Congratulations to Jack Delaney Scottish Dance Band who have been nominated in Dance band of the Year sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!
We asked Jack Delaney the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Started playing with a friend, Allen Barnett in 1950 and we formed a band together called Rowan Band. After national service, joined the Andrew Rankine Band. We played frequently on the radio and made records with Parlophone with the famous George Martin. I then joined the Hamish Menzies Band and we played and broadcast together until 1972 when I formed my own band. During all this period I was fortunate enough to record and broadcast with a number of other bands including Jim Johnstone, Alex McArthur, Sir Jimmy Shand, Jimmy Shand jnr, Bert shorthouse, Robin Brock and others. More recently I have played and recorded with Colin Dewar and Iain MacPhail. During the 70’s I was involved with a youth group called the Clachan Ceilidh where I coached young musicians, many of whom are broadcasting on “Take the Floor” today. This was something I enjoyed doing and I still do this sort of thing to a lesser extent now. I have also run a charity concert party since 1972 and we still do small shows for deserving causes. My main reason for still playing for ceilidhs and at accordion clubs etc. is that I am so lucky to have both my son playing bass in the band and my grand-daughter playing fiddle and this gives me a great boost. My ambitions are to keep playing as long as possible , given that I am long past 79 years.
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!