HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUBJANUARY CLUB NIGHT REPORT
The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club welcomed the new year with a very large crowd in the usual venue .
Graham Wilson started and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Iain Stewart on drums. Iain is better known for his accordion or piano skills but is certainly no slouch on the drum stool either.
Cammy Maclean followed and had his Dad Martin on drums and Jacquie remained on keyboards.
Still with the MacLean clan and this time Stuart Maclean took to the stage with the fiddle. Calum Mackaskill had the guitar and Bob Wares was on drums.
Club stalwart Jean Millward followed with her piano accordion. Jean is a regular visitor to the audience area and only rarely takes to the stage. On this occasion she had Christine Matheson from the Dingwall Club on keyboards and Martin Maclean on drums. No problems for Jean and a super couple of sets put her mind at ease.
Jimmy Smith followed on the mouth organ. Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums completed the line up. Jimmy celebrated his 75th birthday earlier in January and is very popular with the Highland faithful.
Time for the guest artistes now and Archie Macphee and the Bogroy Band did the honours. Wow! What a terrific sound from these guys right from the off. Waltzes, marches , reels and jigs just kept coming and coming and all played with such enthusiasm and skill. Timing was exceptional and very little blethering between tracks made them a real joy to listen to.
Archie had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Carol Irvine on fiddle and George Bremner on drums
The second half opened with Colin Donaldson who had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and a visitor to the club for the night in the shape of Ali Macintyre on drums. Ali is a very experienced drummer and his cv includes such luminaries as Colin Dewar. Ali had travelled from Balloch near Loch Lomond just to see Archie and the band.
Hamish Macdpougall and his melodeon were to follow and Ali Mcintyre remained at the drum stool. Iain Stewart moved onto the keyboards.
Iain Stewart then showed his versatility and took to the lead accordion and Jacquie Macdonald was at the keyboards.
Dougall Macdougall completed the line up of local players with the three row button box and had Allen Shepherd on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums
What an array of local talent we are blessed with at the Highland Club and once again apologies are due to those players who never reached the stage due to the numbers present and graciously stepped aside.
Back to the guest artistes and Archie Macphee and the Bogroy Band continued where they left off. Quality musicianship and entertainment from 4 genuine and sincere musicians, who play all their music from the heart. A fiddle solo from Carol was delightful and it was plain to see why these guys are in such big demand across the country.
Archie’s CD entitled “A Different Beat” can be purchased from any good record shop or we can put you in touch with Jacquie via this website or face book page.
Another fantastic night for the Highland faithful who left the hall buzzing and probably not able to drop off to sleep till well through the night with their heads buzzing to the sounds of Archie Macphee and The Bogroy Band.
Welcome
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
December Club Night Report
The Highland Club once again had a large cowd in the hall for the December club night and yet again another superb evening of quality entertainment was to unfold.
First up was Club chairman Fraser Maclean. Nihol Mackay took the second box position, Jacquie Macdonald took to the keyboards and the ever reliable Jock Stephen was on the drums. Fraser always uses this opportunity to play one of his favourite tunes, "Welcome Christmas Morning", composed of course by the late Sir Jimmy Shand. This is a cracking wee waltz and of course only gets an airing about this time of year.
Davy Shand, now residing in Whitebridge near Inverness, was next up and had the melodeon with him. Sing a long numbers were the order of the day and this put the crowd into a real festive mode.
Time now for a fiddler to take centre stage. Stuart Maclean had backing from Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on the drums.
Stuart Mackintosh is a local lad but had never been to the Club before. He is a renowned accordionist and teaches through the medium of the Traditional Music Classes. Stuart had Ryan Johns with him, for his first taste of a public performance. Ryan played very well and celebrated his twelfth birthday on stage. Great prospects for this young man and Stuart is a very capable performer and teacher in his own right. Welcome back any time boys.
Dougal Macdougall is a regular visitor to the Club and this time had the three row button box with him. Dougal had Allen Shepherd on keyboards for a lively couple of sets.
Time now for the guest spot and The Andy Kain duo were in the limelight.
Andy was in scintilating form and had his good friend Craig Paton on keyboards. These guys are a perfect foil for each other and their interaction with the crowd raised the Christmas spirit even higher. Andy had he crowd eating out of his hand and it really is not difficult to understand why he was voted guest artiste of the year for 2010. He is a true master of the fiddle and proved it several times.
After the break Iain Stewart took to the stage. Iain's diary has been very busy of late but he managed to fit in a visit to the Club and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards. Great to have you back on board Iain.
Nichol Mackay took centre stage with his 5 row button box and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nichol played a couple of sets from his recently released CD which is proving very popular.
Another player who has not managed in for various reasons is Cammy Maclean. He was back in action with the box and had his Dad Martin on the drums and Jacquie at the keyboards. Great couple of sets Cammy and lets hope you also manage to come back more regularly in the new year.
Colin Donaldson was next up and had Susie Simpson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Martin Maclean stayed on the drums. Colin has also just released a CD and played a couple of sets from it.
All great stuff from a very talented group of local players all evening.
Time for the guests once more. Andy Kain on the fiddle and Craig Paton on keyboards returned to rapturous applause and managed to raise spirits even higher with some Christmas numbers and a bit of fun and good banter with the audience. These guys are exceptionally talented in everything they do and even found time to put in a couple of songs, which I am certain Andy won't thank me for mentioning !
A brilliant evening and the Highland faithful set off for the Christmas break in fine fettle.
Bob Wares
First up was Club chairman Fraser Maclean. Nihol Mackay took the second box position, Jacquie Macdonald took to the keyboards and the ever reliable Jock Stephen was on the drums. Fraser always uses this opportunity to play one of his favourite tunes, "Welcome Christmas Morning", composed of course by the late Sir Jimmy Shand. This is a cracking wee waltz and of course only gets an airing about this time of year.
Davy Shand, now residing in Whitebridge near Inverness, was next up and had the melodeon with him. Sing a long numbers were the order of the day and this put the crowd into a real festive mode.
Time now for a fiddler to take centre stage. Stuart Maclean had backing from Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on the drums.
Stuart Mackintosh is a local lad but had never been to the Club before. He is a renowned accordionist and teaches through the medium of the Traditional Music Classes. Stuart had Ryan Johns with him, for his first taste of a public performance. Ryan played very well and celebrated his twelfth birthday on stage. Great prospects for this young man and Stuart is a very capable performer and teacher in his own right. Welcome back any time boys.
Dougal Macdougall is a regular visitor to the Club and this time had the three row button box with him. Dougal had Allen Shepherd on keyboards for a lively couple of sets.
Time now for the guest spot and The Andy Kain duo were in the limelight.
Andy was in scintilating form and had his good friend Craig Paton on keyboards. These guys are a perfect foil for each other and their interaction with the crowd raised the Christmas spirit even higher. Andy had he crowd eating out of his hand and it really is not difficult to understand why he was voted guest artiste of the year for 2010. He is a true master of the fiddle and proved it several times.
After the break Iain Stewart took to the stage. Iain's diary has been very busy of late but he managed to fit in a visit to the Club and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards. Great to have you back on board Iain.
Nichol Mackay took centre stage with his 5 row button box and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nichol played a couple of sets from his recently released CD which is proving very popular.
Another player who has not managed in for various reasons is Cammy Maclean. He was back in action with the box and had his Dad Martin on the drums and Jacquie at the keyboards. Great couple of sets Cammy and lets hope you also manage to come back more regularly in the new year.
Colin Donaldson was next up and had Susie Simpson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Martin Maclean stayed on the drums. Colin has also just released a CD and played a couple of sets from it.
All great stuff from a very talented group of local players all evening.
Time for the guests once more. Andy Kain on the fiddle and Craig Paton on keyboards returned to rapturous applause and managed to raise spirits even higher with some Christmas numbers and a bit of fun and good banter with the audience. These guys are exceptionally talented in everything they do and even found time to put in a couple of songs, which I am certain Andy won't thank me for mentioning !
A brilliant evening and the Highland faithful set off for the Christmas break in fine fettle.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
November Club Night Report
November Club Night Monday 21 November 2011
The Highland Cub once again had a very large crowd in the hall for the November meeting.
First up was Michael Macmillan, fresh from his recent starring role at Highland Showtime in Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Michael was in great form and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Hamish Macdougall was to follow and Jacquie retained the seat at the keyboards. Calum Mackaskill joined in with the guitar and Jock Sephen took custody of the drum stool.
Nichol Mackay with his 5 row button box then took to the stage and was accompanied by Colin Donaldson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nichol has very recently released a CD and it is available now from all good record shops and is a splendid addition to any record collection.
Club Chairman Fraser Maclean has the box with him every club night but rarely gets the chance to play it. He did on this occasion and had backing from Jacquie on keyboards and Mike Smith on the drums.Mike can't manage in too often and it was a pleasure to have him on stage.
Another welcome return to the stage this time in the shape of Colin Donaldson. Colin has had a busy summer season and Monday nights were otherwise engaged. Coln had Jacquie on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Colin has also just very recently released a CD and it too is a classic. Great stuff from a very talented musician.
Time for the guest artistes now and Neil Caul did the honours with a 5 piece band. Neil is as steady as a rock and his timing is impeccable. His many years of experience with some of the leading lights in the dance band world was obvious for all to see. He was backed by some very able musicians with Nicol McLaren on second box, Alastair McGirr on keyboards, Jane Davidson on fiddle and David Bell on drums.
Graham Wilson opened he second half with Jacquie Macdonald at the keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Graham has hundreds of tunes in his repertoire and several are of the singalong variety, and tonight was no exception. Great stuff Graham thank you.
Megan Meikle took to the stage and had the current guest artiste of the year, Roya Maclean on keyboards. Roya is Megan's teacher and Megan is making serious progress and is fast becoming a very accomplished player indeed.
Roya remained on keyboards and fiddler Lisa Moyes took to the stage. Lisa is another very accomplished young player and certainly knows how to handle a fiddle. A beautiful sound from these 2 young ladies which was very well received by the audience.
Back to the guest artistes to bring the evening to a close, and Neil Caul and his Scottish Dance Band were once again in top form. Solo fiddle and piano spots in amongst the very best of traditional dance music, all played to the right tempo made for a fantastic night's entertainment.
Once again another great evening at the Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club.
The Highland Cub once again had a very large crowd in the hall for the November meeting.
First up was Michael Macmillan, fresh from his recent starring role at Highland Showtime in Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Michael was in great form and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Hamish Macdougall was to follow and Jacquie retained the seat at the keyboards. Calum Mackaskill joined in with the guitar and Jock Sephen took custody of the drum stool.
Nichol Mackay with his 5 row button box then took to the stage and was accompanied by Colin Donaldson on second box, Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nichol has very recently released a CD and it is available now from all good record shops and is a splendid addition to any record collection.
Club Chairman Fraser Maclean has the box with him every club night but rarely gets the chance to play it. He did on this occasion and had backing from Jacquie on keyboards and Mike Smith on the drums.Mike can't manage in too often and it was a pleasure to have him on stage.
Another welcome return to the stage this time in the shape of Colin Donaldson. Colin has had a busy summer season and Monday nights were otherwise engaged. Coln had Jacquie on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Colin has also just very recently released a CD and it too is a classic. Great stuff from a very talented musician.
Time for the guest artistes now and Neil Caul did the honours with a 5 piece band. Neil is as steady as a rock and his timing is impeccable. His many years of experience with some of the leading lights in the dance band world was obvious for all to see. He was backed by some very able musicians with Nicol McLaren on second box, Alastair McGirr on keyboards, Jane Davidson on fiddle and David Bell on drums.
Graham Wilson opened he second half with Jacquie Macdonald at the keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Graham has hundreds of tunes in his repertoire and several are of the singalong variety, and tonight was no exception. Great stuff Graham thank you.
Megan Meikle took to the stage and had the current guest artiste of the year, Roya Maclean on keyboards. Roya is Megan's teacher and Megan is making serious progress and is fast becoming a very accomplished player indeed.
Roya remained on keyboards and fiddler Lisa Moyes took to the stage. Lisa is another very accomplished young player and certainly knows how to handle a fiddle. A beautiful sound from these 2 young ladies which was very well received by the audience.
Back to the guest artistes to bring the evening to a close, and Neil Caul and his Scottish Dance Band were once again in top form. Solo fiddle and piano spots in amongst the very best of traditional dance music, all played to the right tempo made for a fantastic night's entertainment.
Once again another great evening at the Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
HIGHLAND SHOWTIME
HIGHLAND SHOWTIME
(Saturday 12 November 2011)
The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club held their annual Highland Showtime in the spectacular setting of Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. A capacity audience was treated to the very best on offer with laughter and outstanding musical talent the order of the night.
MC for the evening was John “The Prof” Matheson from Moray Firth Radio. John had the place rocking with laughter and found himself tangling with a wayward cleaner on stage and even managed to do the Highland Fling with the dancers in the guise of a dancing champion from Canada! John is a master of these events and reigns supreme in this part of the world.
Thes how was superbly produced by Club Secretary Jacquie Macdonald.and she can relax for a wee while now until she picks up the reigns for next years show in just a few weeks time.
The Sileas Sinclair Ceilidh band opened the show and were accompanied right from the start by the Elizabeth Fraser Dancers in their tartan outfits. A great splash of colour and action to set the tone.
The Monach Isle Ceilidh Band brought a mixture of old and new with their own versions of traditional tunes and had the fiddle, bagpipes, small pipes and whistles alongside the accordion. All local lads and leader Michael Macmillan can be very proud of his contribution alongside Chris Mackenzie on everything else and Gordon Ferguson the fiddle.
The Elizabeth Fraser Dancers under the direction of Elizabeth Fraser herself brought glamour and elegance to the proceedings with a superb dancing display. No Highland dancing is complete without the pipes of course and Yvonne Kerman was on hand to complete that function brilliantly. Yvonne was able to demonstrate her skills in a wee solo spot and she is undoubtedly an exceptionally talented musician.
The Gaelic speaking patrons were not to be forgotton and Mod Gold Medallist Paul MacCallum sang beautifully with a really polished piano accompaniment from Hamish Menzies.
For the purist Jacquie had turned to Sileas Sinclair from Oban who has just recorded a CD which should be in the shops soon. Sileas was backed by the brilliant fiddler Deirdre Macdonald, keyboards with Ruaridh Campbell and the drummer was Ryan McGlynn. Together they made a formidable sound and were joined for a couple of sets by 13 year old Hannah Macrae. Hannah was a winner at the recent Mod in the 18 and under fiddle class and is a real star of the future. Hannah is a pupil of Dierdre and the whole dance band scene is in good hands with a secure future when young, raw talent as was displayed here is on display.
The splendour of the whole occasion was brought home at the finale when the whole company assembled on stage with Sileas Sinclair and her band playing in the background.
A great night of talent, all of whom come from the Highlands but a huge thank you must go to Jacquie for her skills in putting the whole show together.
Bob Wares
(Saturday 12 November 2011)
The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club held their annual Highland Showtime in the spectacular setting of Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. A capacity audience was treated to the very best on offer with laughter and outstanding musical talent the order of the night.
MC for the evening was John “The Prof” Matheson from Moray Firth Radio. John had the place rocking with laughter and found himself tangling with a wayward cleaner on stage and even managed to do the Highland Fling with the dancers in the guise of a dancing champion from Canada! John is a master of these events and reigns supreme in this part of the world.
Thes how was superbly produced by Club Secretary Jacquie Macdonald.and she can relax for a wee while now until she picks up the reigns for next years show in just a few weeks time.
The Sileas Sinclair Ceilidh band opened the show and were accompanied right from the start by the Elizabeth Fraser Dancers in their tartan outfits. A great splash of colour and action to set the tone.
The Monach Isle Ceilidh Band brought a mixture of old and new with their own versions of traditional tunes and had the fiddle, bagpipes, small pipes and whistles alongside the accordion. All local lads and leader Michael Macmillan can be very proud of his contribution alongside Chris Mackenzie on everything else and Gordon Ferguson the fiddle.
The Elizabeth Fraser Dancers under the direction of Elizabeth Fraser herself brought glamour and elegance to the proceedings with a superb dancing display. No Highland dancing is complete without the pipes of course and Yvonne Kerman was on hand to complete that function brilliantly. Yvonne was able to demonstrate her skills in a wee solo spot and she is undoubtedly an exceptionally talented musician.
The Gaelic speaking patrons were not to be forgotton and Mod Gold Medallist Paul MacCallum sang beautifully with a really polished piano accompaniment from Hamish Menzies.
For the purist Jacquie had turned to Sileas Sinclair from Oban who has just recorded a CD which should be in the shops soon. Sileas was backed by the brilliant fiddler Deirdre Macdonald, keyboards with Ruaridh Campbell and the drummer was Ryan McGlynn. Together they made a formidable sound and were joined for a couple of sets by 13 year old Hannah Macrae. Hannah was a winner at the recent Mod in the 18 and under fiddle class and is a real star of the future. Hannah is a pupil of Dierdre and the whole dance band scene is in good hands with a secure future when young, raw talent as was displayed here is on display.
The splendour of the whole occasion was brought home at the finale when the whole company assembled on stage with Sileas Sinclair and her band playing in the background.
A great night of talent, all of whom come from the Highlands but a huge thank you must go to Jacquie for her skills in putting the whole show together.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
October Club Night Report
Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club
Club Night Report Monday October 17 2011
A very large crowd was seated in the hall a good half hour before the scheduled start time of 7.30 pm and the anticipation was obvious.
Nichol Mackay opened the proceedings with his 5 row button box and had backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Nichol never fails on stage and played a tune he had composed himself entitled “The Waterside”, possibly named after the venue of the Waterside Hotel in Inverness or just because of our location next to the River Ness. Who knows and Nichol himself was undecided, but what a cracking wee tune and one that should rise to the fore more frequently I hope. Megan Meikle had made the trip from Maryburgh for the show and is fast becoming a very accomplished player. Confidence is abundant and she played some lovely tunes without backing.
A visitor from Oban was next up. James Macarthur had the 2 row button box with him and played a couple of sing a long numbers which went down very well.
A change of instrument now and Stuart MacLean on the fiddle led a quartet of Jacquie MacDonald on the keyboards, Calum MacKaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums. Stuart is now a regular visitor to the club and is a very welcome addition to any playing list.
Time now for the guest artiste and the Brandon McPhee Trio did the honours.
Brandon is only 14 years old and is possibly the youngest ever guest at the Highland Club. He had Manson Grant on keyboards and Robert Cameron on drums, and what a terrific sound these guys made. Brandon was so relaxed and the trio were resplendent in their black suits, white shirts and red ties. The professionalism was obvious to see and the band had arrived very early to complete a sound check before arrival of the faithful.
Not a note of music to be seen anywhere on stage and the large crowd enjoyed every minute of it.
Brandon played right across the board from old favourites to newer tunes and had no time at all for blethers. It was music all the way which is exactly what the crowd wanted.
The second half started with another club favourite leading. Archie Macphee had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums. Archie is scheduled to be guest artiste at the Club at the January meeting and the rumour machine suggests there may be a cd in the offing. Watch this space.
Susie Simpson was next up and played some beautiful tunes as a soloist. Susie was a recent guest artiste at the club and it is really great that we are spoiled at the Highland Club with such talented local players.
Another talented local player was to follow Susie and Hamish Macdougall on his melodeon had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums behind him.
Time once again for the maestro on the three row button box. The Brandon McPhee Trio resumed where they had left off at the end of the first half. They played with precision timing and loads of style and panache and the crowd lapped it all up and for the first time in my thirty odd year involvement with Accordion and Fiddle clubs I witnessed a standing ovation.
Brandon and the boys deserved every second of that ovation and the future of the accordion sound is in no danger at all with young people like Brandon around.
A truly marvellous experience for everybody in the hall and Brandon and his mates have just released a new DVD and CD which is available very soon. Copies were on offer last night and a large number disappeared very quickly, which is an indication of just how much pleasure this young man generates.
Another memorable night at The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Brandons nw CD and DVD are available from all good record shops and also from http://www.panrecords.co.uk/
I guarantee you will not be dissapointed with it.
Bob Wares
Club Night Report Monday October 17 2011
A very large crowd was seated in the hall a good half hour before the scheduled start time of 7.30 pm and the anticipation was obvious.
Nichol Mackay opened the proceedings with his 5 row button box and had backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums.
Nichol never fails on stage and played a tune he had composed himself entitled “The Waterside”, possibly named after the venue of the Waterside Hotel in Inverness or just because of our location next to the River Ness. Who knows and Nichol himself was undecided, but what a cracking wee tune and one that should rise to the fore more frequently I hope. Megan Meikle had made the trip from Maryburgh for the show and is fast becoming a very accomplished player. Confidence is abundant and she played some lovely tunes without backing.
A visitor from Oban was next up. James Macarthur had the 2 row button box with him and played a couple of sing a long numbers which went down very well.
A change of instrument now and Stuart MacLean on the fiddle led a quartet of Jacquie MacDonald on the keyboards, Calum MacKaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums. Stuart is now a regular visitor to the club and is a very welcome addition to any playing list.
Time now for the guest artiste and the Brandon McPhee Trio did the honours.
Brandon is only 14 years old and is possibly the youngest ever guest at the Highland Club. He had Manson Grant on keyboards and Robert Cameron on drums, and what a terrific sound these guys made. Brandon was so relaxed and the trio were resplendent in their black suits, white shirts and red ties. The professionalism was obvious to see and the band had arrived very early to complete a sound check before arrival of the faithful.
Not a note of music to be seen anywhere on stage and the large crowd enjoyed every minute of it.
Brandon played right across the board from old favourites to newer tunes and had no time at all for blethers. It was music all the way which is exactly what the crowd wanted.
The second half started with another club favourite leading. Archie Macphee had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on drums. Archie is scheduled to be guest artiste at the Club at the January meeting and the rumour machine suggests there may be a cd in the offing. Watch this space.
Susie Simpson was next up and played some beautiful tunes as a soloist. Susie was a recent guest artiste at the club and it is really great that we are spoiled at the Highland Club with such talented local players.
Another talented local player was to follow Susie and Hamish Macdougall on his melodeon had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Jock Stephen on drums behind him.
Time once again for the maestro on the three row button box. The Brandon McPhee Trio resumed where they had left off at the end of the first half. They played with precision timing and loads of style and panache and the crowd lapped it all up and for the first time in my thirty odd year involvement with Accordion and Fiddle clubs I witnessed a standing ovation.
Brandon and the boys deserved every second of that ovation and the future of the accordion sound is in no danger at all with young people like Brandon around.
A truly marvellous experience for everybody in the hall and Brandon and his mates have just released a new DVD and CD which is available very soon. Copies were on offer last night and a large number disappeared very quickly, which is an indication of just how much pleasure this young man generates.
Another memorable night at The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club.
Brandons nw CD and DVD are available from all good record shops and also from http://www.panrecords.co.uk/
I guarantee you will not be dissapointed with it.
Bob Wares
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
September Club Night Report
HIGHLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB (INVERNESS)
MEETING ON MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2011
Club Chairman Fraser MacLean welcomed a sell out, enthusiastic crowd to the opening night of the new season, and reflected on a very busy summer and the crowd were not to be disappointed with the fare on offer.
A great start to the evening with a visitor to the area taking the lead position. Janet Graham had made the trip from Cumbernauld as part of a wee break with her husband and started the new season with a couple of lively sets..She had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Mike Smith on drums.
Megan Meikle was next up and demonstrated her ability very well. She has obviously been practicing over the summer break and turned in a first class performance.
Fiddler Stuart Maclean was next up and had Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on drums.
Its been a wee while since we had a solo fiddler at the Club and Stuart is a welcome addition to any playing list.
Graham Wilson was next to show his talents and he led a sing along couple of sets with Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Jock Stephen on drums
Time for the guest to take over and local lad Graeme Mackay did the honours. Graeme is the current Scottish Open button box champion and showed exactly why he holds this title. He certainly has dancing fingers and what a magnificent sound from his new box. He played right across the whole spectrum and the timing and musicianship was superb. No time for blethers or stories and just music all the way.
Michael Macmillan opened the second half and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Michael is a real favourite with the Inverness faithful and is scheduled to appear at Eden Court Theatre Inverness on Saturday 12 November as part of the Highland Showtime organised by the Highland Club.
Tickets for this event are available now from the theatre (tel 01463 234234 or visit the Eden Court Theatre website).
A change of instrument now and Jimmy Smith had the mouth organ with him. Jimmy is another great favourite with the Highland crowd and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on the drums
Nichol Mackay then took the 5 row button box out and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nothing less than the usual high standard from Nichol and much appreciated it was too.
A young fiddler was next on stage and Rachel Campbell had backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards. Rachel is a terrific player and her future in the music world is surely assured. Very competent fiddler and not a note of music to be seen. Well done Rachel.
Guest artiste time once again and Graeme Mackay had the crowd in raptures and enjoyed every single note. Graeme was in scintillating form and very relaxed and the pleasure of just playing was obvious for all to see.
A great start to the season for The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club, and isn’t it great to be back in harness again, with the prospect of a whole new season unfolding in front of us?
Bob Wares
MEETING ON MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2011
Club Chairman Fraser MacLean welcomed a sell out, enthusiastic crowd to the opening night of the new season, and reflected on a very busy summer and the crowd were not to be disappointed with the fare on offer.
A great start to the evening with a visitor to the area taking the lead position. Janet Graham had made the trip from Cumbernauld as part of a wee break with her husband and started the new season with a couple of lively sets..She had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Mike Smith on drums.
Megan Meikle was next up and demonstrated her ability very well. She has obviously been practicing over the summer break and turned in a first class performance.
Fiddler Stuart Maclean was next up and had Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on drums.
Its been a wee while since we had a solo fiddler at the Club and Stuart is a welcome addition to any playing list.
Graham Wilson was next to show his talents and he led a sing along couple of sets with Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Jock Stephen on drums
Time for the guest to take over and local lad Graeme Mackay did the honours. Graeme is the current Scottish Open button box champion and showed exactly why he holds this title. He certainly has dancing fingers and what a magnificent sound from his new box. He played right across the whole spectrum and the timing and musicianship was superb. No time for blethers or stories and just music all the way.
Michael Macmillan opened the second half and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Michael is a real favourite with the Inverness faithful and is scheduled to appear at Eden Court Theatre Inverness on Saturday 12 November as part of the Highland Showtime organised by the Highland Club.
Tickets for this event are available now from the theatre (tel 01463 234234 or visit the Eden Court Theatre website).
A change of instrument now and Jimmy Smith had the mouth organ with him. Jimmy is another great favourite with the Highland crowd and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards, Calum Mackaskill on guitar and Bob Wares on the drums
Nichol Mackay then took the 5 row button box out and had Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards and Bob Wares on the drums. Nothing less than the usual high standard from Nichol and much appreciated it was too.
A young fiddler was next on stage and Rachel Campbell had backing from Jacquie Macdonald on keyboards. Rachel is a terrific player and her future in the music world is surely assured. Very competent fiddler and not a note of music to be seen. Well done Rachel.
Guest artiste time once again and Graeme Mackay had the crowd in raptures and enjoyed every single note. Graeme was in scintillating form and very relaxed and the pleasure of just playing was obvious for all to see.
A great start to the season for The Highland Accordion and Fiddle Club, and isn’t it great to be back in harness again, with the prospect of a whole new season unfolding in front of us?
Bob Wares
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting took place on Monday 20 June at the usual venue and no surprises were in store. The meeting itself went relatively smoothly with a fairly large attendance. Fraser Maclean was returned as Club Chairman and Bob Wares was returned as vice chairman. Jacquie Macdonald was re elected to the post of secretary and May Smith was also re elected to her post as treasurer.
The committee were re elected en bloc. So its more of the same for next season when we kick off in September with Graeme Mackay and Duncan Farquhar as guests.
After the meeting the crowd were entertained by Sandy Ross from Lochcaron. He had the three row button box with him and played some fantastic stuff. Sandy is a very capable player and is no stranger to pen and paper and is a previous winner of the Club "own Composition" title.
Sandy played right across the board and still had several medleys he had hoped to play but sadly was beaten by the old enemy called time.
The crowd really enjoyed Sandy's playing and set off for their summer break in good spirits. Sandy had made sure of that and played the old favourite "Haste ye Back" as the crowd were dispersing.
What a fabulous end to a fabulous season and whilst it is never a good thing to wish your life away, it seems such a long time to wait till September for a brand new season.
Bob Wares
The committee were re elected en bloc. So its more of the same for next season when we kick off in September with Graeme Mackay and Duncan Farquhar as guests.
After the meeting the crowd were entertained by Sandy Ross from Lochcaron. He had the three row button box with him and played some fantastic stuff. Sandy is a very capable player and is no stranger to pen and paper and is a previous winner of the Club "own Composition" title.
Sandy played right across the board and still had several medleys he had hoped to play but sadly was beaten by the old enemy called time.
The crowd really enjoyed Sandy's playing and set off for their summer break in good spirits. Sandy had made sure of that and played the old favourite "Haste ye Back" as the crowd were dispersing.
What a fabulous end to a fabulous season and whilst it is never a good thing to wish your life away, it seems such a long time to wait till September for a brand new season.
Bob Wares
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