Button accordionist Bill Powrie (1931 – 1980 ) is less well-known than either his father Will or his famous brother Ian, however all those who heard him play and in particular his fellow professionals, held him in very high regards for his playing ability. He had perfect pitch, rare in accordion players of his time and was always looking to add richness to his playing by using more complex harmonies, on both left and right hand. He was also a fine composer and three years in succession won the Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club’s New Tune Competition with “Shianbank Two Step, Cherrybank Polka and Captain R B Cooper.
Bill was brought up to the sound of music being played around the house and in the bothy. His early influences were his father Will Powrie, who played the melodeon, and the legendary Jimmy Shand, who was a great friend of the family and later, the wonderful Will Starr. |
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