Artyness columnist and musician Liza Mulholland talks about two Inverness events for the Liam Colgan Music Fund and the late well-loved musician Billy Morrison over the next week that have seen her ponder the legacy of a musician's life
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I’ve had cause this week to reflect on two milestone elements of a musician’s life; starting out at the beginning of a musical career, and the end, when the final chord has rung out and those left behind gather to celebrate a rich musical contribution and legacy.
I was kindly invited by the Liam Colgan Music Fund to their awards evening – readers of this column will already know how highly I regard the work of this fantastic charity in supporting young musicians and those wishing to work in the music industry – where two young people received well-deserved awards for musicianship and song writing.
It was a lovely gathering and such a fitting legacy for young Liam Colgan, a talented musician and songwriter who tragically lost his life. Just days later, I learned that the LCMF has been recognised by top music industry organisation, the Brit Trust, with a donation to support its work.
One of just six small UK arts charities to gain this recognition, it is testament to the remarkable achievements of the fund across the Highlands and, again, I say hats off to Iain Clark, chairman of the Liam Colgan Music Fund, and all involved in making their fantastic projects – so valuable to young creatives – happen.
Another fitting tribute to a local musician, who had a long and acclaimed musical career, will take place at Inverness’s Market Bar. Billy Morrison was a well-known and well-loved, highly acclaimed musician, sought after by many top artistes and, such was his versatility as a player, in diverse genres of music.
He was no slouch academically either, studying maths and physics at London’s Goldsmiths, and it was teaching which took him from his native Glasgow to the Highlands. He modestly joked that his claim to fame was teaching snooker champ Steve Davis ‘O’ level maths, but Billy’s heart lay in music.
Playing in bands from London’s 1970s punk line-ups to Glasgow’s jazz and pop, he was later a stalwart of Nairn’s famous jazz scene and Inverness’s music venues. His humour was legendary too, with witty quips to audiences very much part of his performance.
One of his latter bands was named 24 Toes, after the number of lower digits possessed between the line-up’s three musicians – a fact that tickled his maths brain as well as his sense of humour!
Next Saturday afternoon (July 23) – exactly six years after his funeral – a specially-designed bench will be unveiled outside the Market Bar, where Billy played regularly. Created by carpenter Stefan Winkler, it incorporates one of Billy’s guitars (named Agnes, after his mum), itself a beautiful work of art. Friends and fellow musicians will gather to celebrate Billy and his music, followed by an open stage night. What better way to remember this friend to many, than a place to sit, rest weary legs, lean back beside his beloved guitar and once again feel close to his music.
