Jimmy Shand story comes to Oban

The highly-acclaimed and award-winning show The Jimmy Shand Story is coming to the Corran Halls in Oban.

This show is a celebration of the life and music of the late Sir Jimmy Shand, prolific composer and band leader, an international star and legend of Scottish music.

His tunes continue to feature in the repertoire of most traditional accordionists and dance bands today, and with a wealth of accordion players, followers of Scottish and traditional music in Argyll this is sure to be a sought-after event.

Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish said: ‘Jimmy Shand’s influence on Scottish accordion music has been greater than any other individual in the history of that instrument. Although from Auchtermuchty on the east coast, his influence in popularising accordion music reached every corner of the country including Oban and the west coast.’

Every now and then a rare talent emerges that stands head and shoulders above their peers. In the accordion world in his time that person was Jimmy Shand. In this generation it is Brandon McPhee. How better to salute both than with a show celebrating the life and music of the late Sir Jimmy Shand.

Angus agrees: ‘There is no better accordion player alive today to portray the Jimmy Stand Story than Brandon MacPhee. Playing the three row Shand Marino button accordion with skill and virtuosity akin to the master himself, Brandon is once again bringing the music of this legend of Scottish Music alive again. Jimmy Shand, I’m sure, would be very proud of the show that Brandon is performing in his honour.

‘I first heard MacPhee play when I judged the open accordion competition at the National Mod held in Inverness in 2014. I was astounded by the level of his performance. It was totally flawless and delivered with a charisma and magic that only a chosen few in the world of entertainment are blessed with.

‘Jimmy Shand brought accordion music to the world in his time and Brandon MacPhee is following in these great footsteps.’

On stage, the music is provided by the Brandon McPhee Scottish Band.

Brandon explained: ‘We all know his famous tunes, but do we remember the man who did so much for our musical heritage?’

Senior Scottish accordion champion Brandon, winner of the highly coveted Jimmy Shand Shield, not to mention numerous titles he was awarded while still in his teens, is recognised across Britain and Ireland through his music and his many appearances on stage, radio and television.

In this show, he looks back at the life and music of his idol, playing many of his favourite tunes, such as Bluebell Polka, Whistling Rufus and Shufflin Samuel.

This great selection of music will be complemented by visual images and stories narrated live by acclaimed stage film and TV actor Dave Anderson, known for roles in the film Gregory’s Girl, TV roles in Scottish Sitcom City Lights, appearances in early episodes of Dr Who, Taggart and Still Game.

Dave remembers: ‘Like every other Scot of my generation, I grew up with Jimmy Shand, on the wireless. The music was meant for dancing, but we listened because it put a smile on our faces. I now know from working on this show it was the same right across the UK and Ireland.’

Proof of this is reflected in the fact that in his time Jimmy Shand sold millions of records in his 70-year career.

The seed for the idea behind this show came during Brandon’s tour with Hot Country TV in Ireland. Country Music Star Michael English, also a fan of Jimmy Shand, saw an opening for this young virtuoso to develop a Jimmy Shand Show.

‘It’s wonderful that this show has come to fruition,’ said Michael. ‘Jimmy Shand is a favourite of mine and I’m delight that a talent like Brandon is bringing the show to the stage. I wish Brandon and the show every success.’

Don’t miss your chance to see another legend in the making, join Brandon and his Band to experience ‘The Jimmy Shand Story’ the way it should be told.

The Jimmy Shand Story takes place at the Corran Halls, Oban, Saturday October 6, 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £19.50, are available from the Corran Halls by calling 01631 567333 or visit www.argyll-bute.gov. uk