WELCOME TO bon-accord-music.co.uk
THE HOME OF THE BON ACCORDS
Robin and Deryn Waitt
The Bon Accords
are husband and wife team, Robin and Deryn Waitt from the South of
Scotland. Robin plays the famous Shand Morino 3 row accordion which
is fitted with M.I.D.I. to enable the accordion to produce a vast
range of sounds to accompany the music. Deryn plays piano accordion
– also with M.I.D.I, and is the main vocalist. Robin started
playing at 10years of age when his first accordion was brought by
the great Jimmy Shand, who also gave him tuition and advice. Deryn
started a lot later in life, but thanks to her mother had a thorough
training in music and piano.
The
Bon Accords started their musical career playing in pubs and country
dance halls building up a reputation which still stands, as a hard
working and versatile duo. Winning numerous trophies for accordion
playing, they soon developed a unique sound together and were soon
one of the most sought after groups around, playing for instance on
the same stage as the Shand Band on many occasions. Their popularity
was attributed in no small way to their presentation and approach.
After meeting the legendary Dermot O’Brien on his first visit
to Scotland, the pair were particularly impressed by his sheer professionalism
and emulated his approach giving a smart enthusiastic performance
which was unique in the area.
The Bon Accords play a wide variety of music, but most important is
the Scottish traditional. Ceilidh dancing in Scotland is undergoing
a huge revival at the moment, and there are dancing classes all over,
introducing new dances all the time. They play at many of the Traditional
Music Festivals including The Isle of Mull Festival, The Kyles Festival,
Tighnabruaich and The Tingle Creek Festival. Near Kyle of Lochalsh.
They have appeared on Television, both in the Borders, Tyne Tees and
Southern Ireland, and have been on Radio many times, again both in
the Borders and Southern Ireland.
They have toured Southern Ireland on numerous occasions and another
trip is being planned for spring 2003. The Bon Accords are popular
in the exiled Irish communities, and have entertained in Tyneside
Irish Centre on many St. Patrick’s Days. They are also proud
to have appeared on shows with many of their favourite Irish artists,
for example – Bridie Gallagher, Philomena Begley, The Indians,
Paddy Reilly, Brendan Shine, Johnny McEvoy, The Bachelors, Foster
& Allen, to name but a few.
Deryn is not only talented as a player, but is an avid learner of
songs. Irish songs in particular are her favourites and she has been
known to learn new songs en route to a gig, which is a challenge for
Robin as often he hasn’t heard them before. Robin however, always
copes brilliantly as he has a natural talent for producing great harmonies
off the top of his head!
The
Bon Accords are completing 14 years of entertaining at Gretna Hall
Hotel, Gretna Green which is world famous as a marriage centre. They
never work to a programme or pre-arranged sets, which means that every
night is different. Requests are welcomed, and in this day and age,
with backing tapes etc., in common use - it’s very rare for
musicians to accommodate them. Bon Accords however, thrive in this
situation! They are still much in demand all over for dances, concerts
etc., and are frequent guests at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs in Scotland.
Well known for their energetic performance, enthusiasm and love of
entertaining, they look forward to many more years in the entertainment
scene
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