We have a number of top musicians who occasionally play with us
Sandy Brechin is one of Scotland’s best known accordionists, famous for his lightning-fast playing and hilarious on-stage humour. He has developed his own unique approach to the art of accordion playing and his innovative style is instantly recognisable: a combination of slick, incredibly fast finger-work on the melody and a revolutionary method of syncopation on the bass. Sandy was the first in Scotland to play professionally the small 48 bass size of accordion, which is now pretty much his trademark. Despite its small size and range, Sandy gets a huge sound out of it.
Sandy taught the accordion workshop at Celtic Connections Concert series in Glasgow for the first 15 years of the festival and has also taught Short Summer Courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye at the Traditional Music BA Course on the Isle of Benbecula and is a guest lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, Newcastle University, Edinburgh University and Tinto Summer School in the borders.
Alison is a very much 'in demand' fiddler in the Scottish Dance scene. She has played in countless broadcasts and appeared on numerous albums and teaches fiddle privately. She prefers the picture of her dog!!
In addition to being one of Scotland's top fiddlers with a highly successful solo career, Pete has been a member of several notable bands including Heritage and Smeddum and is currently a member of the highly successful Benachally Ceilidh Band and the Niel Gow Ensemble.
Pete has performed and recorded with many notable musicians including Dougie MacLean, Rod Paterson, Rab Noakes, Jim Malcolm, John Watt, Trilok Gurtu and Nazereth. Pete was also an instructor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
He regularly works with Gregor as a duo (when not fishing!!)
For many years Duncan has been the 'on call' guitarist' for so many bands and styles. He worked at the BBC and STV for many years backing everyone from Sarah Vaughn to Sidney Devine! Reently he played with the Leonard Brown Band and jazz vocalist Ali Affleck's copper cats. He appeared in both Ceilidh Minogue albums playong both guitar and banjo.
Angus is a musician, producer & composer based in Scotland. He is a member of Blazin’ Fiddles & The Halton Quartet who has also recorded & performed alongside Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Paul McCartney, Bobby McFerrin, Craig Armstrong, Blue Rose Code, Eliza Carthy, Matt Costa, Bella Hardy & many more
Stevie was actually in the original Minogue line up many years ago and still joins us occasionaly.He is well known for his work with Box o' Bananas, Rusty Nail and many others
Our horn section can be added to any of our line-ups to give the band a very unique sound.
It features Keith Edwards on Saxophone and Colinn Steele or Cameron Jay on Trumpet.
Keith has arranged all the parts and these arrangements can be heard on our two albums.