Late additions and arrivals help make splendid night

FRIDAY night at the Cunningsburgh Hall saw another sell-out concert, for the second evening of the Accordion and Fiddle Festival.

The show started with the Nicky McMichan Scottish Dance Band who played a few sets, as is traditional, to give the audience a taste of what to expect for the dance that evening. They finished their performance with a lively set of jigs, leaving the crowd in no doubt that the dance was going to be a good one.

Second to play that night were the Westside Accordion and Fiddle Club. The packed audience were told how the club had managed at the last minute to add drums and double bass for the evening. Considering the lack of rehearsal time, all of the instruments fitted in nicely as one and the new found guest members added an extra quality to the group. The band really looked like they were enjoying themselves on stage and given the applause they got, the audience enjoyed them too. The club is one of four Accordion and Fiddle Clubs running throughout Shetland. It is really great to see the smaller and less formal clubs keeping the tradition alive.

After a slightly delayed start to allow for the dramatic arrival of fiddle player Pauline Irvine, who had been stranded in Aberdeen due to a pilot’s faulty seatbelt, Catticloo took to the stage. By now the lights were dimmed, and the audience expectant. They were not to be disappointed. As Catticloo played a set of waltzes, additional melody lines from the accordions added a lovely touch of depth to the slow tunes. The audience were further treated to variations of Shetland and Irish tunes. Sisters Pauline and Linda Irvine both on fiddle gave really rich tone to Catticloo and were accompanied beautifully by Margaret Scollay on piano. Following the foot stomping finale the compere, Nicol McLaren, accurately described the band as “well worth the wait”.

The final band to play was the Lynne Christie Trio which consisted of two accordions and drums. Waltz for Tracy was a really beautiful tune. This work was enhanced by the unique and clever accompaniment of Scott Gordon on his accordion that performed most of the backline. I really enjoyed this band as there was no cluttered feel, as is the custom in other dance bands.

Miriam Brett