Today one of the most revered multi-instrumentalist and member of the "Mairearad and Anna duo" Mairearad Green, talks to Vince Roux, owner of Saltarelle accordions.
1- First of all how are you and where in the world are you while answering this interview ?
I am very well thanks! I am sitting in the house I grew up in in the village of Achnahaird in the North West of Scotland.
2- How and when did you first discover the accordion?
When I was about 10 years old I went to Feis Rois (a week of music tuition in the Highlands of Scotland) and first tried playing an accordion there. I was playing the pipes at that point already so discovering an instrument with more than 9 notes was very exciting!
3- What does music in general and the accordion in particular mean to you?
Music is such a huge part of my life. I love performing and composing music and playing the accordion is so much fun! Music generally tends to put a big smile on my face :)
4- When did you realize you wanted to become a professional musician?
I didn't ever realize that I wanted to become a professional musician it just happened! I had been playing gigs from a very young age and playing music subsidised my time at University. When I graduated it didn't make sense to go and look for another job when I had one already.
5- How does it feel being on stage ?
It really feels like the biggest privilege to perform music on stage. I feel very lucky and I love seeing people smile at gigs.
6- Can you tell us a bit about your Saltarelle ?
The Saltarelle I am playing at the moment is my favorite accordion :) The reeds have such a great tone from years of playing in and there are a few creeks and dents which adds to it's aged charm. It is the perfect size for me also.
7- Any artistic projects? / Or tell us a a bit about your latest release, or both :)
My latest solo album "Summer isles" was out last February and was inspired by the islands in the North West of Scotland where I am from. At the moment I am recording a new album with fiddler and composer, Mike Vass and the material for that will be purely Traditional Scottish tunes.
8- Can you tell us a bit how you an Anna met?
I first met Anna when I was 11 years old. Our Dad's knew each other through work and she came for a tune in our kitchen. We have now been playing in a band together for 15 years!
9- A word maybe on the other bands you're part of ? The Poozies or else...
The other bands I am working with at the moment are a band called Tryst which is a project with 10 pipers from Scotland and I also perform with singer/songwriter, King Creosote.
10 - What's the question you wanted us to ask you that we didn't ask?
hmm, you've covered quite a lot.....maybe a question like, what's your favorite thing to play on the accordion? and, I love playing waltzes!
11 - Wanna do a first time interview?
ok!
First accordion ever ?
A 48 bass Guerrini. I still have it and it is a great wee accordion!
First song or album that left a mark in your soul ?
Leaving Stoer by Ivan Drever.
First album ever released?
Glad Company by the Anna Massie Band.
First time you fell in love a guy just because he was a great musician?
At the Feis Rois tuition weeks when I was a teenager I had a crush on quite a few of the tutors!
A link to another Mairearad and Anna album