Simon Thoumire was born July 11, 1970, in Edinburgh, Scotland. An acknowledged concertina virtuoso, Thoumire has dazzled audiences all over the world with his playing.
A winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award in 1989, Simon has always been interested in exploring different genres of music, releasing many records over the years delving into folk, jazz, improvisation, and composition.
Simon has also pursued interests in the industry side of traditional music, forming Foot Stompin’ Records in 1997, Scottish Traditional Music Trust (2000) and Hands Up for Trad (2003), a highly influential organization that promotes Scottish music and culture. Hands Up for Trad projects include the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award and the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Simon Thoumire’s album Solo 1 was likely recorded in the late 1990s, though the exact date remains unclear. Initially, the album was not formally released and existed only as a CD-ROM, rediscovered by the artist while searching for other CDs. The track list reflects a transitional period for Thoumire, experimenting with various ideas and styles.
While it is possible that some copies of Solo 1 were sold at live performances, the album was primarily distributed informally among friends. Notable tracks include “Maire’s Reel,” which showcases a playful and energetic approach to free improvisation. Another highlight is the tune “Granton Fish Bowl,” which gained recognition after being embraced by renowned accordionist Andy Cutting, subsequently influencing other musicians. The album was officially made available online on March 10, 2021.
Simon’s collaborations with pianist Dave Milligan have yielded three albums, including Portraits, which features music they wrote over lockdown for different people.
Music for a New Scottish Parliament
By Simon Thoumire Orchestra
The late 1990s in Edinburgh marked a vibrant period of musical experimentation and collaboration. Musicians explored diverse genres and ensemble configurations, fostering a creative environment. Against this backdrop, Simon Thoumire composed “Music for a New Scottish Parliament,” inspired by the establishment of Scotland’s devolved parliament. Reflecting on its significance 20 years later, Thoumire regards this as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Released: March 10, 2021. Recorded by BBC Scotland: May 1999
The piece was performed twice. The premiere took place at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall, featuring speakers who were campaigning to become the first Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Thoumire expressed gratitude to these individuals for their participation. The second performance occurred during the inaugural BBC Music Day in 1999, made possible by Stuart Cruickshanks. This recording, initially a live stereo mix, was later enhanced to ensure all musical elements were properly balanced.
The work comprises four acts, offering a musical interpretation of the emotions, events, and excitement surrounding Scotland’s regained parliamentary powers. Although contemporary in style, the music remains deeply rooted in Scottish tradition. Bold and innovative, the piece captures the essence of this historic occasion. The BBC selected it to open their Music Live festival, and this performance was recorded at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in May 1999. The CD, released on March 10, 2021, serves as both an engaging listening experience and a document of a momentous era.
Historical Context
In 1707, the Act of Union united Scotland and England to form Great Britain, resulting in the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament. Nearly three centuries later, in 1999, Scotland reestablished its parliament under the UK Labour government, marking a significant milestone in its political history.
Orchestra Personnel: Simon Thoumire – Concertina
- Eilidh Shaw – Fiddle
- Aidan O’Rourke – Fiddle
- Anna-Wendy Stevenson – Fiddle
- Mike Katz – Highland Pipes, Whistles
- David Milligan – Piano
- Colin Steele – Trumpet
- Tom MacNiven – Trumpet
- Phil Bancroft – Saxophone
- Elspeth Cowie – Vocals
- Alyth MacCormack – Vocals
- Kevin Mackenzie – Guitar
- Neil Harland – Bass
- Tom Bancroft – Drums, Bodhrán
- Conductor – Russell Cowieson
Speakers: Rob Stokes, Catriona MacDonald, Aonghas MacNeacail
He Thinks He’s Invisible
By Simon Thoumire & Ian Carr
This album marks the reunion of Simon Thoumire and Ian Carr after several years apart as performers. The two musicians reconnected at the 30th Shetland Folk Festival in 2010, an experience that reignited their collaborative energy. Inspired by their shared history and creative synergy, they recorded this album in 2013 at Gorbals Sound studio in Glasgow.
The album was released on March 10, 2021, featuring Simon Thoumire on concertina and Ian Carr on guitar.
Credits: Simon Thoumire: Concertina; Ian Carr: Guitar
the album Free_C was recorded in 2007. it features four tracks of free improvised concertina. released March 10, 2021.
Experiments in Culture
by Simon Thoumire
This CD, created in 2005, features free improvisation combining environmental recordings and musicians’ improvised performances. The concept behind the project is that the recordings represent everyday life, while the musicians’ contributions symbolize the individuals experiencing it.
The inspiration for this work coincided with the release of Radiohead’s Kid A, an album noted for its inventiveness and risk-taking. During this period, Thoumire met saxophonist Paul Dunmall through Hands Up for Trad’s Distil course. Dunmall, a skilled improviser, encouraged him to explore improvisation further.
The recordings were made on a laptop, with Thoumire traveling across the country to involve friends in improvising over pre-recorded backing tracks. Although he aspired to have all the musicians improvising together in a single session, logistical constraints made this impossible.
For the backing tracks, Thoumire captured environmental sounds on buses, trains, and in parks at night. He experimented with recording techniques, such as enclosing a minidisk recorder in plastic bags or cardboard boxes to mitigate wind interference.
The process required meticulous attention to sound nuances. During this period, Thoumire focused on replicating subtle auditory variations on his concertina. However, he acknowledges that creating such a project today would be challenging due to the demands of work and family life, which make it difficult to dedicate uninterrupted time for composition.
Release Date: March 10, 2021
Celtic Connections Suite
Simon Thoumire Orchestra
The Celtic Connections Suite was first performed live at the Celtic Connections Festival Club in 1997. It was later presented as part of the festival’s New Voices program. The suite comprises three distinct sections, each reflecting aspects of Scottish culture and landscapes.
Section 1: Celtic Connections Club This opening section evokes the vibrant atmosphere of the late-night festival club, a gathering hub for musicians from Scotland and beyond during the three-week event. The composition mirrors the dynamic environment with a blend of folk, jazz, and rock influences, capturing the lively conversations, laughter, and impromptu music sessions.
Section 2: Fiesta in the Highlands Inspired by a journey through the Scottish Highlands in a Ford Fiesta, this section portrays the essence of navigating steep, winding roads and encountering sudden, breathtaking vistas. The music shifts to reflect the alternating sensations of excitement and awe typical of exploring Scotland’s iconic landscapes.
Section 3: The World Bagpipe Championships The final section takes its cue from a visit to the World Bagpipe Championships at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. The composition replicates the auditory experience of the event, with layers of bagpipe and drum sounds emerging from every corner of the park. Marches, reels, and strathspeys blend into a dynamic soundscape, evoking the magic and energy of this unique occasion.
To conclude the album, additional pieces were recorded, including a rendition of “The Gravy Waltz,” “John Thoumire’s Father” (dedicated to Simon Thoumire’s father), and a set of reels performed with John McCusker.
Credits Released March 10, 2021
Originally released January 10, 1998
Musicians:
- Simon Thoumire: Concertina, Lowland Pipes, Whistle
- John McCusker: Fiddle, Whistle
- Mike Katz: Lowland Pipes, Whistle
- Dick Lee: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
- Phil Bancroft: Alto and Tenor Saxophones
- Kevin MacKenzie: Guitar
- Simon Thorpe: Double Bass
- Iain Copeland: Percussion, Drums
- Tom Bancroft: Percussion, Drums
Discography:
Exhibit A, with Fergus MacKenzie (Iona, 1995)
The Big Day In, with David Milligan (Foot Stompin’ Records, 2001)
Brothers In Music (DUNS, 2004)
Third Flight Home, with David Milligan (Foot Stompin’ Records, 2007)
Solo 1 (2021)
Music for a New Scottish Parliament (2021)
He Thinks He’s Invisible, with Ian Carr (2021)
Free_C (2021)
Experiments in Culture (2021)
Celtic Connections Suite (2021)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.