Lanarkshire band Haggerdash have matured over the ages

May 1 2008 By Caireen Kelly

LANARKSHIRE folk band, Haggerdash prove age is no boundary when it comes to producing good music.

Haggerdash consist of three men in their fifties; David Logan from Cartland, Davy Lees from Motherwell and Billy Stewart from Overtown.

They are joined on occasion by Billy’s son Jamie, (25) from Newmains and John Nicol (55) from Wishaw, two exceptional performers in their own right.

The band enjoy having youngster Jamie on board because he brings a youthful view of songs to their established repertoire.

Dad Billy said: “Over the years the inclusion of Jamie lowers the average age of the band considerably and also raises our IQ. Because he is much younger he brings a fresher sound and mentality to the band.”

Haggerdash formed ten years ago and have maintained the three original members since that time.

Billy said the group usually practise in each others kitchens but sometimes they will visit nursing and residential homes to rehearse for an important performance.

As well as being talented writers and performers, this band also play a variety of instruments including the bodhran, an Irish frame drum, bouzouki, which is similar to a mandolin, and the moothie, otherwise known as a harmonica.

Haggerdash have been fortunate enough to perform alongside many well-known artists in folk and popular music including Alistair McDonald, Robin Laing, Gaberlunzie and Hue and Cry to name a few.

The group have also appeared at many folk clubs and festivals including the Orkney Folk Festival, Lomond Festival, Tinto Folk Festival, Motherwell Beer Festival and Portsoy International Boat Festival.

The group are regular performers at Stonehouse Folk Club and vocalist Billy has been instrumental in teaching children in the village how to write songs and perform them.

To date, Haggerdash have four CDs to their credit. Earthwire (with Jamie Stewart), Selkie Dancers,

Is It Very Far To Heidelberg From Here and The Barmaid.

Their CDs are produced on their own Garriongill label.

The band maintain that their ambition is to bring as much pleasure as possible to the people who listen to their music and come to their gigs.

Over the next year the band have lined up a series of gigs and are currently working towards a new CD which will also include material from John and Jamie.

Billy says the highlight of their career has been appearing at Orkney Folk Festival for three consecutive years, the only band to do so with the same line-up.

Further information can be seen on www.haggerdash.co.uk and www.myspace.com/haggerdash