A Great Scottish Accordionist - Mark Bousie

[Walker]

When I was a kid and learning to play the accordion, I remember my parents mentioning in conversation a name that meant nothing to me at the time - but the name was distinctive enough that I never forgot it. There was a Scottish accordionist from Perth called Mark Bousie. Now, you never hear of him making records or playing concerts, but every so often he just pops up - maybe on national television, or in a world class orchestra, or perhaps recording a soundtrack on the silver screen - like Beauty and the Beast.

The world needs these kind of great musicians, that never hog the limelight, but are good enough to play music with the best. He is one of these 'go-to-guys'. But more than that, he is one of my countrymen, and I am mighty pleased about that. Now, I try to give praise wherever I see something good. I often post Youtube clips of accordionists from Italy, France, America etc. I don't push the Scottish traditional music too much, because I understand this forum is very international, and so I hold back a little.

But today I would like to praise the great Scottish accordionist Mark Bousie. He is not the typical Scottish accordionist. I do not know him and have never met him before, but I think he is one cool guy. Many of the projects he has worked on are super impressive.

It is not easy to find recordings of this gentleman on Youtube, but I managed one or two...





Here's one more recording. I included it because, well, he is backing Helena Bonham Carter!

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[Beemer]

Great finds! I especially liked the clarinet concerto.
Ian

 

[Walker]

The clarinet concerto is very nice indeed. Mark Bousie can also be heard on lots of movie soundtracks.

This is quite fun, from the movie Yellowbird.



Mark Bousie seems to be a regular choice when there is an accordion part needed on a Stephen Warbeck score.

 

[gbbmmb]

Hi Walker, hi Beemer,

I spotted this thread recently and wanted to say thanks for the nice comments about my playing.

In case it's of interest, I have an album out called 'Beyond the Border'. There are eight original tracks and one arrangement - various styles and mainly accordion led. You can find the streaming links here: https://lnk.to/Beyond_The_Border

Thanks again, and best wishes,

MB

 

[Beemer]

and thanks for your link. Best wishes for your music.

 

[boxplayer4000]

In case it's of interest, I have an album out called 'Beyond the Border'. There are eight original tracks and one arrangement - various styles and mainly accordion led. You can find the streaming links here: https://lnk.to/Beyond_The_Border

Fantastic sound, thoroughly enjoyed it. Part of me is Scottish West Highland and greatly appreciate the 'The Boatman' track. The arrangement captures perfectly the young girl gazing hopefully and anxiously out to sea for the safe return of her 'boatman'.

 

[Walker]

Hi Walker, hi Beemer,

I spotted this thread recently and wanted to say thanks for the nice comments about my playing.

In case it's of interest, I have an album out called 'Beyond the Border'. There are eight original tracks and one arrangement - various styles and mainly accordion led. You can find the streaming links here: https://lnk.to/Beyond_The_Border

Thanks again, and best wishes,

MB

Hi Mark, welcome to the Accordionists Forum, it's really awesome to see you here and have the chance to say hello.

Your album Beyond the Border is superb, thank you for sharing the link with us. So musical and evocative and stylish - I love it.

I remember as clear as day watching you on BBC TV back nearly 20 years ago in the retelling of the Easter story, urban style. Watching The Manchester Passion was wonderful, because I was blown away hearing you, as one of the "busker disciples" playing Manchester pop/rock songs live on national television. It made me realise the accordion could be even more than what I already loved it for... Sit Down Next to Me with accordion backing by Mark Bousie - so cool!

 

[gbbmmb]

Hi Mark, welcome to the Accordionists Forum, it's really awesome to see you here and have the chance to say hello.

Your album Beyond the Border is superb, thank you for sharing the link with us. So musical and evocative and stylish - I love it.

I remember as clear as day watching you on BBC TV back nearly 20 years ago in the retelling of the Easter story, urban style. Watching The Manchester Passion was wonderful, because I was blown away hearing you, as one of the "busker disciples" playing Manchester pop/rock songs live on national television. It made me realise the accordion could be even more than what I already loved it for... Sit Down Next to Me with accordion backing by Mark Bousie - so cool!

Thanks very much indeed! That was such an interesting and quite unique event to be a part of, it was great fun at the time though I remember we were all quite nervous about it being live!

Thanks also for your kind comments about 'Beyond The Border', I hope you continue to enjoy listening to it. Best wishes!

 

[Walker]

Thanks very much indeed! That was such an interesting and quite unique event to be a part of, it was great fun at the time though I remember we were all quite nervous about it being live!

Thanks also for your kind comments about 'Beyond The Border', I hope you continue to enjoy listening to it. Best wishes!

Having spent a little time listening to some of the musical projects you have worked on, you must surely be one of the most versatile accordionists going. I am delighted you have released an album, especially as most of the tunes are own compositions and I have a hunch that before long some of the pieces will find their way on to soundtracks for television or film.

When I was listening to your music online a Christmas album of Andrea Bocelli appeared and, of course, you were playing on that too. Incredible!

I can't decide on my favourite tune in your album yet but I think Whisky Chaser is both scampish and playful.




Slàinte Mhath!