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Skipinnish
Band:
Angus
MacPhail (accordion), Andrew Stevenson (bapipe, smallpipes, flute)
The
band "Skipinnish" was formed in early 1999 when accordionist Angus
MacPhail from Tiree and piper Andrew
Stevenson from Achnacarry joined musical forces. At the time, they were
both studying in their first year at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama,
and having played together at various impromptu sessions, they realized that both
their musical styles and their outlook on Traditional Music were very similar.
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Andrew
and Angus of Skipinnish with Sgurr Mòr in the background |
After
the formation of "Skipinnish", their popularity snowballed, and they very soon
became in demand for festivals, concerts, dances, weddings and many other events
throughout the U.K. and abroad. Since their beginnings they have consistently
delighted audiences at a huge number of performances in many diverse and sometimes
dangerous locations! From the Marine Hotel in Mallaig, to the Hyundi Hotel in
Ulsan South Korea - from the main auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
to Johnny Alec MacKay's kitchen in Torlum Benbecula - the list is endless, but
everywhere Skipinnish have played audiences have been enthralled with their music.
Skipinnish's
television and radio appearances are also numerous and have included many live
broadcasts for both. Radio programs include Travelling Folk, Take The Floor, Mire
ri Mòr and many local radio station broadcasts. Television appearances
include 5 different Gaelic series', two live broadcasts from the National Mod,
a feature on Artworks Scotland, and even an appearance on the kids program Balamory!
In
July 2001, "Skipinnish" released their debut C.D. This immediately proved extremely
popular and gained considerable critical acclaim across a very broad range of
listeners. The popularity of this recording and of their live performances increased
Skipinnish's confidence in the marketing potential for their particular range
of music. Accordingly, in early 2003 Skipinnish Records was born. The formation
of this new record company was marked with the release of "Skipinnish's" second
C.D. Sgurr Mòr to Skerryvore, which was launched officially on July 3rd
of that year at a televised ceremony in the Islay Inn, Glasgow.
Since
Angus and Andrew have begun working together, they have maintained their dedication
to quality music, true to its roots in the Highland tradition. They do not self-consciously
attempt to adapt and modernize Highland music to make it suit the ears of a non-Highland
audience. No, these boys give their audience the real thing, and with both barrels!
This approach is one of "Skipinnish's" trade marks, and one of the main reasons
for their popularity - the connoisseur is refreshed by the authenticity of their
music, while the uninitiated listener appreciates the honesty of it, and both
groups, and everybody else in between who has heard "Skipinnish" are enthralled
by the musical ability of these two tremendous musicians.
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