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Born
and raised in Scotland, I was first exposed to the accordion at age four
when I refused to leave the band alone at a cousin's wedding. To stop me
from climbing inside the case and going with the band, my folks placated
me with promises of an accordion when I "got bigger"...I did.
My first accordion was a 48 bass Hohner - I still remember going to
get it at Bell's Music store in Perth, Scotland, sitting down and
getting the accordion put on my lap. I pressed some keys and buttons,
no sound, then complained that it was "not plugged in". Ah yes - have
come a long way from there!!!
Classically trained from an early age, I competed regularly in both
Scottish and British championships, winning many competitions over the
years at both levels. I started playing in Scottish dance bands when I
was around 14 years old, and began at that time to make regular
appearances on stage with touring Scottish shows both in the UK and
overseas. A couple of highlights I would have to pick out are winning
the Under 18 All-Scotland Classical competition (Bell Trophy) and
winning the All Britain Under 16 Classical Duet competition with my
sister Fiona.
As I began playing other musical styles, I found that I was much
better at playing the lead solos off Van Halen's "1984" album on the
vertical accordion keys than trying to lie on a piano stool and play
sideways. (Imagine it.) This inspired me to get my box "midi"-fied, and
I was thereby able to extend my exploration into previously uncharted
musical territories. I have been fortunate enough to play with a number
of very strong musicians in a variety of countries and states of
sobriety. (Or lack thereof.) After leaving Scotland in the late 90's, I
have lived in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East before moving to
the USA...my trusty box always in tow. I finally made my way to Texas. I
have played in a couple of bands, "On the Dole" with Paddy Devlin in
Houston (now called Blaggards)
and then moving to Dallas and running into Jiggernaut via the Internet.
Recently I have been teaching a series of Scottish Accordion Workshops
at Texas Festivals and the Texas Accordion Association 2005
Festival. My main accordion is a Borsini SuperStar, but have been lucky
recently to demonstrate some Custom Antique Petosa accordions.
To learn
more about Mark click on the link to his web site
http://www.markkenneth.com/ |
