At the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs AGM on 27 June the Highland Club came out on top for the coveted Club of the Year award.
Club Chairman Fraser Maclean accepted the trophy from Fraser McGlynn, band leader of long standing and also a recipient of an award this year.
The Club of the Year is voted for by guest artistes and thanks are obviously due to them for these votes. Thanks are also due to lots of unsung people behind the scenes and they should not be forgotten. The committee of course arrange and welcome these guests and look after them on club night. The Waterside Hotel provide a first class venue, but above all the crowd are also due a big thank you. The atmosphere created by very knowledgable and sincere followers that form our audience is much appreciated by all and I guess its thanks and congratulations all round for a very successful season just finished.
It was a very proud chairman who received the trophy and an equally proud former chairman in the shape of Rory Macleod who took the accompanying photographs.
There was yet another local winner who deserves hearty congratulations. Roya Maclean walked away with the trophy for CD of the year. A great accolade for a young and talented player who cut her teeth in the Highland Club and is still a frequent visitor. Indeed Roya and her trio are to be the guests at the February 2011 meeting and we look forward immensely to that.
The meeting itself returned the same committee and a discussion on the Box and Fiddle magazine revealed it was still to be epublished as we know it and a few ideas were taken on board to try and improve the sales.
A delicious lunch followed before the exciting news was revealed during a very lively ceilidh with lots of well established players taking to the stage.
Welcome
Monday, 28 June 2010
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Club AGM June 21 2010
No great surprises at the Annual General Meeting when Fraser MacLean was returned as Chairman and Bob Wares re elected as vice Chairman.
Jacquie Macdonald was re elected as secretary and May Smith keeps her role as club treasurer.
The committee of Bob Woodward, Kirsteen Macquorcodale, John Ross and Hamish MacDougall were all returned en bloc as we head for the new season.
Music was provided by the Ally Mackenzie Trio. A young trio of exceptional quality. Ally had Col Macdonald from Skye on fiddle and Neil Maceachan on drums, and what a sound they created.
Ally’s family history is piping but he has gone with the box and are we glad he did. He played some amazing stuff and had the crowd clambering for more at the end.
The boys played some lovely Gaelic waltzes and followed with reels and marches and not a note of music to be seen. All played straight from the heart and the enjoyment they had playing was obvious for all to see.
What a great way to end the season and from the Chairman and his gang we wish you happy holidays and look forward to seeing you next season, starting in September. when the Ian Cameron Trio will be our guests. Ian stole the show at the recent Skye Music Festival and all looks good for another great season to come
.
Jacquie Macdonald was re elected as secretary and May Smith keeps her role as club treasurer.
The committee of Bob Woodward, Kirsteen Macquorcodale, John Ross and Hamish MacDougall were all returned en bloc as we head for the new season.
Music was provided by the Ally Mackenzie Trio. A young trio of exceptional quality. Ally had Col Macdonald from Skye on fiddle and Neil Maceachan on drums, and what a sound they created.
Ally’s family history is piping but he has gone with the box and are we glad he did. He played some amazing stuff and had the crowd clambering for more at the end.
The boys played some lovely Gaelic waltzes and followed with reels and marches and not a note of music to be seen. All played straight from the heart and the enjoyment they had playing was obvious for all to see.
What a great way to end the season and from the Chairman and his gang we wish you happy holidays and look forward to seeing you next season, starting in September. when the Ian Cameron Trio will be our guests. Ian stole the show at the recent Skye Music Festival and all looks good for another great season to come
.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
May Club Night Report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 17 MAY 2010
The last musical evening of the season opened in the usual venue with Club Chairman Fraser MacLean on 3 row button box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums. Fraser prefers to leave the playing time to others on Club night and we are glad we persuaded him to relax his own rule.
Nichol Mackay then took the bigger version of the button box to the stage. Jacquie and Bob remained where they were.
Stuart McLean had the fiddle with him and gave a lovely couple of delightful sets with Jacquie giving very able backing on the keyboards.
Visitors from Caithness were next to grace the stage and Father and son duo Neil and Logan Macgregor each had the box with them. Jacquie remained on keyboards and George Bremner was borrowed from the guests on the drums.
The boys then gave way to the guests for the evening. Andrew knight and the West Telferton Band had made the trip from the Edinburgh area and they very quickly had the crowd enthralled with some super stuff.
Andrew had Richard Ross on lead accordion, Karen Higgins on second box, Russell Hunter on keyboards and local lad George Bremner on drums.
Andrew and the band took us up to the interval and had the large crowd looking for more.
After the break, Graham Wilson led a trio of Ian Stewart on keyboards and Doug Stewart on drums. Along with a few stories and a cosmetic fixing of his accordion Graham played a couple of lively well known sets.
Young Ian moved over to lead with his accordion and Dad Doug remained on the drums.
A surprise for Iain at the end of this set when he was named the most improved young player of the year for the second year running and was presented with his trophy by the donor Marion Mackenzie, who was accompanied on stage by Club chairman Fraser MacLean.
Jimmy Smith was in the audience and had the moothie with him and took to the stage with Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Frankie Miller on drums.
Archie Macphee was back in town and lined up with Jacqui Macdonald on keyboards, Neil Macgregor on second box and George Bremner on drums.
Archie is always a favourite with the Highland faithful and once again ticked all the boxes.
What a great way to finish the local players spot before returning to the guests to complete the programme.
Andrew knight and the West Telferton Band played to a very high standard and had the large crowd thrilled and totally involved with sing a longs and some terrific stuff from right across the board.
A brilliant finish to a brilliant season and a very fitting conclusion to yet another great evening of exceptionally high quality musicianship.
Please feel free to check the club website on http://www.hafc-inverness.com/ for updates throughout the summer months and a sight of the programme for next season.
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 17 MAY 2010
The last musical evening of the season opened in the usual venue with Club Chairman Fraser MacLean on 3 row button box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums. Fraser prefers to leave the playing time to others on Club night and we are glad we persuaded him to relax his own rule.
Nichol Mackay then took the bigger version of the button box to the stage. Jacquie and Bob remained where they were.
Stuart McLean had the fiddle with him and gave a lovely couple of delightful sets with Jacquie giving very able backing on the keyboards.
Visitors from Caithness were next to grace the stage and Father and son duo Neil and Logan Macgregor each had the box with them. Jacquie remained on keyboards and George Bremner was borrowed from the guests on the drums.
The boys then gave way to the guests for the evening. Andrew knight and the West Telferton Band had made the trip from the Edinburgh area and they very quickly had the crowd enthralled with some super stuff.
Andrew had Richard Ross on lead accordion, Karen Higgins on second box, Russell Hunter on keyboards and local lad George Bremner on drums.
Andrew and the band took us up to the interval and had the large crowd looking for more.
After the break, Graham Wilson led a trio of Ian Stewart on keyboards and Doug Stewart on drums. Along with a few stories and a cosmetic fixing of his accordion Graham played a couple of lively well known sets.
Young Ian moved over to lead with his accordion and Dad Doug remained on the drums.
A surprise for Iain at the end of this set when he was named the most improved young player of the year for the second year running and was presented with his trophy by the donor Marion Mackenzie, who was accompanied on stage by Club chairman Fraser MacLean.
Jimmy Smith was in the audience and had the moothie with him and took to the stage with Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Frankie Miller on drums.
Archie Macphee was back in town and lined up with Jacqui Macdonald on keyboards, Neil Macgregor on second box and George Bremner on drums.
Archie is always a favourite with the Highland faithful and once again ticked all the boxes.
What a great way to finish the local players spot before returning to the guests to complete the programme.
Andrew knight and the West Telferton Band played to a very high standard and had the large crowd thrilled and totally involved with sing a longs and some terrific stuff from right across the board.
A brilliant finish to a brilliant season and a very fitting conclusion to yet another great evening of exceptionally high quality musicianship.
Please feel free to check the club website on http://www.hafc-inverness.com/ for updates throughout the summer months and a sight of the programme for next season.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
April Club Night Report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 19 APRIL 2010
The Highland Club opened the April meeting with the usual large crowd in attendance,
Hamish MacDougall opened the show and had Iain Stewart on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
Colin Donaldson then took to the stage with Heather remaining on drums, Mathew Maclennan moving to second box and Jacquie Macdonald took over the keyboards.
Competition time now and the Guildroy Walker Trophy for “own composition” was up for grabs. An entry of 4 was assembled to be judged by the guest artistes for the night.
A regular visitor to the Club was next up. Stuart McLean had never taken his fiddle previously but he had it with him this time and played a couple of sets to a very high standard. Solo fiddles are pretty rare these days and it was a real treat Stuart, thank you.
The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio were the guest artistes on this occasion and proved a very popular act indeed. Charlie with his 3 row button box was accompanied as always by the inimitable Derek Hamilton on keyboards and Bill Buchan on drums.
Charlie was on terrific form and even had time for a few stories as well. Some he claimed were true but we know different Charlie! A good mixture of some old favourites brought the first half to a close.
After the break Charlie announced the winner of the competition. The numbers were up on last year and the standard was exceptionally high and Charlie admitted it was very difficult to split the entrants.
Sandy Ross from Lochcarron took the honours with a tune entitled “Granny Fraser’s 101 st”, written in honour of a friend of his who has reached the grand old age of 101 and still going strong. A grand old lady and one fairly close to Sandy. Great tune Sandy and very well done.
Second place was taken by Graham Wilson with a slow air and Nichol Mackay and young Iain Stewart were placed behind them.
Thanks to all the entrants for a great competition.
Back to the club scene again and Helen Murray made a welcome return to the stage with a band. She had Colin Donaldson on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums. Nice to have you back Helen and the swing that is yours is still very much in evidence.
Young Iain Stewart then followed on with Dad Doug on the drums. Doug has been out of action with a serious leg in jury and has progressed to crutches which makes him a wee bit more mobile. Mathew Maclennan completed the line up on keyboards.
Trophy winner Sandy Ross then had a turn and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums
Nichol Mackay who is now a regular and very welcome attendant at the Club, then played a couple of lively sets on his 5 row button box.with Jacquie remaining on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
He was followed by Graham Wilson who had Iain Stewart on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Mathew Maclennan then completed the line up of local players and had Jacqui on keyboards, Colin Donaldson on second box and Heather Frasr on drums.
Then it was the turn of the guest artistes. The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio were a very entertaining band and there can be no doubts the crowd enjoyed the high quality musicianship and banter between the boys. The musicianship and stagecraft were first class and proved to be extremely popular guests.
We have been really spoiled with the exceptionally high standard of playing by all concerned over the whole season and tonight was no exception.
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 19 APRIL 2010
The Highland Club opened the April meeting with the usual large crowd in attendance,
Hamish MacDougall opened the show and had Iain Stewart on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
Colin Donaldson then took to the stage with Heather remaining on drums, Mathew Maclennan moving to second box and Jacquie Macdonald took over the keyboards.
Competition time now and the Guildroy Walker Trophy for “own composition” was up for grabs. An entry of 4 was assembled to be judged by the guest artistes for the night.
A regular visitor to the Club was next up. Stuart McLean had never taken his fiddle previously but he had it with him this time and played a couple of sets to a very high standard. Solo fiddles are pretty rare these days and it was a real treat Stuart, thank you.
The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio were the guest artistes on this occasion and proved a very popular act indeed. Charlie with his 3 row button box was accompanied as always by the inimitable Derek Hamilton on keyboards and Bill Buchan on drums.
Charlie was on terrific form and even had time for a few stories as well. Some he claimed were true but we know different Charlie! A good mixture of some old favourites brought the first half to a close.
After the break Charlie announced the winner of the competition. The numbers were up on last year and the standard was exceptionally high and Charlie admitted it was very difficult to split the entrants.
Sandy Ross from Lochcarron took the honours with a tune entitled “Granny Fraser’s 101 st”, written in honour of a friend of his who has reached the grand old age of 101 and still going strong. A grand old lady and one fairly close to Sandy. Great tune Sandy and very well done.
Second place was taken by Graham Wilson with a slow air and Nichol Mackay and young Iain Stewart were placed behind them.
Thanks to all the entrants for a great competition.
Back to the club scene again and Helen Murray made a welcome return to the stage with a band. She had Colin Donaldson on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums. Nice to have you back Helen and the swing that is yours is still very much in evidence.
Young Iain Stewart then followed on with Dad Doug on the drums. Doug has been out of action with a serious leg in jury and has progressed to crutches which makes him a wee bit more mobile. Mathew Maclennan completed the line up on keyboards.
Trophy winner Sandy Ross then had a turn and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums
Nichol Mackay who is now a regular and very welcome attendant at the Club, then played a couple of lively sets on his 5 row button box.with Jacquie remaining on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
He was followed by Graham Wilson who had Iain Stewart on second box, Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Mathew Maclennan then completed the line up of local players and had Jacqui on keyboards, Colin Donaldson on second box and Heather Frasr on drums.
Then it was the turn of the guest artistes. The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio were a very entertaining band and there can be no doubts the crowd enjoyed the high quality musicianship and banter between the boys. The musicianship and stagecraft were first class and proved to be extremely popular guests.
We have been really spoiled with the exceptionally high standard of playing by all concerned over the whole season and tonight was no exception.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
March Club Night report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 15 MARCH 2010
The Highland Club had a very large enthusiastic crowd in the hall well before the designated start of the evening, but the wait was worth it, and they were rewarded with yet another first class evening’s entertainment.
The show opened with Hamish MacDougall and his melodeon. Nicky McMichan on second box, Iain Stewart on keyboards and Frankie Miller on drums completed the line up.
Nichol Mackay followed on with his 5 row button box. Nichol had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums.
Graham Wilson was next up and he had Colin Donaldson on second box, Iain Stewart on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums.
Willie Forsyth had the box with him and he strapped it on for a couple of sets with backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums
A rousing start to the first half by all these local players and we really are spoilt at the moment with the talent available to us.
Guest artiste time now and Nicol McLaren and The Glencraig Band had made the journey from Perthshire. Nicol was joined by Gordon Howe on fiddle, Graham Berry on keyboards and Dave Bell on drums. Nicol was in sparkling form and played a super mixture of Scottish reels, waltzes, and everything else, which ensured a long and loud round of applause from the crowd as they brought the first half to a close.
After the break Iain Stewart took the lead position, with Mathew Maclennan on second box and a newcomer to the Club in the shape of Iain Anderson on drums. Iain has moved back to the area and is hoping to become a regular visitor and participant on Club nights.
Nicky McMichan then took over the lead position and had Jackie Macdonald on keyboards, Mathew McLennan on second box and Iain Anderson remained on the drums.
Susie Simpson had to follow all the previous bands and did so admirably on her own with a great couple of medleys.
Colin Donaldson then led a band with Mathew Maclennan on second box, Nicky McMichan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
Mathew and Colin then swapped lead positions to complete the local players spot.
The guest artistes for the evening then took over and played to the end of the night.
Nicol McLaren and the boys had the audience spellbound with a huge diverse range of everything including a number of old time favourites and sing a long numbers.
He even found time to squeeze in a couple of stories and had the audacity to claim they were true!
The boys played a very accomplished programme and all tunes were played to the right tempo and with a high degree of precision and professionalism.
Next month (April) sees “Own Composition” competition and entries are very welcome and can be made on the night, or via any committee member, or via this website by hitting the "Contact us" button at the top right.
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 15 MARCH 2010
The Highland Club had a very large enthusiastic crowd in the hall well before the designated start of the evening, but the wait was worth it, and they were rewarded with yet another first class evening’s entertainment.
The show opened with Hamish MacDougall and his melodeon. Nicky McMichan on second box, Iain Stewart on keyboards and Frankie Miller on drums completed the line up.
Nichol Mackay followed on with his 5 row button box. Nichol had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums.
Graham Wilson was next up and he had Colin Donaldson on second box, Iain Stewart on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums.
Willie Forsyth had the box with him and he strapped it on for a couple of sets with backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums
A rousing start to the first half by all these local players and we really are spoilt at the moment with the talent available to us.
Guest artiste time now and Nicol McLaren and The Glencraig Band had made the journey from Perthshire. Nicol was joined by Gordon Howe on fiddle, Graham Berry on keyboards and Dave Bell on drums. Nicol was in sparkling form and played a super mixture of Scottish reels, waltzes, and everything else, which ensured a long and loud round of applause from the crowd as they brought the first half to a close.
After the break Iain Stewart took the lead position, with Mathew Maclennan on second box and a newcomer to the Club in the shape of Iain Anderson on drums. Iain has moved back to the area and is hoping to become a regular visitor and participant on Club nights.
Nicky McMichan then took over the lead position and had Jackie Macdonald on keyboards, Mathew McLennan on second box and Iain Anderson remained on the drums.
Susie Simpson had to follow all the previous bands and did so admirably on her own with a great couple of medleys.
Colin Donaldson then led a band with Mathew Maclennan on second box, Nicky McMichan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
Mathew and Colin then swapped lead positions to complete the local players spot.
The guest artistes for the evening then took over and played to the end of the night.
Nicol McLaren and the boys had the audience spellbound with a huge diverse range of everything including a number of old time favourites and sing a long numbers.
He even found time to squeeze in a couple of stories and had the audacity to claim they were true!
The boys played a very accomplished programme and all tunes were played to the right tempo and with a high degree of precision and professionalism.
Next month (April) sees “Own Composition” competition and entries are very welcome and can be made on the night, or via any committee member, or via this website by hitting the "Contact us" button at the top right.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
February Club Night Report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2010
The February meeting opened with a large crowd in the hall and the pole position was taken by Graham Wilson, who was accompanied by Colin Donaldson and Bob Wares on drums. No piano at this stage due to an electronic fault which was fixed quickly.
It didn’t detract from the playing one bit and Graham did well despite the handicap.
Hamish MacDougall then took over and had Colin Donaldson on second box, young Iain Stewart on keyboards and Shona Macpherson on drums.
Michael Macmillan then took over. Colin remained on second box, Jacquie Macdonald took to the keyboards and Nicky McMichan was on drums and borrowed for tonight only from the guests.
What a superb show so far by all the local players and some really tight playing by them all.
Then it was guest artiste time. Tonight’s slot belonged to The Gemma Donald Trio.
Gemma had Iain Anderson also on fiddle and Nicky McMichan was at the keyboards.
An unusual combination of 2 fiddles and keyboards, but nothing unusual about the quality performance.
They had the large crowd enthralled by their consistently high standard of playing. They played an extensive range of music and closed the first half to a rousing ovation.
The second half opened with Colin Donaldson moving to the lead position for a wee change. Fresh from his “Take the Floor” broadcast the previous Saturday, Colin had Nicky McMichan on second box, Heather Fraser on drums and making a rare but very welcome appearance on keyboards was local band leader Jock Fraser.
Heather also took part in the radio broadcast and has developed into a cracking wee drummer who can mix it with the very best.
Time now for Iain Stewart to return, this time as the lead on his accordion. Iain had Colin Donaldson on second box Heather Fraser on drums and Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards.
It was a busy night for Colin Donaldson, but he is such a likeable person and has undoubted musical skills that he is a magnet for all fellow musicians.
Fraser MacLean then strapped on his button box and was backed by Jock Fraser on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and the ever present Jock Stephen on drums.
Although the number of local players was down on previous nights, the standard of playing by all those who were present in the hall was exceptional and any one of the players could have taken the guest spot position and done it justice.
Back now to the guests who had travelled from the Edinburgh area.
Gemma and Iain played some wonderful stuff with Nicky, and their playing of the oft times requested “leaving Lerwick Harbour” was superb. Their passion and timing was there for all to see and they brought the curtain down on a great night’s entertainment once again.
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2010
The February meeting opened with a large crowd in the hall and the pole position was taken by Graham Wilson, who was accompanied by Colin Donaldson and Bob Wares on drums. No piano at this stage due to an electronic fault which was fixed quickly.
It didn’t detract from the playing one bit and Graham did well despite the handicap.
Hamish MacDougall then took over and had Colin Donaldson on second box, young Iain Stewart on keyboards and Shona Macpherson on drums.
Michael Macmillan then took over. Colin remained on second box, Jacquie Macdonald took to the keyboards and Nicky McMichan was on drums and borrowed for tonight only from the guests.
What a superb show so far by all the local players and some really tight playing by them all.
Then it was guest artiste time. Tonight’s slot belonged to The Gemma Donald Trio.
Gemma had Iain Anderson also on fiddle and Nicky McMichan was at the keyboards.
An unusual combination of 2 fiddles and keyboards, but nothing unusual about the quality performance.
They had the large crowd enthralled by their consistently high standard of playing. They played an extensive range of music and closed the first half to a rousing ovation.
The second half opened with Colin Donaldson moving to the lead position for a wee change. Fresh from his “Take the Floor” broadcast the previous Saturday, Colin had Nicky McMichan on second box, Heather Fraser on drums and making a rare but very welcome appearance on keyboards was local band leader Jock Fraser.
Heather also took part in the radio broadcast and has developed into a cracking wee drummer who can mix it with the very best.
Time now for Iain Stewart to return, this time as the lead on his accordion. Iain had Colin Donaldson on second box Heather Fraser on drums and Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards.
It was a busy night for Colin Donaldson, but he is such a likeable person and has undoubted musical skills that he is a magnet for all fellow musicians.
Fraser MacLean then strapped on his button box and was backed by Jock Fraser on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and the ever present Jock Stephen on drums.
Although the number of local players was down on previous nights, the standard of playing by all those who were present in the hall was exceptional and any one of the players could have taken the guest spot position and done it justice.
Back now to the guests who had travelled from the Edinburgh area.
Gemma and Iain played some wonderful stuff with Nicky, and their playing of the oft times requested “leaving Lerwick Harbour” was superb. Their passion and timing was there for all to see and they brought the curtain down on a great night’s entertainment once again.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
January Club Night Report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2010
Another very large crowd had assembled in the hall and the memories of freezing temperatures and deep snow falls were long forgotten.
The Highland Club opened the New Year with Nichol Mackay on his 5 row button box. He had Roya Maclean on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. A lively start to what proved to be a tremendous evening of high quality entertainment and musicianship.
Young Iain Stewart was next up and he borrowed Malcolm Ross from the guests as his drummer. Nice couple of sets from young Iain whose usual drummer, Dad Doug Stewart is unable to participate meantime due to a long term leg injury. Get well soon Doug.
Graham Wilson of “Twangtown Radio fame” then took to the stage. He had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Roya Maclean on second box and Bob Wares on the drums.
Hamish MacDougall then took the lead with his melodeon and had Iain Stewart on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
On to the guest artiste now. Steven Carcary and his band had made the trip north and Steven had Bill Ewen on keyboards and Malcom Ross sitting at a full drum kit. They gave a first class performance displaying an exceptionally high quality of skill and competence and took the first half to a close with a varied display of outstanding musicianship. Scottish, modern - it was all here.
Michael Macmillan is guaranteed to get the feet tapping and played a couple of sets, to open the second half. He was accompanied by Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on the drums. It’s been a while since Michael managed in to see us but you are always welcome Michael.
Another Club favourite then took over the show. Roya MacLean had Heather Fraser on drums as her backing and played a couple of superb sets.
Mathew Maclennan then led a four piece band with Colin Donaldson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather stayed on the drums.
Colin Donaldson and Mathew then swapped places and Colin led the band with a super couple of sets, but with long time friend Bill Ewen on keyboards.
What a great level of experience and skill is meantime available to the Highland Club and it is much appreciated by everybody.
Guest artiste time again and The Steven Carcary Trio brought the house down with a mixture of everything. Steven played a samba with Malcom doing a drum solo somewhere in the middle. The value of the full drum kit was there for all to see and hear as Malcolm went round all the toms and cymbals. Well done boys.
The Club now look forward to their Competition series, starting in March with the Bands competition.
The “Own Composition”. Contest takes place in April and entries for these competitions, and indeed any other comment you may care to make, can be made through this website by using the "contact us" button at the top right.
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2010
Another very large crowd had assembled in the hall and the memories of freezing temperatures and deep snow falls were long forgotten.
The Highland Club opened the New Year with Nichol Mackay on his 5 row button box. He had Roya Maclean on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. A lively start to what proved to be a tremendous evening of high quality entertainment and musicianship.
Young Iain Stewart was next up and he borrowed Malcolm Ross from the guests as his drummer. Nice couple of sets from young Iain whose usual drummer, Dad Doug Stewart is unable to participate meantime due to a long term leg injury. Get well soon Doug.
Graham Wilson of “Twangtown Radio fame” then took to the stage. He had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Roya Maclean on second box and Bob Wares on the drums.
Hamish MacDougall then took the lead with his melodeon and had Iain Stewart on keyboards and Heather Fraser on drums.
On to the guest artiste now. Steven Carcary and his band had made the trip north and Steven had Bill Ewen on keyboards and Malcom Ross sitting at a full drum kit. They gave a first class performance displaying an exceptionally high quality of skill and competence and took the first half to a close with a varied display of outstanding musicianship. Scottish, modern - it was all here.
Michael Macmillan is guaranteed to get the feet tapping and played a couple of sets, to open the second half. He was accompanied by Mathew Maclennan on keyboards and Heather Fraser on the drums. It’s been a while since Michael managed in to see us but you are always welcome Michael.
Another Club favourite then took over the show. Roya MacLean had Heather Fraser on drums as her backing and played a couple of superb sets.
Mathew Maclennan then led a four piece band with Colin Donaldson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Heather stayed on the drums.
Colin Donaldson and Mathew then swapped places and Colin led the band with a super couple of sets, but with long time friend Bill Ewen on keyboards.
What a great level of experience and skill is meantime available to the Highland Club and it is much appreciated by everybody.
Guest artiste time again and The Steven Carcary Trio brought the house down with a mixture of everything. Steven played a samba with Malcom doing a drum solo somewhere in the middle. The value of the full drum kit was there for all to see and hear as Malcolm went round all the toms and cymbals. Well done boys.
The Club now look forward to their Competition series, starting in March with the Bands competition.
The “Own Composition”. Contest takes place in April and entries for these competitions, and indeed any other comment you may care to make, can be made through this website by using the "contact us" button at the top right.
Bob Wares
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