Harry Hussey and Dermot O'Brien. Two wonderful players at the Blackpool International Accordion Festival 2002
Pop group Simple Minds held a Ceilidh dance up at village where they had their recording studio. I was invited to join them for a great night's music. Pictured in the kilt is Mick Macneil the then keyboard player and composer.
David Lukins and Charlie Watkins . We visited Charlie at his house on my way to an Accordion club in Bromley, Kent. This was part of a 6 day tour in 2002 organised by my good mate, Ron Bennett. Charlie is responsible for the WEM copycat that we all so loved back in the early days and also makes a great Accordion amp amongst other things.David is a tremendous jazz player who's father is the world renowned Martin Lukins.
Nickolai Ryskov ( russia) and Jean Hanger. Nickolai and I were guest artistes at the Harlow Accordion club run by Jean during my tour in 2001. Jean is an Accordion fanatic and I have met few people that are so dedicated to the Accordion.
I was presented with a banner from the Felag Harmoniku Unnenda. Pictured was the Chairman of the Arkeyuri Accordion Club. I ended up receivng four of these magnificent banners on my 10 day tour of the Icelandic Accordion Clubs. A wonderful Island with a great race of people!
Jean Louis Noton (France) and Peter Soave (USA). I popped along to see them when they performed in Hamilton a few years back. Great guys and superb Accordionists.
Jerome Richard . I rate him as one of the best players I have ever heard. His technique is incredible and he is very musical for such a young lad.
Vincenzo Abbraciante (Italy), Frederic Baldo (France), Keith Dickson (Scotland) and Mauro Carra (Italy).
The Iain Macphail Scottish Dance band Blackpool 1980's . Someone thought it would be a good idea to have me play 2nd Accordion to Maestro Macphail. I doubt Iain thought the same ;)
The superb Renzo Ruggieri, Mauro Carra and Romeo Aichino of Co-Operativa the makers of superb quality instruments
Caister Accordion Festival 1996. Joining my band on stage were Roberto Enzo and Prof. Giancarlo Caporelli .
No this is not India or Moscow. It is in fact Brighton Pavilion in the South of England
Vincenzo Abbraciante (Itlay) and Frederic Lenglee (France). This was back stage at the Caister Accordion Festival 2000. I had the unenviable task of following these two whiz kids on stage.
NGGB ( not gary blair's brother) My good mate Ron Bennett from Burgess hill, England. He got fed up with people asking if he was my brother so he went and got a T shirt made to stop any arguments ;) taken at The Blackpool International Festival 2002
Two of the VERY best!!! The Paris Moscow Duo Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov. Domi was the youngest ever World Champion at the age of 15! A lovely couple with a great sense of humour!
The rose City Accordion Camp, Oregon USA 2003. A great bunch of people and a superb venue!!