The Bon Accords are husband and wife team, Robin and Deryn Waitt from the South of Scotland. Robin plays the famous Shand Morino 3 row accordion which is fitted with M.I.D.I. to enable the accordion to produce a vast range of sounds to accompany the music. Deryn plays piano accordion – also with M.I.D.I, and is the main vocalist. Robin started playing at 10years of age when his first accordion was brought by the great Jimmy Shand, who also gave him tuition and advice. Deryn started a lot later in life, but thanks to her mother had a thorough training in music and piano.
The Bon Accords started their musical career playing in pubs and country dance halls building up a reputation which still stands, as a hard working and versatile duo. Winning numerous trophies for accordion playing, they soon developed a unique sound together and were soon one of the most sought after groups around, playing for instance on the same stage as the Shand Band on many occasions. Their popularity was attributed in no small way to their presentation and approach. After meeting the legendary Dermot O’Brien on his first visit to Scotland, the pair were particularly impressed by his sheer professionalism and emulated his approach giving a smart enthusiastic performance which was unique in the area.
The Bon Accords play a wide variety of music, but most important is the Scottish traditional. Ceilidh dancing in Scotland is undergoing a huge revival at the moment, and there are dancing classes all over, introducing new dances all the time. They play at many of the Traditional Music Festivals including The Isle of Mull Festival, The Kyles Festival, Tighnabruaich and The Tingle Creek Festival. Near Kyle of Lochalsh.
They have appeared on Television, both in the Borders, Tyne Tees and Southern Ireland, and have been on Radio many times, again both in the Borders and Southern Ireland.
They have toured Southern Ireland on numerous occasions and another trip is being planned for spring 2003. The Bon Accords are popular in the exiled Irish communities, and have entertained in Tyneside Irish Centre on many St. Patrick’s Days. They are also proud to have appeared on shows with many of their favourite Irish artists, for example – Bridie Gallagher, Philomena Begley, The Indians, Paddy Reilly, Brendan Shine, Johnny McEvoy, The Bachelors, Foster & Allen, to name but a few.
Deryn is not only talented as a player, but is an avid learner of songs. Irish songs in particular are her favourites and she has been known to learn new songs en route to a gig, which is a challenge for Robin as often he hasn’t heard them before. Robin however, always copes brilliantly as he has a natural talent for producing great harmonies off the top of his head!
The Bon Accords are completing 14 years of entertaining at Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green which is world famous as a marriage centre. They never work to a programme or pre-arranged sets, which means that every night is different. Requests are welcomed, and in this day and age, with backing tapes etc., in common use - it’s very rare for musicians to accommodate them. Bon Accords however, thrive in this situation! They are still much in demand all over for dances, concerts etc., and are frequent guests at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs in Scotland. Well known for their energetic performance, enthusiasm and love of entertaining, they look forward to many more years in the entertainment scene.
The Bon Accords latest album has been released on the Bryansroom label. Just click on the cover above to see the details.