HERE was standing room only at the Inveraray Inn last month as the Inveraray and District Accordion and Fiddle Club struck up its first session after the summer break — and the music more than matched the turnout.
On October 8, compère Jane MacKay opened proceedings and handed the first set to local stalwarts Fyne Folk. With Jake MacKay and Sally Hall on fiddles and Margaret Campbell at the keyboard, they were joined by John Kelly (guitar) and first-time visitor Joyce Cocker (accordion) from Perthshire.
Their tidy pipe-march sets set toes tapping across the room.
A strong supporting cast kept the tempo high. Highlights included: John Kelly with guitar and vocals; Joyce Cocker (accordion) accompanied by Jake on fiddle and Agnes Liddell on keyboard; sisters Hazel Murray (accordion) and Laura
Murray (flute), who travelled from County Roscommon and timed their holiday to catch the club night ; Jake swapping to the ‘moothie’ with Agnes at the keys; Joyce returning with guest artist Leonard Brown at the keyboard.
The evening’s headline slot went to virtuoso accordionist Leonard Brown, no stranger to Inveraray audiences. Brown delivered a crowd-pleasing mix that darted from Glenn Miller swing to waltzes, polkas and reels, with barnstorming turns through The Flying Scotsman and The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. His touch, drive and easy rapport drew cheers throughout.
After tea and the raffle, the second half brought more from the supporting players before Brown returned to close with another sparkling selection and a well-earned encore.
Compère Jane MacKay thanked all the musicians and the packed audience for “a greatnightofmusic”,adding that the club thrives on the blend of locals, regular visitors and first-timers who make Inveraray a must-play stop on the traditional circuit.
The club now looks ahead to its next session, welcoming back the multi-talented Calum MacColl and his Trio — a date that promises another lively night for fans of traditional music in Argyll. Keep an eye on the club’s notices for timings and admission details.
