Gary must have been a closet steam train driver at some stage in his past!  After ‘Full Steam Ahead’ and ‘Still Steamin’ comes  ‘Steamin’ All Over’, a new solo CD that presents a variety of international accordion pieces plus some Scottish dance music, all performed in Gary’s bright and lively style.  If you enjoyed his previous recordings, then this one will surely be for you.

His new CD can be bought right here online at UKAO... Click here

Gary certainly shows that he can entertain and perform with considerable musical artistry in equal measures.  For example, Gary’s left hand technique and bellows shake are amply demonstrated on  ‘The Sharpshooter’s March’, a century-old Guido Deiro composition.  Gary’s soulful performance of ‘The Furrow’s End/ Lovers’ Waltz’, two beautiful melodies in waltz tempo, demonstrate Murl Allen Sanders’ recent comment that Gary Blair is “the Marvin Gaye of Scottish Accordion”.  In contrast, the reels set ‘Jean’s Reel/ The Auld Fiddler/ Mason’s Apron’ – used by Gary for accompanying the frenetic dance  ‘Strip the Willow’ - are played with such blistering speed that his fingers must reach Warp Factor 1 at least!   One of my favourite tracks is a beautiful melody associated with James Last, ‘Biscaya’, which has a unique flow and grandeur.  The CD closes in fine style with ‘Moine’, a classic French valse musette that requires – and gets – a high standard of technique to bring out the brilliance of the arrangement.

This CD is a fair reflection of Gary Blair’s concert stage performances, but with occasional diversions into his Scottish dance music heritage.  A must for anyone who has seen Gary perform, and a treat for those yet to be in the presence of this most genial Maestro.  

Tracks: Dantesque; The Furrow’s End/ Lovers’ Waltz; Sharpshooter’s March; Jean’s Reel/ The Auld Fiddler/ Mason’s Apron; Bourasque; Pupo O Ewa/ Pokarekare Ana; Whistling Rufus/ I Wanna Be Like You; Il Campanello; Biscaya; The Rose of Allendale/ Wooden Heart/ Lass of Bon Accord; Mademoiselle de Paris; Morino Polka; Hogmannay Jig/ Corner House Jig/ Murray River Jig; Moine.