William Hannah
From Bobby MacLeod's booklet 'Pas-de-Bas'
Chapter 06 – Styles & Contrasts
When William Hannah came to Tobermory in the thirties I heard my very first orchestrated ensemble ‘live’, on the occasion of a ball organised by the Territorial Company of the ‘Argylls’. I was only allowed out briefly to listen – arriving back home late, tired, but exhilarated.
Little did I think then that I had heard at first hand the first recording and broadcasting band in Scotland, whose reputation continued until after the war.
Will Hannah used to play regularly at the Falkirk Ice Rink as well as travelling widely into the late forties. While there was the customary rhythm section, the main feature, Will apart, was the use of trumpet, mostly in an obligatory capacity, but very skilfully orchestrated. The fact that there was no amplification made the role of the trumpet important in two distinct ways. One, it blended the ensemble powerfully ; and two, it was capable of beautiful emphasis in the rendering of waltzes, two steps etc. The use of trumpet by Will Hannah, perhaps exemplifies the point made previously, concerning involvement of brass instruments in the mining community, of which Will was very much a part.
Little did I think then that I had heard at first hand the first recording and broadcasting band in Scotland, whose reputation continued until after the war.
Will Hannah used to play regularly at the Falkirk Ice Rink as well as travelling widely into the late forties. While there was the customary rhythm section, the main feature, Will apart, was the use of trumpet, mostly in an obligatory capacity, but very skilfully orchestrated. The fact that there was no amplification made the role of the trumpet important in two distinct ways. One, it blended the ensemble powerfully ; and two, it was capable of beautiful emphasis in the rendering of waltzes, two steps etc. The use of trumpet by Will Hannah, perhaps exemplifies the point made previously, concerning involvement of brass instruments in the mining community, of which Will was very much a part.