association’s AGM and prestigious Celebrity Luncheon. One man who has traveled many a mile during his illustrious musical career, entertaining and delighting people wherever he goes, and who will make the same journey to Perth on 28th June along with his beloved wife Betty, is the legendary Scottish accordion player Tom Alexander.
Tom, of course, is known to many the world over as one half of The Alexander Brothers. Tom’s contribution to Scottish music in general, and the accordion in particular, throughout a highly successful career spanning 50 years is, by anyone’s standard, too amazing for words. So often the word ’legendary’ is used loosely and inappropriately in today’s show business world but, in the case of Tom Alexander, the word perhaps does not do the great man justice, such is the standing and respect he commands throughout the accordion playing world. It is therefore extremely fitting that the outstanding achievement of one of Scotland’s favourite sons and one of the finest exponents of our beloved instrument should be honoured and recognised by the NAAFC.
Tom was brought up in the village of Cambusnethan, near Wishaw, in the county of Lanarkshire. Music was a staple diet in the family home during Tom’s formative years and often Tom, father Jimmy, brother Jack and sister Betty would sit around the piano as mum, Helen, led the family in impromptu music sessions. This of course was in the days before television became the dominant player in most family homes. There wasn’t the distraction of keeping up with the latest soap, surfing the Internet or watching the next big live televised football match, no this was the days of good home grown family entertainment when you were expected to be an active, rather than passive, participant.
Tom’s father Jimmy, who worked in the local steelworks, was adamant that his family should received a musical education and so Tom, at the age of none, acquired his first accordion and started having formal lessons with a succession of local teachers. After a short period of time his musical progression and competency on the accordion came to the attention of Bill Brown (no relation) who invited Tom to have lessons at his Accordion School. Tom’s dedication, discipline and commitment on the instrument continued to drive him forward and in 1952 he was entered for the Classical Section of the NAO Championships at the Christian Institute in Glasgow. At the time Tom had an old Hohner but Bill suggested on the day of the competition Tom use his Frattelli Crosio accordion which he duly did. Tom went on to win the championship, playing Bats at Sunset by the American/Italian composer Frosini and Spanish Holiday by Eugene Ettore.
Tom’s first accordion hero was world class accordionist Toralf Tollefson from Fredrikstad in Norway. Toralf, like Tom, came from a musical family and was renowned throughout the world for his technical ability and manual dexterity on the 5-row button accordion. Toralf died on the 27th November 1994 at the age of 80. To this day Tom regrets not learning to play the 5-row accordion, as he feels it would have opened up a wider range of musical possibilities for him.
Tom credits Will Starr and Sir Jimmy Shand as other key musical influences and few would be brave enough to argue with that, as the profile those two great gentlemen gave the instrument is possibly why many of us are playing the accordion today. Tom, of course, has gone on to achieve outstanding musical success both in Scotland and abroad with his brother Jack, as the highly successful Alexander Brothers, of whom much has already been written and documented. However Tom is also musically independent and a class act in his own right – as many of you who have seen him perform at Accordion Clubs will know only too well. Tpm has been making guest appearances at Accordion Clubs for many years now with his musical travels taking him to Clubs in such diverse locations as Jersey, Carlisle, Derry, Hexham, Crumlin, Ulster, Drogheda, Thurso, Kirkwall, Biggar, Leyland, Derwentside, Castle Douglas, Lockerbie, Banchory, Kelso and Lesmahagow to name but a few.
Although classically trained, Tom is as much at home playing light classics, Continental and Irish as he is at playing traditional Scottish music as his recent CD releases demonstrate. In fact, Tom himself would be the first to tell you that he doesn’t regard himself to be on the list of top Scottish players, but I know many who would be willing to challenge that very modest self-assessment.
Tom is also a prolific composer, having written a collection of great tunes such as Le Menege, Alpine Express, The Oil Rigger, Helen Armit, Isle of my Heart, Kenmore Gardens, Bowie’s Boat, Pat McCann MD and Kilwaughter House, all of which have been published by Greyfriars Music, the company Tom jointly owns with brother Jack and long-time musical associate Tom Walsh.
It is clear that Tom’s musical tastes are as diverse and varied as the Accordion Clubs he has visited and, if you dig deeper, you will discover that Tom has a real love for jazz music, which he would love to have been able to play. You will therefore not be surprised to learn that Tom is also a great admirer of Jack Emblow, who not only specialises in jazz improvisation, but whose contribution to the accordion world across many decades has been exemplary. Another passion that Tom would have like to have made more of during his highly successful life is his love of painting. As I’m sure you have already detected , I don’t mean painting of the variety that Tom indulged in all those years ago at the start of his working life. No, I mean the more creative art of oil and water colour painting that Tom has dabbled in from time to time. What really strikes you when speaking to Tom is that even after half a century of making music there is still a very youthful and enthusiastic creative energy waiting to be released.
Like most entertainers, Tom has also tried his hand at golf and has only recently given up his club membership as I would suspect any spare time he has nowadays is spent pursuing what is ultimately the biggest and greatest love of his life, music! One gets the sense that Tom is happier now recording another accordion CD, or composing another piece of music, than he is hitting a little white ball around a golf course.
Looking forward, rather than retrospectively on one of the most successful careers in Scottish show business – which he would be forgiven for doing, Tom is as passionate about the accordion today as he was all those years ago when he first strapped on the instrument. It is this continued hunger, enthusiasm and deep rooted love of music that keeps driving Tom, to not only experiment with different musical arrangements, but also with his extremely youthful outlook on life, to experiment with the latest technology. As I write Tom is just putting the final touches to Airs and Graces, his fifth solo accordion CD, which will be released shortly. This recording will again contain an eclectic mix of material, which not only underlines how versatile the accordion is, but more importantly, how great the instrument sounds in the hands of a master craftsman such as Tom.
Having played to sell-out audiences in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, as well as numerous television appearances to his credit across a career spanning five decades, Tom still gets a great thrill at being asked to play to highly appreciative audiences at Accordion Clubs, which he strongly sees as the life blood of the instrument. His experience of playing at Clubs from Jersey to Kirkwall and everywhere in between has allowed Tom to experience first hand the abundance of talented young players that are emerging, ensuring that the future of the accordion is in great hands, literally!
So on Sunday 28th June we gather at The Huntingtower Hotel in Perth, not just to enjoy an excellent lunch and some fine music, but to pay tribute and homage to a man who is without doubt a living legend in the accordion world. You can be the most talented and gifted player, but it’s what you do with that gift and talent that really matters, and few would argue that Tom Alexander has done more than most with it and is more than worthy of the honour and recognition that the NAAFC will bestow upon him. Hopefully on the day, as suggested to him by a member of the audience in the first row at The Webster Theatre, Arbroath in 1958 he will turn back those very successful years and give us a quick blast of The High Level Hornpipe!
Fergie’s Jigs
by Calum MacDonald
Here’s one for all
Ruaraidh MacLeod
by Bob Wares
The name may not be instantly recognizable, but how about Rory MacLeod? He is instantly familiar to Box and fiddle readers as a star photographer and Club enthusiast of the highest order! Rory took up the accordion as a teenager at home near Ullapool and played at weddings and ceilidhs regularly with other local players. It is not well known, but Rory also played drums in various bands when needed and can still rattle the drums when he is in the mood.
Rory was working at Lochcarron when he first met legendary bandleader Jim Johnstone. Their close friendship was to last for many years and Jim wrote a tune in his honour.
Rory moved to Inverness, where he was a sales rep with car dealer MacRae & Dick. He met with many like-minded folk, both players and enthusiasts, and Highland A&F Club was founded by the late Alistair Watters on 19th November 1973 in The Cummings Hotel. Their very first guest was none other than Rory’s pal, Jim Johnstone. When the Club began there were between 80 and 100 members on the books and it has risen to around 160 members. Sometimes the audience can number as many as 200. Rory was MC for a long number of years and remained Chairman for almost as long. He retired as Chairman in June 2008 and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Highland Club to mark the occasion.
He produced the Club’s own Highland Showtime at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness for a number of years. He made all the arrangements for these events and did all the producing, arranging of artistes, fees, publicity etc and was exceptionally talented at it. Full houses at every show were testimony to this.
He was approached by BBC Radio Highland late in 1985 and on the 15th January 1986 ‘Rory’s Reel’ went out as a pre-recorded programme. Only three pre-records were ever made and transmitted, and the rest (amounting to over 300) went out live. Rory chose all of the music to be played on these shows and initially started with a half hour slot, before moving on to hourly broadcasts, due to its popularity and the large audience figures it had attracted. He had several invited guests on the show over the years, including many of the top names from the scene, most of whom still keep in touch as friends. The programme finally ended in January 1993 and he found the last programme to be a very emotion al affair, bringing tears to his eyes. He always finished with the catch phrase “I’ll be here if you’ll be there”.
Nowadays he is equally at home with a camera and is a regular and valued contributor to the Box and Fiddle Magazine, with photographs from all over the country, but notably of Club nights at the Highland Club in Inverness. Rory has also been one of the official photographers of the NAAFC AGM for several years. This year he has contributed photographs to be part of a special exhibition at the AGM. Rory can frequently be seen driving taxis around Inverness, although he tends to leave the Friday and Saturday night business to others and sits at home with a good single malt listening to his beloved Scottish dance music!
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Lost in This Song – GiveWay – CDTRAX332
Songs for Lochaber – Billy McIsaac – SFF005
Twistin’ Tradition – Andy Kain Band – BRCD050
Tomorrow’s Another Day – Andrew MacDonald Ceilidh Band – AMACCD001
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
6th June 09 – Alasdair Wood SDB (Rory MacLeod)
13th June 09 – Alexander Lindsay SDB presented by Bruce MacGregor (Alasdair MacCuish)
20th June 09 – Tom Orr SDB (Listeners’ Letters)
27th June 09 – Colin Dewar SDB (OB from The Cochrane Hall, Alva with Guests)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st June 09 – Jim Gold Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th June 09 – Jim Gold Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 8th June 09 – Bryan Gear & Violet Tulloch
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th June 09 – Bon Accords
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 9th June 09 – Gary Sutherland
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th June 09 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 1st June 09 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 10th June 09 – Dick Black Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 5th June 09 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd June 09 – Bon Accords
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 28th June 09 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 3rd June 09 – Bill Black SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th June 09 – Lynn Gould Trio
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th June 09 - AGN
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 10th June 09 - AGM
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 3rd June 09 – Iain MacPhail Trio
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 18th June 09 – Steven Carcary Duo
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 20th June 09 – Dance to Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 4th June 09 – John Crawford & Friends
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd June 09 – David Vernon 21st June – John White
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd June 09 - AGM
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th June 09 – AGM + Glenelvan SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th June 09 – Bruce Lindsay SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th June 09 – Jimmy & Alexander Lindsay
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button-key
7. Coalburn
8. Coldingham
9. Crieff
10. Dunfermline
11. Duns
12. Forfar
13. Forres
14. Highland
15. Isle of Skye
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lewis & Harris
19. Livingston
20. Mauchline
21. Montrose
22. Newburgh
23. North East
24. Peebles
25. Perth
26. Premier
27. Rothbury
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Turriff
31. Tynedale
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2008
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
21. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
22. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
23. Cults A & F Club (
24. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
25. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
26. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
27. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
28. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
29. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
30. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
31. Ellon A&F Club (
32. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
33. Forfar A&F Club (
34. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Maine Valley A&F Club (
55. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
58. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
59. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
60. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72. Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
76. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78. West Barnes ( - present)
79. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
80. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
82. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
83. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
84. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
85. Buchan A&F Club
86 Callander A&F Club (
87 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
88 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
89 Club Accord
90 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
91. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
92. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
93. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
94. Derwentside A&F Club
95. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
96. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
97. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
98. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
99. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
100. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
101. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
102. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
103. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
104. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
105. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
106. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
107. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
108. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
109. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
110. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
111. Mull A&F Club
112. Newcastleton Accordion Club
113. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
114. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
117. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
118. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
119. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
120. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
121. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
122. Tranent A&F Club
123. Vancouver
124. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
125. Wellbank A&F Club
126. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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Half Page (colour) - £110
Half Page (b&w) - £70
Quarter Page (colour) - £55
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Eighth Page - £18
Small Boxed £12
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Well done to the competition winners at Banchory and Newtongrange and well done also to Ann Dunbar.
This month we have articles about two of our NAAFC Guests of Honour – Tom Alexander and Rory (Ruaraidh MacLeod). Next month we’ll feature Andrew Knight. Thank you to Runrig’s Fan Magazine, The Wire, for the piece about Fergie and his Jigs.
There seem to be a few heated opinions on our Letters Page this month. Please feel free to have your say. We will never print letters that are sent to us anonymously, but you can choose to withhold your name and address if you prefer.
Karin Ingram
Newtongrange Competitions
by Heather McLean
The Dean Tavern was the venue…………..
Banchory Competitions
by
The annual festival of Scottish……………
Tom Alexander – A Lifetime in Music
by Bill Brown
On Sunday, 28th June accordion and fiddle enthusiasts the length and breadth of Scotland will head to The Huntingtower Hotel in Perth for the National Association’s AGM and prestigious Celebrity Luncheon. One man who has traveled many a mile during his illustrious musical career, entertaining and delighting people wherever he goes, and who will make the same journey to Perth on 28th June along with his beloved wife Betty, is the legendary Scottish accordion player Tom Alexander.
Tom, of course, is known to many the world over as one half of The Alexander Brothers. Tom’s contribution to Scottish music in general, and the accordion in particular, throughout a highly successful career spanning 50 years is, by anyone’s standard, too amazing for words. So often the word ’legendary’ is used loosely and inappropriately in today’s show business world but, in the case of Tom Alexander, the word perhaps does not do the great man justice, such is the standing and respect he commands throughout the accordion playing world. It is therefore extremely fitting that the outstanding achievement of one of Scotland’s favourite sons and one of the finest exponents of our beloved instrument should be honoured and recognised by the NAAFC.
Tom was brought up in the village of Cambusnethan, near Wishaw, in the county of Lanarkshire. Music was a staple diet in the family home during Tom’s formative years and often Tom, father Jimmy, brother Jack and sister Betty would sit around the piano as mum, Helen, led the family in impromptu music sessions. This of course was in the days before television became the dominant player in most family homes. There wasn’t the distraction of keeping up with the latest soap, surfing the Internet or watching the next big live televised football match, no this was the days of good home grown family entertainment when you were expected to be an active, rather than passive, participant.
Tom’s father Jimmy, who worked in the local steelworks, was adamant that his family should received a musical education and so Tom, at the age of none, acquired his first accordion and started having formal lessons with a succession of local teachers. After a short period of time his musical progression and competency on the accordion came to the attention of Bill Brown (no relation) who invited Tom to have lessons at his Accordion School. Tom’s dedication, discipline and commitment on the instrument continued to drive him forward and in 1952 he was entered for the Classical Section of the NAO Championships at the Christian Institute in Glasgow. At the time Tom had an old Hohner but Bill suggested on the day of the competition Tom use his Frattelli Crosio accordion which he duly did. Tom went on to win the championship, playing Bats at Sunset by the American/Italian composer Frosini and Spanish Holiday by Eugene Ettore.
Tom’s first accordion hero was world class accordionist Toralf Tollefson from Fredrikstad in Norway. Toralf, like Tom, came from a musical family and was renowned throughout the world for his technical ability and manual dexterity on the 5-row button accordion. Toralf died on the 27th November 1994 at the age of 80. To this day Tom regrets not learning to play the 5-row accordion, as he feels it would have opened up a wider range of musical possibilities for him.
Tom credits Will Starr and Sir Jimmy Shand as other key musical influences and few would be brave enough to argue with that, as the profile those two great gentlemen gave the instrument is possibly why many of us are playing the accordion today. Tom, of course, has gone on to achieve outstanding musical success both in Scotland and abroad with his brother Jack, as the highly successful Alexander Brothers, of whom much has already been written and documented. However Tom is also musically independent and a class act in his own right – as many of you who have seen him perform at Accordion Clubs will know only too well. Tpm has been making guest appearances at Accordion Clubs for many years now with his musical travels taking him to Clubs in such diverse locations as Jersey, Carlisle, Derry, Hexham, Crumlin, Ulster, Drogheda, Thurso, Kirkwall, Biggar, Leyland, Derwentside, Castle Douglas, Lockerbie, Banchory, Kelso and Lesmahagow to name but a few.
Although classically trained, Tom is as much at home playing light classics, Continental and Irish as he is at playing traditional Scottish music as his recent CD releases demonstrate. In fact, Tom himself would be the first to tell you that he doesn’t regard himself to be on the list of top Scottish players, but I know many who would be willing to challenge that very modest self-assessment.
Tom is also a prolific composer, having written a collection of great tunes such as Le Menege, Alpine Express, The Oil Rigger, Helen Armit, Isle of my Heart, Kenmore Gardens, Bowie’s Boat, Pat McCann MD and Kilwaughter House, all of which have been published by Greyfriars Music, the company Tom jointly owns with brother Jack and long-time musical associate Tom Walsh.
It is clear that Tom’s musical tastes are as diverse and varied as the Accordion Clubs he has visited and, if you dig deeper, you will discover that Tom has a real love for jazz music, which he would love to have been able to play. You will therefore not be surprised to learn that Tom is also a great admirer of Jack Emblow, who not only specialises in jazz improvisation, but whose contribution to the accordion world across many decades has been exemplary. Another passion that Tom would have like to have made more of during his highly successful life is his love of painting. As I’m sure you have already detected , I don’t mean painting of the variety that Tom indulged in all those years ago at the start of his working life. No, I mean the more creative art of oil and water colour painting that Tom has dabbled in from time to time. What really strikes you when speaking to Tom is that even after half a century of making music there is still a very youthful and enthusiastic creative energy waiting to be released.
Like most entertainers, Tom has also tried his hand at golf and has only recently given up his club membership as I would suspect any spare time he has nowadays is spent pursuing what is ultimately the biggest and greatest love of his life, music! One gets the sense that Tom is happier now recording another accordion CD, or composing another piece of music, than he is hitting a little white ball around a golf course.
Looking forward, rather than retrospectively on one of the most successful careers in Scottish show business – which he would be forgiven for doing, Tom is as passionate about the accordion today as he was all those years ago when he first strapped on the instrument. It is this continued hunger, enthusiasm and deep rooted love of music that keeps driving Tom, to not only experiment with different musical arrangements, but also with his extremely youthful outlook on life, to experiment with the latest technology. As I write Tom is just putting the final touches to Airs and Graces, his fifth solo accordion CD, which will be released shortly. This recording will again contain an eclectic mix of material, which not only underlines how versatile the accordion is, but more importantly, how great the instrument sounds in the hands of a master craftsman such as Tom.
Having played to sell-out audiences in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, as well as numerous television appearances to his credit across a career spanning five decades, Tom still gets a great thrill at being asked to play to highly appreciative audiences at Accordion Clubs, which he strongly sees as the life blood of the instrument. His experience of playing at Clubs from Jersey to Kirkwall and everywhere in between has allowed Tom to experience first hand the abundance of talented young players that are emerging, ensuring that the future of the accordion is in great hands, literally!
So on Sunday 28th June we gather at The Huntingtower Hotel in Perth, not just to enjoy an excellent lunch and some fine music, but to pay tribute and homage to a man who is without doubt a living legend in the accordion world. You can be the most talented and gifted player, but it’s what you do with that gift and talent that really matters, and few would argue that Tom Alexander has done more than most with it and is more than worthy of the honour and recognition that the NAAFC will bestow upon him. Hopefully on the day, as suggested to him by a member of the audience in the first row at The Webster Theatre, Arbroath in 1958 he will turn back those very successful years and give us a quick blast of The High Level Hornpipe!
Fergie’s Jigs
by Calum MacDonald
Here’s one for all
Ruaraidh MacLeod
by Bob Wares
The name may not be instantly recognizable, but how about Rory MacLeod? He is instantly familiar to Box and fiddle readers as a star photographer and Club enthusiast of the highest order! Rory took up the accordion as a teenager at home near Ullapool and played at weddings and ceilidhs regularly with other local players. It is not well known, but Rory also played drums in various bands when needed and can still rattle the drums when he is in the mood.
Rory was working at Lochcarron when he first met legendary bandleader Jim Johnstone. Their close friendship was to last for many years and Jim wrote a tune in his honour.
Rory moved to Inverness, where he was a sales rep with car dealer MacRae & Dick. He met with many like-minded folk, both players and enthusiasts, and Highland A&F Club was founded by the late Alistair Watters on 19th November 1973 in The Cummings Hotel. Their very first guest was none other than Rory’s pal, Jim Johnstone. When the Club began there were between 80 and 100 members on the books and it has risen to around 160 members. Sometimes the audience can number as many as 200. Rory was MC for a long number of years and remained Chairman for almost as long. He retired as Chairman in June 2008 and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Highland Club to mark the occasion.
He produced the Club’s own Highland Showtime at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness for a number of years. He made all the arrangements for these events and did all the producing, arranging of artistes, fees, publicity etc and was exceptionally talented at it. Full houses at every show were testimony to this.
He was approached by BBC Radio Highland late in 1985 and on the 15th January 1986 ‘Rory’s Reel’ went out as a pre-recorded programme. Only three pre-records were ever made and transmitted, and the rest (amounting to over 300) went out live. Rory chose all of the music to be played on these shows and initially started with a half hour slot, before moving on to hourly broadcasts, due to its popularity and the large audience figures it had attracted. He had several invited guests on the show over the years, including many of the top names from the scene, most of whom still keep in touch as friends. The programme finally ended in January 1993 and he found the last programme to be a very emotion al affair, bringing tears to his eyes. He always finished with the catch phrase “I’ll be here if you’ll be there”.
Nowadays he is equally at home with a camera and is a regular and valued contributor to the Box and Fiddle Magazine, with photographs from all over the country, but notably of Club nights at the Highland Club in Inverness. Rory has also been one of the official photographers of the NAAFC AGM for several years. This year he has contributed photographs to be part of a special exhibition at the AGM. Rory can frequently be seen driving taxis around Inverness, although he tends to leave the Friday and Saturday night business to others and sits at home with a good single malt listening to his beloved Scottish dance music!
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
Lost in This Song – GiveWay – CDTRAX332
Songs for Lochaber – Billy McIsaac – SFF005
Twistin’ Tradition – Andy Kain Band – BRCD050
Tomorrow’s Another Day – Andrew MacDonald Ceilidh Band – AMACCD001
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 20.30 with Robbie Shepherd
Repeats
6th June 09 – Alasdair Wood SDB (Rory MacLeod)
13th June 09 – Alexander Lindsay SDB presented by Bruce MacGregor (Alasdair MacCuish)
20th June 09 – Tom Orr SDB (Listeners’ Letters)
27th June 09 – Colin Dewar SDB (OB from The Cochrane Hall, Alva with Guests)
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms – Shilbottle)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st June 09 – Jim Gold Trio
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 7th June 09 – Jim Gold Trio
Armadale (Masonic Hall) –
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 8th June 09 – Bryan Gear & Violet Tulloch
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th June 09 – Bon Accords
Beith & District (Anderson Hotel) –
Biggar (Municipal Hall) –
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 9th June 09 – Gary Sutherland
Britannia (Arden House Hotel) -
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th June 09 – Johnny Duncan Duo
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Coldingham (Village Hall) - 1st June 09 – Ewan Galloway SDB
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Cults (Culter Sports & Social Club) 10th June 09 – Dick Black Band
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 5th June 09 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) –
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel)
Duns (Royal British Legion Club, Langtongate)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd June 09 – Bon Accords
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (The Royal Hotel) - 28th June 09 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) –
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 3rd June 09 – Bill Black SDB
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 30th June 09 – Lynn Gould Trio
Gretna (Athlitic & Social Club) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 15th June 09 - AGN
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) –
Kelso (Cross Keys Hotel) – 10th June 09 - AGM
Kintore (Torryburn Arms Hotel) – 3rd June 09 – Iain MacPhail Trio
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) - 18th June 09 – Steven Carcary Duo
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 20th June 09 – Dance to Robert Whitehead SDB
Langholm (Eskdale Hotel) –
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 4th June 09 – John Crawford & Friends
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd June 09 – David Vernon 21st June – John White
Newburgh (The Ship Hotel) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Thorterdykes Roadhouse)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd June 09 - AGM
Oban (The Argyllshire Gathering) –
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Premier NI (Chimney Corner Hotel) -
Reading Scottish Fiddlers (Willowbank Infant School, Woodley) -
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th June 09 – AGM + Glenelvan SDB
Scottish Accordion Music (Banchory) -
Selkirk (Angus O’Malley’s) -
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) -
Thornhill (Bowling Club Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th June 09 – Bruce Lindsay SDB
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th June 09 – Jimmy & Alexander Lindsay
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Annan
2. Arbroath
3. Banchory
4. Banff
5. Blairgowrie
6. Button-key
7. Coalburn
8. Coldingham
9. Crieff
10. Dunfermline
11. Duns
12. Forfar
13. Forres
14. Highland
15. Isle of Skye
16. Kelso
17. Kintore
18. Lewis & Harris
19. Livingston
20. Mauchline
21. Montrose
22. Newburgh
23. North East
24. Peebles
25. Perth
26. Premier
27. Rothbury
28. Shetland
29. Thurso
30. Turriff
31. Tynedale
32. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2008
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed early 08-09
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
14. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
15. Button Key A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 -
21. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
22. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
23. Cults A & F Club (
24. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
25. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
26. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
27. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
28. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
29. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
30. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
31. Ellon A&F Club (
32. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
33. Forfar A&F Club (
34. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
35. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
36. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
37. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
38. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
39. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
40. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
41. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
42. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
43. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
44. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
45. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
46. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
47. Kintore A&F Club (
48. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
49. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
50. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
51. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
52. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
53. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
54. Maine Valley A&F Club (
55. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
56. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
57. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded
58. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
59. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
60. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
61. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
62. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
63. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
64. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
65. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
66. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
67. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
68. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
69. Selkirk A&F Club (
70. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
71. Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
72. Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
73. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
74. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
75. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
76. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
77. Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
78. West Barnes ( - present)
79. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
80. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
81. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
82. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
83. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
84. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
85. Buchan A&F Club
86 Callander A&F Club (
87 Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
88 Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
89 Club Accord
90 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
91. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
92. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
93. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
94. Derwentside A&F Club
95. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
96. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
97. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
98. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
99. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
100. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
101. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
102. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
103. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
104. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
105. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
106. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
107. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
108. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
109. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
110. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
111. Mull A&F Club
112. Newcastleton Accordion Club
113. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
114. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
115. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
116. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
117. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
118. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
119. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
120. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
121. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
122. Tranent A&F Club
123. Vancouver
124. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
125. Wellbank A&F Club
126. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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