Davie Stewart’s Lifetime Achievement Award – 26th February 2017

DAVIE STEWART’S LIFETIME ACCHIEVEMENT AWARD AND RETIREMENT CONCERT

To all those who didn’t manage to make it to the Salutation Hotel, Perth, on Sunday 26th February 2017, you really missed a treat! What a concert yet again! I thought Tom Alexander’s event was amazing but even more people came to this one. A bigger venue may have to be found soon.

Leonard’s thoughtfulness knows no bounds. He organised a coach again, for those from the north of England who had problems with transport. It started from Seghill and called at Longframlington, Rothbury, Wooler, Cornhill and Coldstream. The price of the coach included a complimentary buffet lunch, and a delicious 2-course after show meal at The Salutation Hotel, Perth. Huge thanks go to Leonard’s parents, Muriel and Foster for making sure that the journey went like clockwork. I know that Muriel was up at 4 o’clock that morning, carefully wrapping each sandwich and some biscuits in cling film, before they were placed in individual bags along with all sorts of other goodies. There’s no doubt about it, Leonard’s parents, Muriel and Foster are a tremendous support to him. They also had their team of ladies helping with the raffle, including Malcolm Ross the drummer’s wife, Susan.

Leonard ensured that a balanced and varied programme was created for the afternoon, so that there was something for every member of the audience to enjoy – humour, nostalgia and extremely talented musicians. Every member of the audience, every musician taking part and of course the guest of honour, Davie Stewart, felt important and valued.

Four dance band leaders who had been a part of Davie’s musical career, took to the stage that afternoon. As well as playing a wide variety of great tunes with Davie, they shared wonderful memories of their time with him, much to the delight of the audience.

Davie was in his element and was on stage throughout the concert, playing his accordion and holding his own with each band leader’s banter. Despite his eighty one years, he never seemed to tire. He opened the show, playing some of his favourite tunes, supported by Steven Carcary on harmony accordion, Liam Stewart on piano, John Sinton on bass and Malcolm Ross on drums.

Leonard took the mic and praised Davie as “one of the very greatest harmony accordion players who has enhanced many different bands over the years.” In the 1970s he was with Ian Cruickshanks who plays a variety of button accordions.

Ian, with his Shand Morino, joined the band on stage, with Davie Stewart now on harmony accordion. They played great music interspersed with some interesting stories of Ian’s time with Davie.

Then came the award presentation which had us all constantly laughing, as witty comments flew back and forth between Leonard and Davie. Davie was presented with an engraved plaque, a huge card signed by many, then finally, a bottle of whiskey with his name on it in large letters, on a specially printed label.

Ian’s final spot with Davie was a wonderful rendition of ‘Happy Hours’. This completed an incredible first half of the concert.

After the interval Wayne Robertson on lead accordion joined Davie on harmony accordion, Leonard on piano and Malcolm on drums. This was an excellent start to the second half. Wayne also shared humorous moments that had occurred with Davie but also his gratitude for all the advice and support Davie had given him from a very young player, over the years.

While Steven Carcary was getting ready on stage, Leonard once again had us all laughing by recalling some of the old adverts and nursery rhymes. He started to sing the words of some old adverts and we all instinctively sang the endings. Many memories were stirred, together with much laughter.

Steven’s choice of music displayed the extensive versatility of Davie’s prowess as an accordionist by including some jazz numbers. It was clear that Davie was indeed an accomplished player, well deserving of this special tribute.

After the raffle had been drawn, the concert came to a memorable close with The Leonard Brown Band with whom Davie has played for the last five or six years.

Leonard announced, “It’s fallen to me to finish off Davie’s career – but we’re doing it in style!”

Leonard, you certainly did that. You excelled yourself once again through your ability to organise another top class event. Your attention to every last detail was phenominal and this guarenteed the day’s success. Thank you.

Fran Biggs

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