The following comments are extracts from some of the many emails / letters received by Gordon on the release of his DVD, Gordon Pattullo his accordion and his friends.
Dear Gordon,
I’ve just had the pleasure of watching your new DVD and I’d like to congratulate you on the wonderful musical collection and display of your inimitable talent and technique, which I truly admire.
Having been brought up in farming circles, I really appreciate the outdoor filming of the tractors, the landscapes and the Clydesdale at work.
I never knew you had such a collection of vintage tractors the filming of which was remarkable. I also think the camera work of your playing will be a great inspiration to many a player.
The filming of the ‘Furrows End’ with the Clydesdale horses was a real climax for me, as it brought back many memories.
Please pass on my congratulations to Fraser, whose musical contribution was excellent as was that of all the band members.
Yours aye,
Billy Anderson
***
Gordon,
I just want to congratulate you on your new DVD. It is absolutely excellent. We especially enjoyed seeing the horses and your collection of tractors.
We also enjoyed the chat and of course all the tunes. I think the tourist board would be proud of what you have done to promote Angus and Perthshire with all the scenery.
Best regards,
Margo & Bob Croal
***
Gordon,
Just a short message to let you know how much we enjoyed your DVD. It is easily one of the best music DVD’s I have had the pleasure to see and hear. The people behind the cameras were skilful in managing to capture your exceptional playing and to balance it just right with the rest of the filming.
In particular your rendition of the medley of hornpipes was outstanding and I’m sure Will Starr would have had a job himself to keep up with your fingers the way you played his Bluebird Polka!
Many thanks for entertaining us with your excellent music.
With best wishes,
Derek, Sue & George Howatt (Falkland Islands)
***
Dear Gordon,
Thanks for sending me a copy of your DVD. It is quite superb. I like the way it’s all put together, the scenery, the music, the seasons, and Bill Torrance linking the whole thing together. The entire package is first class and will no doubt be a big seller for you.
I’m quite flattered to have been asked to appear on it! I suspect you know by this time that I’ve been a fan of your music since you were just a youngster. You are still a young man and going from strength to strength! Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Tom Alexander
***
Review by Rob Howard...
Gordon Pattullo is one of the elite of Scotland’s accordionists, widely respected as a soloist, bandleader and composer. This new DVD is a showcase for his musical talents, and will be compulsive viewing for anyone who loves Scottish accordion music. You will be watching a master at his craft.
This is an excellent production in every way: great music - immaculately played, lots of camera close ups highlighting the treble and bass sides of the accordion, first class sound and picture quality, illuminating interviews, and beautiful scenery from the east and west coasts of Scotland. Most of the music was filmed at the Red House Hotel, Coupar Angus, and the Wellbank Hall, Dundee. The DVD lasts for a total of 78 minutes.
The music is interspersed with Gordon being interviewed by Bill Torrance, giving insights into his life and music. If you just want to watch the music, however, just press the forward button and you can skip the interviews. The ‘chat’ part of the DVD also has brief contributions from fiddler Ian Powrie, and accordionists Freeland Barbour, Tom Alexander and Billy Anderson, giving a ‘This Is Your Life’ feel to the narrative. Of the music, my favourite tracks were ‘The Dark Island’, set brilliantly against island background scenes, the exciting ‘Orange Blossom Special’, and the last track, ‘The Furrows End’, one of Gordon’s compositions and a beautiful melody played against a background showing two huge Clydesdale horses ploughing a field (on Gordon’s farm in Perthshire).
Backing musicians include John Crawford - piano, Angela MacEachern - fiddle, son Fraser Pattullo on Low Whistle, Brian Cruickshank – bass, and Billy Thom – drums & Billy Young – Guitar & Banjo. Their contributions underpin Gordon’s accordion playing perfectly, adding to the musical texture yet remaining largely unobtrusive.
The DVD extras include notes on the careers of the musicians involved, and an interesting behind the scenes look at what goes on in a recording studio.
The 16 tracks including ‘Bonnie Strathmore’, ‘Hornpipe Selection’, ‘The Cuckoo Waltz’, ‘Tribute to Will Starr’, ‘Lament for Jack Miller’, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, ‘The Dark Island’, ‘The Four String Polka’, ‘Waltzes’, ‘Fraser's Favourites’, ‘Tribute to Sir Jimmy Shand’, ‘The Orange Blossom Special’, ‘Kiwi Pipers Medley’, ‘The Sands of Kuwait’, ‘Scotch 'n' Irish’, and ‘The Furrows End’.
Rob Howard
