Artistes’ stramash kicks off 2013 in grand style
THE new year got off to a fine start at the recent meeting of Thurso and District Accordion and Fiddle Club.
The first gathering of the year always means there is no guest artiste – so the entertainment is provided purely by our own members.
They certainly rose to the occasion. Neil MacGregor on keyboard, Jocky Campbell on accordion and Adam Polson on drums were the house band for the evening and they hanselled in 2013 in grand style. No remnants at all of 40-ounce flu here.
Catherine McKenzie is always keen to play her accordion – "Flett from Flotta" was one of her tunes.
Coincidentally, as I write these words, I can see the "Flare from Flotta". I definitely prefer Catherine’s version!
Following Catherine, Alasdair Bain gave his usual polished performance on his moothie, then Logan MacGregor led a sing-along with his accordion, including "Waters of Kylesku", "Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen", and the "Road to the Isles".
Liz Mackenzie (accordion) and Iain Macdonald (fiddle) make a great twosome. Their renditions included "Skyline of Skye" and "These Are My Mountains". I’m sure I heard "Birlinn Ghoraidh Chrobhain" too – and there was definitely a great version of Fergie MacDonald’s "The Jig Runrig".
Dod Pain and Brian Polson, on fiddles, combined well with Liz and Iain. Their playlist included "Bonnie Lass of Fyvie", "Dashing White Sergeant", and "Roses of Prince Charlie".
Master of ceremonies Neil kept the best until the end. There’s not often a stramash at these meetings... but there was this time.
All the artistes joined forces on stage to create a tremendous sound. None of the pressures of performing in a small band: everyone relaxed, really looked as if they were enjoying themselves and put on a memorable performance.
Alastair MacPherson
