William (Will) Powrie
Melodeon player from Forteviot active in the 1930s when he recorded for the Beltona label. Father of noted fiddler and band leader Ian Powrie (who played on records with his father when aged 10) and of button accordionist Bill Powrie (who can be heard in recordings from the 1950s on the CD ‘The Bankhead Tapes’ TRCD0701).
Nigel Gatherer, who kindly supplied these tracks, writes:
“This collection of recordings from 78s from the 1930s is Scottish traditional music at its best, in my opinion. Will Powrie, from Forteviot in Perthshire, was a recording artist on Beltona Records, first recording his “ane to sax” series of sides in June 1932. The following May he recorded thirteen duets with his son Ian Powrie on fiddle… Later in the same year – 1933 – Will entered a melodeon competition in Perthshire, coming third (first was Davie Raitt of Dundee, second was one Jimmy Shand of Fife – I wonder whatever happened to him?). Will’s solo recordings are a treat, but in the “ane to sax” sides there is a background sound which has been presumed to be piano. It’s not, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is a foot gong, played by Powrie himself.
I can’t recommend these recordings highly enough. They’re an insight into what was being played in Scotland in the 1920s and 30s, and a rare opportunity to hear one of the tradition bearers of the time.”
Recordings
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Dovecote Park / Tulchan Lodge / Mason's Apron (march, strathspey & reel)
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Drunken Piper / Highland Whisky / High Road to Linton (march, strathspey & reel)
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Elspeth Campbell / Willie Cook / Speed the Plough (march, strathspey & reel)
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Haughs o Cromdale / Back o Benachie / Pease brose again / What's a' the steer, kimmer
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Hundren Pipers / Pibroch o' Donald Dhu / Blue Bonnets o'er the Border (Scottish Country Dance) '
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Marchioness of Tullibardine / 93rd's Farewell to Edinburgh (highland marches)
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Miss Stewart / Whistle o'er the lave o'it / Wha saw the 42nd? (sword dance)
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Orange and blue / Laddie wi' the pladdie (Highland Schottische)