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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=05-Feb-2016&lang=de&s=11373
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=05-Feb-2016&lang=de&s=11373
05-Feb-2016
by Rob Howard
|
 Bill Black, born on February 7th 1935 in Perth, became one of Scotland’s most highly regarded, accomplished, and popular dance band accordionists. Bill played the Shand Morino button accordion and also the fiddle, and was self-taught. His stylish playing had a ‘lift’ and unerring sense of tempo that was always danceable. He also composed many tunes.In 1962 Bill formed his first dance band, and in 1971 became an All Scotland Accordion Champion in Perth. He also won an All Scotland fiddle championship, and is to date the only one to win to win these titles on both accordion and fiddle. The Bill Black Scottish Dance Band played for strict tempo Scottish country dancing, old time dancing and for ceilidh dancing. They played as guests in the ‘box & fiddle’ clubs, for weddings, dances, concerts and theatre shows, performed in Ireland, Denmark and Nigeria, did many BBC radio broadcasts, and made several CDs and DVDs. The typical band line-up for many years was was Bill Black – 1st accordion, Colin Johnstone – 2nd accordion, Ian Adamson - fiddle, Mabel Gray - piano, and Robert MacFadyen - drums. Over years Bill became well known for introducing younger players into his band, and there are many musicians who gained experience through playing in Bill Black’s band. Bill was also well known as the organiser, from 1979 to 2004, of the annual Stanley Ceilidh, based at the Tayside Hotel, Stanley, a festival for musicians and enthusiasts. This popular event attracted many star performers, and the proceeds went to charities. Bill’s sons Robert and Duncan Black are well known and highly accomplished piano accordion players, with musical careers of their own. Bill and his sons on accordions, plus wife Anne on piano, recorded two family CDs – ‘The Black Family Favourites’ and ‘Black Magic’. In October 2006 Bill lost the index finger of his right hand in a freak agricultural accident, but through sheer determination taught himself to play again minus his index finger. In recent times he commented: “I did my first dance in a village hall in March 1949, and I’ve played every weekend since then. If I had my life to live over I’d do it again”. Bill Black passed away peacefully on January 31st. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 9th, at 1pm, in Dunkeld Cathedral. Family flowers only but donations may be made at the church in aid of Bill’s favourite charity, Rachel House. |