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Cannach's History

Way back in 1994 Donald and Garry got together with Ali Webster (fiddler), John Duncan (guitarist/singer) and Gordon Pirrie (bodhran) out in John's cottage in Fyvie for a tune with the intention of forming a band. With the setting of a country cottage, roaring log fire, collie dog, and a dram of whisky the music was always going to be folky. The band practiced there and also at Donald's cottage (Blackbog) and came up with the highly original (and equally stupid) name of "The Black Bog Band" which for some reason or another used to throw gig organisers into a fit of dyslexia. So much so that the band have been advertised as "The Black Band Band", "The Black Bob Band", "The Black Bag Band", and also, sadly, "The Blocked Sink Band" !! They fought on courageously though and managed to establish themselves as local favourites in the area, despite all attempts to change the name, but just as momentum was gathering were thrown into turmoil as members began to crumble under the enormous pressure associated with being one of Fyvie's top bands. Time restrictions and work commitments left only Donald and Garry to fly the Blackbog flag, so without too much of a fuss they enrolled the services of Norry Hunter on guitar (Garry's brother),with Sandy Leggat and his daughter Fiona Leggat on fiddles. They moved up to a new level with the prodigeous talents of Fiona and Norry, whilst Sandy's huge repertoir of tunes was a massive boost to the band.

The epicentre of the band moved towards Aberdeen as sessions and practices were more often than not held at Sandy's house. At this point it is important to mention Sandy's fantastic wife Agnes who always put on a huge feast for us when we came over. So much so that very little practicing was ever done and the band moved quite slowly, indeed, the average weight of Cannach musicians has never been so high. This line up still managed to have great success around the north east especially in the coastal areas playing at folk clubs, pubs and festivals. Sadly though, after about a year Norry, Donald, and Garry had the difficult decision of moving on due to Sandy's work schedule as practice times became increasingly rare, which, coupled with Agnes's fine home cooking meant very little playing time.

The next chapter in Cannach's colourful history came about when Judith was drafted in after being spotted in a session in Cellar 35 in Aberdeen. She fitted in perfectly and has lifted the band to great heights with her enchanting voice and multi-instumental skills. The sound of her deep cello is a major feature in Cannach's music today. Shortly after Judith, came Lynda. Lynda is an exceptional Shetland fiddler and has been known to play a session set for over 45 minutes without repeating a tune whilst standing on top of a table. Her Shetland upbringing enables her to drink more alcohol than the rest of the band put together but there have been occasions when the alcohol has got the better of her (ref: outside the Blue Lampie in Aberdeen lying in the middle of the road with her friend Mags standing on top of her shouting, "c'mon Leeenda, doss doo nut wunt to go to a perty").)

Cannach have progressed steadily and developed their style, playing mainly in Aberdeen and the west coast of Scotland to receptive audiences. After establishing a name in these areas the band were invited onto the local radio station for a live session and the tape of that session was sent off to a number of record companies with many offers of a recording contract being the result. In the end the band teamed up with Gus MacDonald at KRL and set about recording their debut CD "The Moons of Glenloy" at Watercolour Studios in Ardgour. The tales of that adventure will have to wait for another day.

Cannach are indebted to the past band members mentioned above without whom....

Email: ghunter@sprynet.co.uk