From: Nigel Gatherer To: scots-l@argyll.wisemagic.com Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 15:03:30 +0100 Subject: [scots-l] Re: Ian Powrie Pod mcdougall wrote: > Can anyone assist me? > Im looking for information on a scottish Fiddler called Ian Powrie. > Background info of who he is, family life etc. Ian Powrie was born in 1923 in Strathardle (near Balirgowrie). His farm worker father Wullie Powrie played melodeon, and there were many ceilidhs in their house. Ian got his first fiddle at 5 years old, and he was made to study it "properly", and by twelve folk were predicting a career in "serious" violin playing. However, by fourteen Ian was playing in his father's band - ironically on accordion! After WW2 service with the RAF, Ian returned to his father's band. In 1949 he formed his own band and this time played fiddle. At some point (I'm not sure of dates) Ian's brother Bill (melodeon or accordion) had recorded a number of 78rpm records, with a number of them featuring Ian on fiddle. I have cassette copies of some of these and they're great. When Bill left Ian's band his seat was filled by Jimmy Blue, and that started a long partnership between the two. He married Leila in 1954, had two children Ailsa and Finlay and augmented his band earning by being a farmer. However, in 1959 recordings of the band widened their appeal. The well known Mickie Ainsworth was on piano by this time, and appearances on the White Heather Club further spread the Powrie name. In 1966 Ian emigrated to Australia. At this moment I can't remember anything else - can't remember when he died nor nothin'. I have a few of his recordings. Will that do? -- Nigel Gatherer, Crieff, Scotland mailto:nigel@nigelgatherer.com Posted to Scots-L - The Traditional Scottish Music & Culture List - To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html