Sandy Brechin

Bio:

Sandy Brechin grew up in Kirkliston, West Lothian and has been playing the accordion for over twenty years. In fact, he has been playing the same accordion (albeit with a few minor repairs) for the last twenty years! He was taught by the late Chrissie Leatham, in Edinburgh, and also by her son, Owen Murray, who is now Professor of Accordion at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has developed his own unique approach to the art of accordion playing and his innovative style is instantly recognisable.

	"This man is going to make a big impact on the traditional and not-so-traditional music scenes with his funky accordion, catchy compositions and refreshing personality. Spirited powerful playing of equally spirited and powerful tunes" The Scots Magazine

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 outwith his own groups' recordings. Also known as a talented writer, some of his compositions have been published and others recorded by bands like "The Iron Horse". 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", and hosts a regular Sunday night session in the Hebrides Bar in Edinburgh.

Sandy is also well known as a teacher of accordion. He has taught at many workshops and Fèisean, such as Fèis Rois, Edinburgh's Youth Gaitherin, “Folkworks” music workshop in Durham, and regularly teaches at Celtic Connections Festival, RSAMD and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School.

Member Since:

Members:

The Sandy Brechin Band
The Sandy Brechin Band is a four-piece outfit with an unforgettable stage performance. From the electrifying high speed reels to the occasional traditional Gaelic airs, the sound created is fresh, innovative and vibrant, at times soul-touching and tender, but always with an underlying power and confidence. Sandy is just as well known for his on-stage humour, which has been known to have audiences in tears, one way or another. His fellow band members present an impressive CV: Jim Walker on drums, Gregor Borland on bass guitar, and Colin MacFarlane on electric guitar and lapsteel.

The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience
The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience have established a reputation as one of top ceilidh bands in the world: playing for high energy dances across the globe. ‘Shandrix’ is usually a five piece consisting of box, fiddle, drums, bass and guitar but can sometimes swell to a mighty eight piece, as was the case at this years Edinburgh Festival sell-out gig in the Acoustic Music Centre.

Burach
Formed in 1994 Bùrach have long been one of the most popular Scottish rock groups and have created their own style of ‘Heavy Folk’. The band’s first album, ‘The Weird Set’, was released after winning the 1995 Scottish Folk Band competition. Since then Burach have released three further albums, ‘Born Tired’ (1997) and ‘Deeper’ (2000), and "Unstoppable" (2006). The current line-up is led as always by Sandy Brechin on accordion and vocals, with David Taylor on vocals and guitar; Chris Agnew on vocals and bass; the renowned Gavin Marwick on fiddle and Ross MacPherson on drums.

Sandy founded his own record label "Brechin All Records" in 1996, specialising in traditional folk music. As well as promoting all the label's artists, the company support various new recording projects, including the 5 CD series "The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill" in collaboration with Dr. Fred Freeman.

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