Post by Ptarmigan on May 11, 2008 17:58:17 GMT
Sam Stevenson of Broughshane
This is an extract from 'A Tribute to Sam Stevenson', an article I wrote for my regular 'Moyle Tradition' piece, for the 'Moyle Newsletter'.
Sam was born, lived, worked, married, reared his family and died within sight of Slemish Mountain, and he was intensely proud of his Braid Valley. A County Antrim man through & through, he loved the violin with a passion, & as a Fiddle player was a founder member of the 'Antrim & Derry Fiddlers Association'. He was also a lifelong friend, & playing companion, of such other local greats as Sean McGuire, Jim McKillop, Dennis Sweeney, & perhaps his closest musical friend in his latter years, Meave McKeon.
Sam's love of the Violin went further than most, for he wasn't content just to play beautiful music on the instrument, he also went on to make Fiddles himself, & in fact his fiddles, Violas & Cellos are played all over Ireland, England & on the continent. Sam was so well known that enthusiasts from all over the world came to see him in his garden workshop, & when Terry Wogan went looking for a fiddle maker to feature on his series on Ireland, he came to Sam Stevenson.
Sam enjoyed entertaining with the Antrim & Derry Fiddlers, & although he really enjoyed playing Irish Music, he also loved Scottish Music with a passion. He had great respect for the skill & technique of players like McGuire & McKillop, but there was a certain twinkle in his eye when he talked of Shetland's own Willie Hunter, who was indeed a master of the Slow Air. Sam also loved to quote Fritz Kriesler, the great violinist, who once said 'Tone is in the man, a great instrument simply makes it easier'.
He came to Ballycastle for me on one occasion, to demonstrate to my students the art of Fiddle making, & his enthusiasm was infactious. Over the last few years of his life, he repaired dozens of local Fiddles & Bows for me.
At his service of thanksgiving, his son-in-law, John Dooris, was the organist and Jim McKillop played some of Sam's favourite music on Fiddle. A fine tribute to Sam was read out by his friend Michael Sayers, & even the minister, the Rev. W. Dickie, had a Fiddle tale to tell about Sam, & produced his own Family Fiddle, which Sam had skilfully reconstructed.
He was a great man who is sadly missed.
by Dick Glasgow
Sam's love of the Violin went further than most, for he wasn't content just to play beautiful music on the instrument, he also went on to make Fiddles himself, & in fact his fiddles, Violas & Cellos are played all over Ireland, England & on the continent. Sam was so well known that enthusiasts from all over the world came to see him in his garden workshop, & when Terry Wogan went looking for a fiddle maker to feature on his series on Ireland, he came to Sam Stevenson.
Sam enjoyed entertaining with the Antrim & Derry Fiddlers, & although he really enjoyed playing Irish Music, he also loved Scottish Music with a passion. He had great respect for the skill & technique of players like McGuire & McKillop, but there was a certain twinkle in his eye when he talked of Shetland's own Willie Hunter, who was indeed a master of the Slow Air. Sam also loved to quote Fritz Kriesler, the great violinist, who once said 'Tone is in the man, a great instrument simply makes it easier'.
He came to Ballycastle for me on one occasion, to demonstrate to my students the art of Fiddle making, & his enthusiasm was infactious. Over the last few years of his life, he repaired dozens of local Fiddles & Bows for me.
At his service of thanksgiving, his son-in-law, John Dooris, was the organist and Jim McKillop played some of Sam's favourite music on Fiddle. A fine tribute to Sam was read out by his friend Michael Sayers, & even the minister, the Rev. W. Dickie, had a Fiddle tale to tell about Sam, & produced his own Family Fiddle, which Sam had skilfully reconstructed.
He was a great man who is sadly missed.
by Dick Glasgow