ACOUSTIC ROUTES PRESENTS: GREGOR BORLAND AND SANDY BRECHIN IN CONCERT.
GREGOR BORLAND'S pedigree is definitely impressive - he was taught by two absolute legends of Scottish fiddle - but that fails to convey his own skill, the jaunty way in which his fiddle dances and sings, captivating the listeners. He makes it look easy, almost effortless. After winning numerous national Scottish fiddle competitions at championship level, Gregor became a Scottish fiddle teacher. He keeps true to his musical roots by teaching pipe marches, reels, airs, and in particular strathspeys as they were taught to him, choosing to keep the old tradition alive.
While he is a traditional fiddler first and foremost, he also has a contemporary side and he has played with some of the best British folk groups around. Gregor now lives in Spain, where he continues to teach small groups and individuals.
Standing beside him is accordionist SANDYBRECHIN, larger than life, and the comedy foil to Gregor's straight man. Radio Scotland said of him He's a very lucid, sane person, given that he's a complete loony, but he is also an incredibly talented musician in his own right. Over the years, Sandy has played in many bands, but is probably best known for his work with the Scottish bands, Bùrach and Seelyhoo, with whom he has toured extensively in Europe, Canada, the USA, and the Far East. A frequent guest on radio and television, Sandy is also in much demand as a session musician, having recorded on several CDs apart from his own groups' recordings.
On the rare occasions when he is not touring with the bands, he still plays for ceilidh dances with his own hugely popular electric ceilidh band, The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience
Sandy is also well known as a teacher of accordion.
In concert they alternate taking the lead, their personal and musical styles both contrasting and complementary. Gregor proves that he also plays a mean bass guitar, cranking the cool factor up another notch. It also doesn't hurt that he likes to perform in a kilt! Sandy puts the lie to the nerdy image of the accordion (an amazing contraceptive) with his casual, long-haired, hip style.
Together these two are taking traditional music to a more accessible level for the 21st century. A night spent with Gregor and Sandy is guaranteed to be memorable. Don't miss them!
