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An Interview with Irvin Duguid, Keyboarder
for Ray Wilson
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It was a little suprise when Ray WIlson revealed
that Irvin Duguid would play Keyboards on his 2004 Acoustic Tour. It
doesn't seem to make sense to have a keyboard at acoustic gigs. It may
have sounded paradox in the first place, but after listening to the
concerts one could say it definitely makes sense. Irvin's work gave
many songs a whole new atmosphere and a great deal of depth..
Irvin: I was born in a village called Aberchirder in the North East of Scotland in December 1969. I was born in the Police Station house there as my dad was the local Copper at the time, but not in a jail-cell, honest! it: What's your family status? Irvin: I am single. it: What have you done after school? Irvin: I moved to Glasgow to study Piano, Violin, and Drinking. I did all three for 3 years. The drinking bit needed the most practise. it: Where and when did you first meet Ray Wilson? Irvin: I met Ray at the first rehearsal for the Stiltskin gigs. I was invited to join the band for the live gigs as I was a friend of the bass player, James Finnigan. it: What have you done and what are you doing these days besides working with Ray? Irvin: Check out my website! Before Christmas, I was the Musical Director of a Christmas Show here in Glasgow. I've done lots of theatre and some tv work as well as rock and pop stuff. it: Tell us more about your collaboration with FISH! Irvin: After about 18 months of being in Fish's live band, I co-wrote some songs for his Field Of Crows album. It was nice to be asked, and I enjoyed being heavily involved in setting up the album, but I decided to leave before we started recording, due mainly to differences in opinions.
Irvin: A 'cop-out' answer I know, but really, I do enjoy both. I love being creative in the studio, but the energy at a live gig can sometimes be amazing. A couple of years back I arranged the track Caledonia on which Fish sang for the Frankie Miller fund-raising album Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, But Most Definitely The Blues, and Brian Robertson kept saying "I love your string arrangement big man". I was very flattered and loved the experience of having players from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra playing my arrangement. it: What do you think about Genesis? Irvin: Although they're not my favourite band of all time, I think the contribution they made to Rock music throughout the years has been tremendous. They've inspired millions of fans and hundreds of other musicians to try to copy them. And you can't say that about Boyzone. it: You impressed people with your keyboard work on the older Genesis tunes. What do you think about Tony Banks' work? Irvin: Tony was a bit of a pioneer in his time, and he's one of these guys that's equally good at piano AND keyboards. Not many people are good at both. it: From the Live And Acoustic Set: What Genesis song do you enjoy playing the most and which one is the most difficult to play? Irvin: Now I know them, none are too difficult to play, but extra concentration is always required for the version we do of Ripples. It's probably also the song I enjoy playing the most. it: How did it happen that you're now working with Ray again? Irvin: I've been in touch with Ray throughout the years since Stiltskin passed away, and of course I've played on both of his solo albums, so when he asked me to do the acoustic gigs in 2004 and then to join the band for the Next Best Thing Tour I was delighted! He really looks after people who work with him too. it: Do you enjoy playing the Acoustic Trio gigs more than playing full band shows? Irvin: The Acoustic gigs can be more nerve-wracking as the playing is much more exposed, and I was apprehensive about the first few gigs I did, but now I have more of a feel for the material it's become easier. It's hard to beat the sound of an electric guitar cranked up to 11 though. it: How do you feel being part of an acoustic line up
with an electric keyboard?
it: Do you have plans for a band of your own or a solo
album? discuss the Interview with Irvin Duguid
in our international
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