Alasdair MacCuish and The Black Rose Ceilidh Band
April 2013
Biggar closed the season in fine style on Sunday 14th April at the Biggar Bowling Club with Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band. But first we had a wealth of local talent to enjoy with accordionists Janet Graham, Ronnie Johnston (Musselburgh), Andrew Gibb, Fiona Paul, Fraser Hewitt, Kyra and India Smith, Kyle Rowan, David Miller, Adin Graham, David Kennedy, Samantha and Andrew Erskine and Newby Park (Carlisle) as well as nine members of the SMG Intermediate Accordion Group from Edinburgh namely, Liz Hall, Gordon Stewart, Bill Wallace, Angus Creech, Pat Drewitt, Rachel Frith, Hilary Kerr, Ed Murray and Iain Gotts. On fiddle was Tom Gold. We had so many lead players in fact, that with time wearing on a further nine players kindly stood down – thanks to Alan Gardiner, Adam Gibb, David Corner, Jim Gold, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Emma Dickson, Hannah Dickson and Charlie Todd. On keyboard were Alan Rowan, Keith Dickson, Stevie Todd, Jim Gold, Roy Anderson and on drums Tom Hope, Geordie Shiels and Andrew Barrie.
There was some tremendous playing from the various combinations of the above prior to the two spots from our guests The Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Alasdair MacCuish mentioned that it is now ten years since the band performed regularly and 12 since he made his last CD. Accompanied by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Tom Orr on keyboard and Iain ‘Stretch’ MacFadyen on drums and mandolin the band showed they had lost none of their magic with a captivating variety of selections all superbly played.
Chairman, Alan Gardiner, rounded of the evening (and season) by thanking the guests, Biggar Bowling Club, and in particular Alex and Nettie on the bar, Sheena Dickson and the KODA mums for the home baking we have enjoyed all season and everyone for attending and supporting us.
We look forward to resuming on Sunday 8th September.
Biggar closed the season in fine style on Sunday 14th April at the Biggar Bowling Club with Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band. But first we had a wealth of local talent to enjoy with accordionists Janet Graham, Ronnie Johnston (Musselburgh), Andrew Gibb, Fiona Paul, Fraser Hewitt, Kyra and India Smith, Kyle Rowan, David Miller, Adin Graham, David Kennedy, Samantha and Andrew Erskine and Newby Park (Carlisle) as well as nine members of the SMG Intermediate Accordion Group from Edinburgh namely, Liz Hall, Gordon Stewart, Bill Wallace, Angus Creech, Pat Drewitt, Rachel Frith, Hilary Kerr, Ed Murray and Iain Gotts. On fiddle was Tom Gold. We had so many lead players in fact, that with time wearing on a further nine players kindly stood down – thanks to Alan Gardiner, Adam Gibb, David Corner, Jim Gold, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Emma Dickson, Hannah Dickson and Charlie Todd. On keyboard were Alan Rowan, Keith Dickson, Stevie Todd, Jim Gold, Roy Anderson and on drums Tom Hope, Geordie Shiels and Andrew Barrie.
There was some tremendous playing from the various combinations of the above prior to the two spots from our guests The Black Rose Ceilidh Band. Alasdair MacCuish mentioned that it is now ten years since the band performed regularly and 12 since he made his last CD. Accompanied by Marie Fielding on fiddle, Tom Orr on keyboard and Iain ‘Stretch’ MacFadyen on drums and mandolin the band showed they had lost none of their magic with a captivating variety of selections all superbly played.
Chairman, Alan Gardiner, rounded of the evening (and season) by thanking the guests, Biggar Bowling Club, and in particular Alex and Nettie on the bar, Sheena Dickson and the KODA mums for the home baking we have enjoyed all season and everyone for attending and supporting us.
We look forward to resuming on Sunday 8th September.
Shirley Cathcart SDB
March 2013
Sunday, 10th March, saw a slight fall of snow just exactly when we didn’t need it. Thankfully many of our enthusiasts turned out to Biggar Bowing Club anyway and were treated to some fine playing from our local artistes and our guest for the evening the Shirley Cathcart SDB.
Local accordionists for the evening were Alan and Kyle Rowan, Brian and India Smith, Samantha and Andrew Erskine, Fraser Hewitt, Emma Dickson, Fiona Paul, Claire Black, Jim Gold, Andrew Gibb and Charlie Todd. Several of the youngsters performed some well executed Continental pieces, Bourrasque and Dantesque amongst them, which were thoroughly enjoyed. On fiddle we had Tom Gold and Gilbert Logan, on concertina David Corner and on keyboard Keith Dickson, Fiona Paul and Fiona Shearer. Drums were in the hands of James Dickson, Tom Hope and Charlie Todd.
The guest bandleader for the evening was Shirley Cathcart from Law Village, who led on accordion, with husband Iain on second accordion, Marie Fielding on fiddle, Ian Anderson (Gartocharn) on keyboard and Gus Millar on drums. With an experienced line up like this the music was swinging from the start and Shirley led us through a variety of tempos in an entertaining and enjoyable programme which included a fiddle solo from Marie.
Sunday, 10th March, saw a slight fall of snow just exactly when we didn’t need it. Thankfully many of our enthusiasts turned out to Biggar Bowing Club anyway and were treated to some fine playing from our local artistes and our guest for the evening the Shirley Cathcart SDB.
Local accordionists for the evening were Alan and Kyle Rowan, Brian and India Smith, Samantha and Andrew Erskine, Fraser Hewitt, Emma Dickson, Fiona Paul, Claire Black, Jim Gold, Andrew Gibb and Charlie Todd. Several of the youngsters performed some well executed Continental pieces, Bourrasque and Dantesque amongst them, which were thoroughly enjoyed. On fiddle we had Tom Gold and Gilbert Logan, on concertina David Corner and on keyboard Keith Dickson, Fiona Paul and Fiona Shearer. Drums were in the hands of James Dickson, Tom Hope and Charlie Todd.
The guest bandleader for the evening was Shirley Cathcart from Law Village, who led on accordion, with husband Iain on second accordion, Marie Fielding on fiddle, Ian Anderson (Gartocharn) on keyboard and Gus Millar on drums. With an experienced line up like this the music was swinging from the start and Shirley led us through a variety of tempos in an entertaining and enjoyable programme which included a fiddle solo from Marie.
Adam Gibb SDB
February 2013
Biggar Club met on Sunday, 10th February with a welcome turnout of both players and listeners. We were delighted to welcome as our guests The Adam Gibb SDB led by local lad Adam from Toftcombs Farm making his debut as a guest artiste. Adam led on accordion (although he also plays the fiddle equally well) with older brother Andrew on drums, Adin Graham (Windygates) on second accordion, Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton) on fiddle and Stevie Todd (Dalkeith) on keyboard. As Club Chairman and MC, Alan Gardiner, said at the end of the band’s performance, 15 year old Adam plays with a “maturity beyond his years.” The band gave us two excellent and entertaining spots with music in a variety of tempos. Without doubt a name to watch for the future.
During the course of the evening we were also well supported by local players. On accordion we had Katie Todd, Claire Black, Ellie Borthwick, Emma and Keith Dickson, Samantha and Andrew Erskine, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Janet Graham, Elizabeth Morrison, Rachel Oliver (Wooler), Kyle and Alan Rowan, Brian and India Smith and Charlie Todd. David Corner was on concertina and Tom Hope, Geordie Shiels, James Dickson and Andrew Barrie on drums. Keyboard was in the capable hands of Alan Gardiner, Keith Dickson, Jim Gold and Alan Rowan.
Thanks to the BBC (Biggar Bowling Club) for the use of their premises and the KODA mums for the tea and eats at half time.
Biggar Club met on Sunday, 10th February with a welcome turnout of both players and listeners. We were delighted to welcome as our guests The Adam Gibb SDB led by local lad Adam from Toftcombs Farm making his debut as a guest artiste. Adam led on accordion (although he also plays the fiddle equally well) with older brother Andrew on drums, Adin Graham (Windygates) on second accordion, Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton) on fiddle and Stevie Todd (Dalkeith) on keyboard. As Club Chairman and MC, Alan Gardiner, said at the end of the band’s performance, 15 year old Adam plays with a “maturity beyond his years.” The band gave us two excellent and entertaining spots with music in a variety of tempos. Without doubt a name to watch for the future.
During the course of the evening we were also well supported by local players. On accordion we had Katie Todd, Claire Black, Ellie Borthwick, Emma and Keith Dickson, Samantha and Andrew Erskine, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Janet Graham, Elizabeth Morrison, Rachel Oliver (Wooler), Kyle and Alan Rowan, Brian and India Smith and Charlie Todd. David Corner was on concertina and Tom Hope, Geordie Shiels, James Dickson and Andrew Barrie on drums. Keyboard was in the capable hands of Alan Gardiner, Keith Dickson, Jim Gold and Alan Rowan.
Thanks to the BBC (Biggar Bowling Club) for the use of their premises and the KODA mums for the tea and eats at half time.
Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan
January 2013
Our meeting date, Sunday January 13th, unfortunately saw a reasonably heavy snowfall which deterred a great many of our regular audience. However those who did brave the elements were treated to a virtuoso display of traditional and contemporary Scottish music by our guests Simon Thoumire (concertina) and Dave Milligan (piano) - but more on that later.
Firstly we enjoyed a wealth of local talent with a group of adult learners from the Scots Music Group project in Edinburgh under the direction of Keith Dickson first to take the stage. They were Susan Aitcheson, Angus Creech, Liz Hall, Alistair McIntosh, Elspeth Porter, Gordon Stewart, Bill Wallace and Keith himself on accordions backed by Emma Dickson on piano. Very well done to all of them and thanks for making the journey.
Other local artists were accordionists Charlie Todd, Jim Gold, Andrew and Samantha Erskine, Emma Dickson, Fiona Paul, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Alan Gardiner and John Weaks (nice to see John all the way out from Glasgow). On fiddles were Tom Gold, Hannah Dickson and David Corner. On piano Keith and Emma Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Stevie Todd and Roy Anderson (who played “Trip to Dinan” composed by our guest Dave Milligan – well done). Drummers were Tom Hope, Ross Anderson, James Dickson and Andrew Barrie. Thanks to them all for attending.
Our guests performance was worthy of ‘Celtic Connections’ never mind the BBC (Biggar Bowling Club). With a departure from our usual dance music style our guests Simon and Dave quickly captured the attention of the small audience with their unique approach to Scottish music. Thoumire’s superb concertina technique and expressive melodic playing was supported by Milligan’s creative piano accompaniment styles and innovative arrangements with both instruments blending together to provide an attractive overall sound. Their highly entertaining programme, which was performed completely from memory, varied from lively reels and jigs to slower strathspeys and airs, including a few of Simon’s own compositions. Generally the concertina would take the lead with the piano supporting and providing interesting links between tunes, however occasionally the duo would launch into fluent unison melodic passages, which were delivered with an impressive rhythmic accuracy and drive. Simon’s slightly improvised and rubato approach in the strathspeys and airs added a charm and extra dimension to the performance with the lead part using suitable ornamentation and vibrato to great effect. Both musicians appeared to be thoroughly enjoying and appreciating the support from each other throughout the performance, completing their set with “The Tipsy Sailor” which received an extremely appreciative response from the club’s audience.
Thanks to our Club Chairman and MC Alan Gardiner for once again doing the honours and to the KODA mums for the lovely buffet at half time. The only sad note Alan had to report was the sad demise of wife Emma’s fiddle, which he had managed to reverse over recently in the wee sma’ ‘oors after returning from a gig in Mull. ‘Gone but not forgotten’ as they say – especially by Emma!
Our meeting date, Sunday January 13th, unfortunately saw a reasonably heavy snowfall which deterred a great many of our regular audience. However those who did brave the elements were treated to a virtuoso display of traditional and contemporary Scottish music by our guests Simon Thoumire (concertina) and Dave Milligan (piano) - but more on that later.
Firstly we enjoyed a wealth of local talent with a group of adult learners from the Scots Music Group project in Edinburgh under the direction of Keith Dickson first to take the stage. They were Susan Aitcheson, Angus Creech, Liz Hall, Alistair McIntosh, Elspeth Porter, Gordon Stewart, Bill Wallace and Keith himself on accordions backed by Emma Dickson on piano. Very well done to all of them and thanks for making the journey.
Other local artists were accordionists Charlie Todd, Jim Gold, Andrew and Samantha Erskine, Emma Dickson, Fiona Paul, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Alan Gardiner and John Weaks (nice to see John all the way out from Glasgow). On fiddles were Tom Gold, Hannah Dickson and David Corner. On piano Keith and Emma Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold, Stevie Todd and Roy Anderson (who played “Trip to Dinan” composed by our guest Dave Milligan – well done). Drummers were Tom Hope, Ross Anderson, James Dickson and Andrew Barrie. Thanks to them all for attending.
Our guests performance was worthy of ‘Celtic Connections’ never mind the BBC (Biggar Bowling Club). With a departure from our usual dance music style our guests Simon and Dave quickly captured the attention of the small audience with their unique approach to Scottish music. Thoumire’s superb concertina technique and expressive melodic playing was supported by Milligan’s creative piano accompaniment styles and innovative arrangements with both instruments blending together to provide an attractive overall sound. Their highly entertaining programme, which was performed completely from memory, varied from lively reels and jigs to slower strathspeys and airs, including a few of Simon’s own compositions. Generally the concertina would take the lead with the piano supporting and providing interesting links between tunes, however occasionally the duo would launch into fluent unison melodic passages, which were delivered with an impressive rhythmic accuracy and drive. Simon’s slightly improvised and rubato approach in the strathspeys and airs added a charm and extra dimension to the performance with the lead part using suitable ornamentation and vibrato to great effect. Both musicians appeared to be thoroughly enjoying and appreciating the support from each other throughout the performance, completing their set with “The Tipsy Sailor” which received an extremely appreciative response from the club’s audience.
Thanks to our Club Chairman and MC Alan Gardiner for once again doing the honours and to the KODA mums for the lovely buffet at half time. The only sad note Alan had to report was the sad demise of wife Emma’s fiddle, which he had managed to reverse over recently in the wee sma’ ‘oors after returning from a gig in Mull. ‘Gone but not forgotten’ as they say – especially by Emma!
Gordon Pattullo and Gemma Donald
December 2012
The Club held their last meeting of 2012 in the Biggar Bowling Club on Sunday 9th December. Guest artistes for the evening were the immensely talented Gordon Pattullo and Gemma Donald.
Before they took the stage we had an excellent line up of local players. The junior section comprised accordionists Kyle and Alan Rowan, India Smith, Emma Dickson, Samantha & Andrew Erskine and Claire Black. All played very well – a credit to their teacher, Keith Dickson. Slightly ‘longer-in-the-tooth’ were accordionists Davy Millar (3 row), Charlie Todd, Alan Gardiner, Fiona Paul, Brian Smith and Jim Gold. David Corner was on concertina with Tom Gold our only fiddler. Our rhythm section comprised keyboard players Jim Gold, Fiona Paul, Alan Gardiner, Keith Dickson and Dorothy Lawson. On drums were Geordie Shiels, James Dickson and Tom Hope.
Gordon and Gemma gave us a highly entertaining programme of well executed selections with a slant towards North American tunes, traditional and contemporary. Both are masters of their instruments and it’s a joy to watch and listen to their effortless execution of some very tricky numbers interspersed with some lovely waltzes and airs.
Thanks to Sheena Dickson and the KODA mums for providing the Christmas Fare at the tea-break. May we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Club held their last meeting of 2012 in the Biggar Bowling Club on Sunday 9th December. Guest artistes for the evening were the immensely talented Gordon Pattullo and Gemma Donald.
Before they took the stage we had an excellent line up of local players. The junior section comprised accordionists Kyle and Alan Rowan, India Smith, Emma Dickson, Samantha & Andrew Erskine and Claire Black. All played very well – a credit to their teacher, Keith Dickson. Slightly ‘longer-in-the-tooth’ were accordionists Davy Millar (3 row), Charlie Todd, Alan Gardiner, Fiona Paul, Brian Smith and Jim Gold. David Corner was on concertina with Tom Gold our only fiddler. Our rhythm section comprised keyboard players Jim Gold, Fiona Paul, Alan Gardiner, Keith Dickson and Dorothy Lawson. On drums were Geordie Shiels, James Dickson and Tom Hope.
Gordon and Gemma gave us a highly entertaining programme of well executed selections with a slant towards North American tunes, traditional and contemporary. Both are masters of their instruments and it’s a joy to watch and listen to their effortless execution of some very tricky numbers interspersed with some lovely waltzes and airs.
Thanks to Sheena Dickson and the KODA mums for providing the Christmas Fare at the tea-break. May we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Gordon Shand SDB
November 2012
We were fortunate to have a capacity crowd for our November meeting with fantastic guests in the form of Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band, a 5 piece band consisting of Gordon (lead accordion), Alison Smith (fiddle), Jim Lindsay (2nd accordion), Graham Berry (piano) and Gordon Smith (drums). The band treated us to a great variety of traditional music including a number of Gordon’s own compositions, all played with real enthusiasm and energy. A great band indeed.
Supporting artists on the night included (on accordion) Davie Miller, Kyle Rowan, Andrew Erskine, Elizabeth Morrison, Samantha Erskine, India Smith, Ellie Borthwick, Fraser Hewitt, Archie Marshall, Fiona Paul, Emma Dickson, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Janet Graham, David Kennedy, Allan Smith and Ian Graham. Fiona Paul, Alan Rowan, Emma Dickson, Keith Dickson, Dorothy Lawson, Jim Gold and Stevie Todd played piano, with Hannah Dickson on fiddle and David Corner on concertina. George Shiels, James Dickson and Ian Graham accompanied on drums.
We were fortunate to have a capacity crowd for our November meeting with fantastic guests in the form of Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band, a 5 piece band consisting of Gordon (lead accordion), Alison Smith (fiddle), Jim Lindsay (2nd accordion), Graham Berry (piano) and Gordon Smith (drums). The band treated us to a great variety of traditional music including a number of Gordon’s own compositions, all played with real enthusiasm and energy. A great band indeed.
Supporting artists on the night included (on accordion) Davie Miller, Kyle Rowan, Andrew Erskine, Elizabeth Morrison, Samantha Erskine, India Smith, Ellie Borthwick, Fraser Hewitt, Archie Marshall, Fiona Paul, Emma Dickson, Stevie Todd, Claire Black, Janet Graham, David Kennedy, Allan Smith and Ian Graham. Fiona Paul, Alan Rowan, Emma Dickson, Keith Dickson, Dorothy Lawson, Jim Gold and Stevie Todd played piano, with Hannah Dickson on fiddle and David Corner on concertina. George Shiels, James Dickson and Ian Graham accompanied on drums.
Neil Caul SDB
September 2012
Our new season got off to a fine start on Sunday 8th September with a good turnout of both players and listeners. On accordion we had Janet Graham, Davy Millar, Andrew Gibb, Fraser Hewitt, India Smith, Kyra Smith, Brian Smith, Charlie Todd, Alan Rowan, Kyle Rowan, Samantha Erskine, Andrew Erskine, Claire Black, Jim Gold, Emma Dickson, Frank Morrison and Elizabeth Morrison. Hannah Dickson played fiddle, with Keith Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold and Dorothy Lawson on keyboard. Tom Hope, Andrew Gibb, George Shiells and James Dickson accompanied on drums. Our guests for the evening were the Neil Caul Scottish Dance Band. Neil hails from Tealing and provided two fantastic sessions of dance music which had the audience tapping their toes from start to finish. Accompanying Neil on stage were Gordon Howe on fiddle, Nicol McLaren on 2nd accordion, Alistair McGirr on Keyboard and Duncan Burns on drums. We have no meeting in October.
Our new season got off to a fine start on Sunday 8th September with a good turnout of both players and listeners. On accordion we had Janet Graham, Davy Millar, Andrew Gibb, Fraser Hewitt, India Smith, Kyra Smith, Brian Smith, Charlie Todd, Alan Rowan, Kyle Rowan, Samantha Erskine, Andrew Erskine, Claire Black, Jim Gold, Emma Dickson, Frank Morrison and Elizabeth Morrison. Hannah Dickson played fiddle, with Keith Dickson, Alan Gardiner, Jim Gold and Dorothy Lawson on keyboard. Tom Hope, Andrew Gibb, George Shiells and James Dickson accompanied on drums. Our guests for the evening were the Neil Caul Scottish Dance Band. Neil hails from Tealing and provided two fantastic sessions of dance music which had the audience tapping their toes from start to finish. Accompanying Neil on stage were Gordon Howe on fiddle, Nicol McLaren on 2nd accordion, Alistair McGirr on Keyboard and Duncan Burns on drums. We have no meeting in October.
