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Who is Scotland’s Greatest Ever Drummer?
And Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist is … Stuart Adamson, according to the readers of Dear Scotland. Thanks to all who voted. This week Alec gives us his thoughts on our greatest ever drummer. Paul Carlin (Dananananaykroyd), and John Disco (Bis) have their say too. Who do you think should be in our top 5?
Alec Downie
November 11, 2009
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Vote for Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist
Many thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts last week. It was incredibly difficult for us to narrow the field down to five, but in the end the Dear Scotland contributors settled on Adamson, Braithwaite, Jansch, Robertson and Young. This poll will close in exactly one week. So vote now.
Pete Reid
November 4, 2009
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Who is Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist?
Inspired by Alec’s column last week, we think it is time to decide once and for all who is Scotland’s greatest ever guitarist. This week we invite more of your suggestions and next week we’ll nominate 5 for a public vote. Today Glaswegian singer-songwriter Roddy Hart tells us why he’s endorsing John Martyn.
Pete Reid
October 28, 2009
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The Mafia Stole My Guitar
Alec Downie’s take on Scotland’s greatest ever guitarists: Sir Alex Ferguson works on a simple premise: get a strong defence, build from the back and allow the creative players to play. Applying that theory to music you’ll find that the foundation of all Rock ‘n’ Roll is bass and drums and everything else is art.
Alec Downie
October 21, 2009
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The Low Miffs and Malcolm Ross Rip it Up and Start Again
The “wonderfully musical” yet “erratic” Low Miffs have just recorded an album with the legendary Malcolm Ross (formerly of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera) and the album launch takes place tonight in London at Madame Jojo’s in Soho. Here, Alec tells us why he is not surprised that this collaboration works so well:
Alec Downie
October 13, 2009
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Catch a Falling Star at the Barrowland Ballroom – Part 3
For those who enjoyed reminiscing about the Barrowland Ballroom in Parts One & Two, this is a more personal look at Alec’s favourite Barrowland gigs. It was going to be a top ten before he got lost in memories of laughs, tears, hugs and flying cups of pish and it became a magical top 50. Enjoy.
Alec Downie
September 30, 2009
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Frankie Miller – In My Own Crazy Way Pt 2
Alec Downie continues the story of the enigmatic Frankie Miller: During the next few years Miller produced a number of quality albums including, Easy Money (1980), Standing On The Edge (1982), Dancing In The Rain (1986), and BBC Radio1 in Concert (1994). He also had a major hit with the single Caledonia written by Dougie McLean […]
Alec Downie
September 23, 2009
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Frankie Miller – In My Own Crazy Way Pt 1
Rod Stewart said of Frankie Miller, “He is the only white guy that ever brought a tear to my eye!” The widow of the late great Otis Redding reckoned: “that little ole white boy Frankie has the the blackest voice since Otis”. Alec Downie tells the story of a true Glasgow legend.
Alec Downie
September 16, 2009
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Catch a Falling Star at the Barrowland Ballroom – Part 2
Dark stories of Bible John, memories of jitterbugging yanks, and tales of the only appearance in Scotland of Bill Haley & his Comets and The Rolling Stones being paid £5 to perform in 1964, steep the venue in Glasgow lore….. Alec Downie continues his love letter to the Barrowland Ballroom.
Alec Downie
September 2, 2009