Inverness musician Jock Fraser to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Accordion and Fiddle Society in Dundee
An Inverness stalwart of the traditional Scottish music scene is to receive a well-earned accolade tomorrow.
Veteran entertainer Jock Fraser (81), a well-known accordionist, is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Accordion and Fiddle Society in Dundee for his 66 years of bringing ceilidh fun and laughter to thousands.
More than 200 members, club supporters and enthusiasts will be welcomed to the Invercarse Hotel where Jock will be one of three stars of the Scottish music scene to be honoured.
The others are Glasgow band-leader and box player John Carmichael (86) and Brian Griffin, second box with the Iain MacPhail Band.
One of the many glowing tributes to Jock was paid by Inverness fiddler and music teacher Gillian Stevenson who thanked him for being her mentor.
She said: “Jock asked me to join his band when I was just 15, and it would be remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity to thank him for his patience and knowledge which he generously shared with me.
“With a 66-year musical journey, which is still ongoing, I would like to thank Jock for allowing me to tag along, and also thank him on behalf of everyone who has had the privilege of meeting and hearing him play.
“Congratulations once again on your award which is very well deserved. Keep entertaining people and enjoying your music Jock!”
Jock responded: “It was a bit of shock to be told I was getting this honour, but at the same time it is great to have this recognition for doing something I love.
“I have had some great times over the years.
“You'd think at my age, my days of playing would be settling down, but I am very lucky to say that I am kept very busy, doing local Scottish Country dances, playing for the weekly SCD class known as the 30 club and playing as part of the Inverness Fiddlers Society.
“Occasionally, I am still asked to be a guest artist spot at various clubs but I prefer to leave the ladies of the band leading guest spots nowadays!”
Throughout his 66-year career, which is far from over, Jock has rubbed shoulders with the greats of Scottish entertainment.
During a 10-year stint in the 1970’s and 1980’s when Jock joined the old Cummings Hotel Group in Inverness under the directorship of John Worth, he worked several seasons alongside the cream of Scottish entertainers including Colin Stuart, Norman MacLean, Stewart Anderson, Moyra Fraser, Chick Murray and Alistair MacDonald to name but a few.
While at the Cummings Jock played regularly with another well known Inverness singer and comedian the late Billy Nelson, and after working together at Eden Court, Inverness, the famous Norman MacLean and Jock toured the Highlands and Islands together entertaining at many local halls and hotels.
Jock was introduced to Calum Kennedy at Eden Court and this friendship led to several performances in Eden Court, a Scotland tour and a Canadian tour.
Jock started his musical career early, tinkling on the piano at the age of four, picking up tips from his older brother Donald who went to piano lessons. Jock preferred to learn by ear and although later in life he learned to read music, he has always relied on his amazing listening skills, picking up tunes with ease.
At the age of 15, Jock was playing piano with many local Highland bands such as the Heatherlea Band, the Melotones and the Johnny Douglas Combo although they were more jazz and rock and roll genres.
It was during this period that he realised that there was a niche for Scottish Music within these bands and so he took up the accordion. His personal Scottish musical influences included Andrew Rankin, Jim Johnstone and local band leader Alan Williams.
In his 20’s, Jock started his own Scottish Dance Band, performed on stage in the Show of the North and became resident band in the old Muirton Motel in Inverness as well as playing at many ceilidhs, weddings, and parties in the Highlands, prior to his time at Cummings Hotel.
Jock has also played on numerous broadcasts with his first Take the Floor recorded under his “posh name”, the Ian Fraser Scottish Dance Band in the early 80’s. He also played piano for Lindsay Weir and her Scottish Dance Band broadcasts on many occasions, including an outdoor programme in Dingwall. Jock accompanied Stewart Anderson and Moyra Fraser on their albums.
His own first album in 1971 was with Inverness drummer, entertainer, and magician Billy Nelson and in 1990, Jock recorded his second album which featured a 5-piece line up consisting of Ena Anderson (piano), Bill Brian (fiddle), George Bremner (drums) and John MacDonald (second accordion).
More recently, Jock has recorded as part of the Susie Simpson Band (5-piece) and the Susie Simpson Trio showcasing his skills as second box.
Jock is not only a talented piano and accordion player he is also good at impersonating his fellow musicians and entertainment friends including Calum Kennedy, Chick Murray, Alistair Gillies and Jim MacLeod.
Jock has influenced many a musician and young person on their musical journey such as accompanying a young Phil Cunningham in Eden Court as part of an Inverness Fiddler’s Concert and while teaching accordion as part of the Fèis Rois organisation.
He has also played organ in his local church on many a Sunday and is still requested for the occasional funeral or wedding.
Jock and his band have been Guest Artist at many Accordion and Fiddle Clubs throughout the country over the last 45 years.
