Box & Fiddle - August 2016

Fiddle The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts

The Great

CELEBRITY LUNCHEON THE 41ST KEITH FESTIVAL

Centre Stage

BRANDON MCPHEE

CLUB REPORTS PLUS

News, Club & Dance

Diaries and much more...

39th Year No. 12 Aug 2016

£2.70

BOX&

Welcome

B&F • EDITORIAL

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...to the August issue of Box & Fiddle The magazine for Scottish music enthusiasts

Editor • Pia Walker 7 Tarvit Gardens Cupar, Fife, KY15 5BT Tel: 01334 657 850 Mob: 07715 115 489 editor@boxandfiddle.com Designer • Marie Irvine mamidesigns@hotmail.com Section icons by: FlatIcon

Cover Image Isobel Harper and Joan Blue at the NAAFC AGM © Pia Walker Printer • Meigle Colour Printers www.meigleprint.co.uk

NAAFC Chairman • Nicol McLaren 9 Sheila Road, Blairgowrie Perthshire, PH10 6RP Tel: 01250 874 526 nicol@boxandfiddle.com Vice Chairman • Iain Cathcart Tel: 01555 661 017 iain@boxandfiddle.com Secretary • Lorna Mair 7 Lathro Lane, Kinross KY13 8RX Treasurer • Willie Johnstone treasurer@boxandfiddle.com Executive Committee: David Cunningham Charlie Kirkpatrick Susan MacFadyen Margo Maclennan Tom Orr Richard Ross

The end of June and beginning of July have been really busy. First it was the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon on the last Sunday of June. You can see photos of the lunch in this issue. The AGM information will be for a later issue when all the clubs are back.

The beginning of July saw in the Falkland Traditional Music festival and the Angus Pia Walker, Editor Traditional Music Festival. This will be detailed in a later issue too. Can I just say that it is so lovely having people come up to me and say hello, please continue to do so. I had a great time at both. I see that Una Simpson from Shetland asked on Facebook if there was a degree in Festival programming, perhaps there should be, we certainly have some experts on this area in our midst.

The club diary is a bit slim for September yet. This doesn’t mean that the clubs are not starting up – it just means that some clubs haven’t sent in their dates yet. (At the time of writing this 20 clubs have yet to report in!). The next deadline is the 5th of August.

We are coming into the 40th season of the Box & Fiddle. Let us celebrate this together throughout the year. I am looking for little anecdotes from the years past. Stories that bring a smile to your faces - share them with the rest of us. Send in photos of years past (with explanations). And of course if you have younger people attending your club, please get them to write ca 300 words on why they go to clubs and about their music and send it to me with a photo of them.

This is your magazine, use it. If you have something to say, say it. It will be of interest to others whether they agree with you or not.

Just remember to tell me if you don’t want your name published, but remember I do need to have it as anonymous letters only make it to my little black book and no further. ?

Enjoy what is left of the summer, and get those instruments out in readiness for the new season. Let’s make this season special.

Keep up with the latest news at

www.boxandfiddle.com Box & Fiddle (NAAFC)

Pia The editorial team reserves the right to refuse or edit all copy. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. Use of material and advertising from this publication is strictly prohibited without permission in writing from the editor.

While every care has been taken in compiling Box & Fiddle to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press, Box & Fiddle assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

Contents

B&F • CONTENTS

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9 14 12 6 9 11 12 19

20 21

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News

Inverness Trad Experience; Falkirk Fiddle Workshop; Tribute to Gordon Simpson; Letters

Visit to Castelfidardo, Italy The 41st Keith Festival

Read all the results of the event

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Club Diary

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Dance Diary

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Reviews

The Great Celebrity Luncheon

You are never too old to go Clubbing!

Find the nearest dances and ceilidhs

How the B&F magazine is doing

Centre Stage

Take

We chat to Brandon McPhee

Club News

The latest news from our clubs

Deadlines:

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Now & Then, Pete Clark

the Floor

Sheet Music Bob McMath (The Accordion Doctor)

by Ray Carse

All articles, adverts, club reports and text for the magazine must be e-mailed to the editor by the 5th of every month at the latest. Copy received after this date cannot be guaranteed to feature in the next issue.

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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

NEWS

News

Send in your story. If you have a photo that tells a story, send it in with an explanation.

Inverness Trad Experience Inverness Trad Experience held their first end of session concert in Dalneigh Primary School, to highlight the talent of youngsters and adults who attend their weekly tuition classes in traditional music.

The concert was very well attended and the captive audience of family and friends thoroughly enjoyed the performances, showing their appreciation with enthusiastic applause. The pupils entertained them to a variety of tunes on fiddle, accordion and guitar, led by the tutors.

The Inverness Trad Experience classes, which aim to help promote the traditional music culture, are held in Millburn Academy, throughout the school

Stuart MacKintosh Jeff MacLean Irene Fraser Roy Campbell

year. They are open to a wide age group, from age 8 upwards to adult, and range of abilities from beginners to advanced.

Classes resume in August 2016.

For further information, or to

Falkirk Fiddle Workshop I had a lovely evening visiting the Falkirk Fiddle Workshop, to speak about the NAAFC, the clubs and the magazine.

I first met a member of this group on the film set of Tommy’s Honour which lead to an article in the February issue of B&F – I was then invited by Sandy Harvey to give a talk at their AGM and I thought it was a good opportunity to encourage their players to come along to various clubs and join in our fun. If you see them around, do give them a warm welcome.

request a booking form with details of timetable, please see Inverness Trad Experience on FaceBook, or contact Jeff Maclean on jefflorn.maclean@ talk21.com Lorna MacLean

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B&F • AUGUST 2016

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Visit to Castelfidardo, Italy

by Bob Liddle

Jackie Kerr, Bob Liddle and Giancarlo Francenelli

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years ago in ‘Box and Fiddle’ I read about a group visiting Castelfidardo, the home of most of Italy’s accordion factories. A further visit in 2016 was mentioned so I contacted the organiser, and put my name on the list. Peter le Geyt, whose organisational skills were evident from the start, provided a constant flow of information. Included in the cost were flights from Heathrow to Bologna, coach and driver, and 4 nights B&B in the Hotel Parco in Castelfidardo. Also included were all factory and cultural visits plus a Gala dinner with a local accordionist entertaining. To top this, 2 x Alessandrini, 2 x Beltuna, a Petosa and a Dino Baffetti 5-row was kindly provided for our use, and boy were they put to use!

In May, 2016, myself and Jackie Kerr, a keen 5-row player and winner of the ‘Coupe Mondiale’ back in the 70’s, met up with Peter and ca. 40 others to fly to Bologna where we met with other enthusiasts such as Joe and Gail Brikha (Houston Bay Accordion Club), Donna Regis, Howard Jelleme and Ms Robin Kuhn (New Hampshire Accordion Association) and Rosemary Busher (San Francisco Accordion Club), plus from Scotland, Tony and Sue Simpson, (Arbroath Accordion Club), Lynn Mathew (Largs Accordion Club), Sheila Mclean (Newtongrange Accordion Club) and one Gary Blair, Renfrew. All others were from clubs in England and Wales.

Arriving in Castelfidardo we visited the Accordion Museum where we also had a ‘preview’ performance

by Antonino de Luca, our entertainer for the Friday Gala Night. What a player! Then back to the hotel for dinner and the first of 4 very enjoyable music sessions in the bar.

eum

Accordion Mus

Wednesday we visited the Victoria Accordions’ Showroom and their workshop for accordion repairs. We had a presentation by co-owner Elka on accordion construction and repairs and were allowed to try some accordions. Here you also find the two largest playable accordions in the world, a piano and a diatonic. These proved very popular, with several having a shot at getting a tune out of these very impressive pieces of craftsmanship, both built by Giancarlo Francenella, who was present to show us his work. Giancarlo also makes normal sized diatonic accordions, including a very quaint, but very loud, 10-button mini-diatonic, which took my fancy. The afternoon was spent visiting the Beltuna and Pigini factories and again we were allowed to try various accordions after seeing round the factories.

Evening saw us travel to the Della Rosa Restaurant at Sirolo for a fantastic feast followed by a session.

Yes we took the accordions with us! When we had to return to the Parco, the hardy ones amongst us got the boxes out again for another session.

B&F • FESTIVAL

The 41stKeith Festival T

he hugely successful annual Keith Traditional Music and Song Association festival took place over the weekend of 10 - 13th June with entertainment in several venues throughout the town, and featured something for everyone with visitors and local competitors taking part. The Alan Crookston Scottish Dance Band ensured toetapping music for the opening dance and along with talented performers from all over the country provided excellent entertainment throughout the whole weekend. Next year’s festival takes place from the 9th-12th June 2017.

Results

10 years and under:

Men’s singing:

Chloe McWilliam, Keith.

John Dickson, Tarves.

13 years and under:

Women’s singing:

ACCORDION Senior: Lesley Nicol, Rothes.

Junior: Duncan Ritchie,

Dodie Simmers, Keith.

Aberdeen.

12 years and under:

Abbie Christie, Finzean.

FIDDLE Senior: George Davidson, Ellon.

Junior: Rosie Winchester, Keith.

10 years and under:

Rosie Murray, Portgordon.

Best fiddle, 12 years and under:

Rhiann Matthew, Tarland.

HARMONICA

Denis Shepherd, Aberdeen.

DIDDLING

Iona Fyfe, Huntly.

RECORDER 12 years and under:

Cassie Findlay, Keith.

Moira Stewart, Turriff.

15 years and under:

Senior bothy ballad:

Eilidh Simmers, Keith.

Senior poetry: Gary Stewart and Doug Stewart, Huntly.

Bill Gray, Peterhead.

Junior bothy ballad:

PIANO

Iona Fyfe, Huntly.

13 years and over:

Eilidh Simmers, Keith.

12 years and under:

Kirsty Simmers, Keith.

BEST INSTRUMENTAL 12 years and under:

Rhiann Matthew, Tarland.

Instrumental group:

Abbie’s Angels, Tarland.

Freestyle instrumental:

Lucas McIntosh, Huntly.

COMPOSITION

Amber Thornley, Inchberry.

Recorder group and poetry group:

TRADITIONAL SINGING

Cassie Findlay, Keith, Keryn Stronach, Keith.

Abbie McWilliam, Keith.

Nine years and under: 12 years and under:

Dodie Simmers, Keith.

Stuart Veitch, Alford.

Best local singer:

STORY TELLING Senior: Jane Chalmers,

Fraserburgh.

Junior: Heidi Wilson, Rothiemay.

12 years and under:

Molly Cole, Aberdeen.

IAN MIDDLETON TROPHY:

Kirsty Low, Grange.

ANNE REID MEMORIAL TROPHY:

Molly Ridell, Keith.

MITHER TONGUE TROPHY FOR CHILDREN’S POETRY:

Eilidh Simmers, Keith.

CHARLES MURRAY TROPHY:

Jamie Shwa, Strathdon.

POETRY Seven years and under:

15 years and under:

RAY ANGUS TROPHY FOR MOST PROMISING FIDDLER:

Kirsty Simmers, Keith.

Molly Riddell, Keith.

Dodie Simmers, Keith.

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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

The Great Celebrity Luncheon

165 people, from Shetland to England and quite a few places in between, thronged The Huntingtower Hotel in Perth for the AGM and Celebrity Luncheon on 26th of June.

Guest of Honours with the Chairman

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fter finding out whom you were to sit beside by reading the table plan it was off to the bar, greeting old and new friends, before Nicol McLaren called to order. After grace led by Farquhar McGregor we sat down to a well-prepared meal and yet more talk.

I overheard conversations about Bowling clubs visited by a certain drummer (name withheld). I also heard something about a topless man in a bath full of coloured balls!

(Name definitely withheld!) The mind boggles, but everywhere people seemed to have a good day with smiles everywhere.

After the well-prepared 3-course meal, our Compere, the incomparable Mr John

Carmichael, led the afternoon of music and the larger than life Mr Charlie Kirkpatrick, organiser of the day, show-cased the BAAFIwinners. The perpetual motion that is Nicol McLaren presented the Guests of Honour awards as well as a special award to Charlie Todd for 20 years work for the NAAFC. Margo Mclennan, Elma MacFadyen and Marina Bruce ensured that wallets had a good airing in favour of the raffle while Mr Iain Cathcart, the eminent music-master with the unenviable task of arranging who should play and when, was instrumental in us all getting to listen to some fantastic music from a host of superb musicians.

In between these bands were

the presentations to the Guests of Honour: Isobel Harper, Neil Sinclair, Bill Ewan and Joan Blue.

Then it was on to the BAFFIawards. First up was Guest Artist of the Year, and the winner was …

Leonard Brown. Then it was CD of the Year: Out of the Shadows

by Peter Wood. Peter couldn’t be there, so the award was presented to Fiona Leask in his place. Next was Kenny Jackson as Club Supporter of the Year and finally the Club of the Year Award awarded to Mauchline and presented to Andy Rae. The we had some more music before the final Stramash finished a brilliant way to spend a Sunday.

The next AGM will be held on the 25th June 2017. l

B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

Who was a big influence in your life and /or your music?

My uncle Daniel. Without him my accordion playing couldn’t be where it is today. Will Starr and Jimmy Shand. Their distinctive style has given me the ambition to be like them one day.

What was the first time you performed in public?

In Thurso Accordion & Fiddle Club, a few months after starting lessons. The room seemed so big, because I was so small. (Not the case anymore). My Dad tied a tea towel round my shoulder straps to hold the accordion up.

What do you appreciate most in life?

The many talented musicians and singers who have helped further my career and helped me pursue my dream. I can’t thank them enough.

What is your greatest indulgence?

Music. From a young age I was hooked and wanted to do nothing else. It means everything to me.

What is your abiding musical memory?

The honour of being the first button-key player in 27 years to win the Senior All Scotland Accordion Championship in 2014. The memory will always stay with me. Playing accordion for Prince Charles and Camilla at their home in Birkhall. I wrote the tune Birkhall Ball and presented it to them afterwards.

What are your worst fears?

My accordion breaking down in the middle of a set. In 2014,

tre Sta n e

ge

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

The day in my Grandad’s spare room at the age of ten when I picked up a button-box and learnt my first tune.

C

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(Which means ... No Sleep).

What is your favourite location in Scotland?

The County of Caithness. I also love Balintore in Ross-Shire, where I visited my Nana during holidays and beautiful Dores Beach outside Inverness.

Brandon McPhee during the Perth championships, I put down my accordion to realise the bracket holding the shoulder straps had broken off.

Luckily John Crawford came to the rescue and got it all back on in no time. We got back to the Salutation a few minutes before I was due on stage for the final heat. I wish I could have John with me the whole time ☺.

What are the best places in the world you have visited?

I have so many places in mind that I would love to play in or just visit, but I haven’t been abroad yet, Southern Ireland being an exception.

What is your favourite musical venue?

Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.

How would you like to be remembered?

I really hope it can be for my accordion playing.

What makes you angry, annoyed or short tempered?

Playing silly mistakes or a wrong bass chord. Getting to the hotel after a gig thinking “bedtime finally”, to find the other band members already asleep with synchronised snoring.

If you had to leave what would you miss and what would you be glad to see the back of?

I would miss John Crawford always coming to the rescue! I’d be glad to see the back of the cold and rain, sometimes it feels like we live in the Arctic.

If your house was on fire what item would you save?

I’d grab an accordion in each hand and slide another one out with my legs.

Who are your heroes and why?

Will Starr and Jimmy Shand.

To me they are legends of the three-row.

The Scottish Dance Music scene - your thoughts and hopes?

I haven’t done too many live dances as most of my work is in concert. As I’m just starting out on my musical journey I hope the scene goes on forever.

What 5 people would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jimmy Shand, Will Starr, Willie McGuire, Jimmy Blue and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Your 1, 2, 3 of favourite tunes/ songs?

The Dark Island, Bob Bridgefords March and The Jacqueline Waltz Today I will Eat: Probably a Chocolate Easter egg (I’m addicted to them) Drink: Water Read: John O’Groat Journal Visit: Wick Gym Watch: ‘Keep it Country TV’

B&F • CLUB NEWS

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Club News Just remember to seek permission to publish the photos and tell us the name of the photographers.

To ensure a more readable section, please only send in max 250-300 words. A photo tells a better story, so add one or two of those too. Why not of your audience?Information in Club News helps attract visitors to your club, so make sure your club sounds like the place we want to go to.

ANNAN ST ANDREW The June meeting took the form of a club night. After welcoming everyone to the club, MC Jack Murdoch started by introducing the first of the local players, Ken White, who played A Gordon for Me on piano accordion. Jim Fraser and John Douglas played for the Edinburgh Mixture and Pride of Erin Waltz. Fiona Paul then played for a Flirtation Two Step, Call of the Pipes and Waltz of the Bells. Bill McMinn entertained the company by playing Molly Malone followed by a few stories. Norman Swainson played One Day at a Time on piano accordion.

With a change of instrument, Ian Woods played a number of tunes on the fiddle, and then it was back to piano accordion with Newby Park. John Watret sang Bonnie Naver Bay, The Auld Meal Mill and Gypsy Woman. Les Hurst played a selection of foot tapping tunes on piano accordion. Willie Little was next playing tin whistle.

David Bell and Roslind Snaith played for an Eva Two Step and a Jazz Twinkle. Kenny Jackson then played piano accordion. John Waugh played for a Britannia Two Step and a

Alistair McLeod Band, Forfar

Lomond Waltz. The final player was Barbara Fisher who played for a New Killarney Waltz and a Mississippi Dip. The players were all accompanied throughout the evening by drummers Bill Porter and Ian Ridditt and on keyboard was Ian Wilson, Roslind Snaith and Fiona Paul with John Douglas playing second accordion.

BANFF & DISTRICT This was the last meeting before our weekly summer ceilidhs take place during July and August. Andy welcomed all and played some great sets as well as some sing-alongs on his piano accordion with Graham

Wilson (piano accordion), Calum McCaskill (guitar) and John Cook (washboard).

Scott Band and his band was our guests, He plays both piano accordion and buttonbox. With him were Bill Ewan (piano) and Graham Sherrit on drums. After setting up, they played several marches with lovely timing. Jigs and polkas and some Jim Johnstone tunes followed, before Scott changed box to play some Iain MacPhail and Iain Munro tunes. They finished the first half with some reels.

Andy, Graham, Calum and John started the second half after the teas and coffees with another great and varied selection before Scott Band

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B&F • WWW.BOXANDFIDDLE.COM

Reviews Now & Then Pete Clark INVER 226

The fiddle is undeniably one of the most expressive of instruments and touches the heart and soul in its own special unique way.

This great collection from the renowned Scottish fiddler Pete Clark includes some of Pete’s own compositions interspersed alongside a few personal favourites from some of the great Scottish fiddle composers who ever lived, which includes Niel Gow, William Marshall and, of course, you can’t mention great fiddle composers without the name James Scott Skinner featuring on the list. For me these great Scottish composers were right up there with the Mozart’s, Händel’s and Vivaldi’s when it comes to emotionally reaching deep into the hearts and minds of the human condition.

The end result achieved and delivered on this CD is a highly successful project culminating in a cracking good listen, which can’t fail to reach into your soul. Such is the magical effect Scottish fiddle music can have on even the hardest of souls and Pete executes and weaves the magic exceptionally well.

The CD begins with one of Pete’s own compositions, a beautifully evocative Lament for Andrew and Danny setting the tone and high standard you can expect to enjoy. I would like to make special

If you wish your CDs, DVDs or books to be reviewed, please send them to: Bill Brown, 3 Galahad Close, Cippenham, Slough, SL1 9DT

mention of another of Pete’s compositions included on this CD, Sandy and the Sandpiper, which has a real human story behind it. The tune was written in memory of Sandy Dickson, a friend and former pupil of Pete’s who sadly died as the result of an accident at the young age of fourteen. As a result of this tragic event a trust was set up called the Sandpiper Trust. The trust’s objective is to provide medical teams throughout rural Scotland with equipment, which might help to prevent similar tragic accidents happening in the future. Further information on the work of the trust can be found at www.sandpipertrust.org.

Other great tunes on this CD includes, from the pen of James Scott Skinner, Professor Blackie, The Weeping Birches of Kilmorack and Bovaglie’s Plaid.

Niel Gow contributes Major Graham of Inchbrakie and William Marshall gets in on the act with Mrs Major L. Stewart of the Island of Java. The additional musicians supporting Pete on this excellent CD are Wendy Weatherby (cello), Jim Leighton (piano and synth.), Bob Turner (piano and synth.), Gregor Lowry (accordion), Pete Caban (guitar), Aaron Jones (Bouzouki and fretless bass guitar), Dougie MacLean (didgeridoo) and Jamie MacLean (fretless bass guitar). Pete Clark has excelled with another great fiddle CD that is well worthy of your listening attention.

Take The Floor 06/08/16

Favourite outside broadcasts

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Overseas: Take the Floor on the Queen Mary

13/08/16

Overseas: Take the Floor in Canada

27/08/16

The Jennifer Cruickshank producer years