A well known figure in accordion circles for his work with contemporary bands Seelyhoo and Burach, Sandy has recently broadened his horizons even further with The Sandy Brechin Band, which includes Colin MacFarlane (guitars, mandolin, lapsteel, keyboard), Aaron Jones (bass guitar) and Jim Walker (drums, percussion - Ceolbeg), all established artists on a variety of musical scenes. Be warned, The Sandy Brechin Band is no strict tempo Scottish dance outfit but a group of innovative musicians playing traditional style tunes in an exciting and groovey style, now established as another of Edinburgh's hot bands.
Sandy Brechin grew up in Kirkliston, West Lothian and has been playing the accordion for twenty years. In fact, he has been playing the same accordion (albeit with a few minor repairs) for the last twenty years! He was taught by the late Chrissie Leatham, in Edinburgh, and also by her son, Owen Murray, who is now Professor of Accordion at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has developed his own unique approach to the art of accordion playing and his innovative style is instantly recognisable.
Over the years, Sandy has played in many bands, but is probably best known for his work with the Scottish bands, Burach and Seelyhoo, with whom he has toured extensively in Europe, Canada, the USA, and the Far East. A frequent guest on radio and television, Sandy is also in much demand as a session musician, having recorded on several CDs outwith his own groups' recordings. Also known as a talented writer, some of his compositions have been published and others recorded by bands like "The Iron Horse". On the rare occasions when he is not touring with the bands, he still plays for ceilidh dances with his own hugely popular electric ceilidh band, "The Sensational Jimmy Shandrix Experience".
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