Hugh Morrison is a Scotsman living in Texas who plays button accordians, and he plays the instrument very well. I first heard Hugh at a live venue at Enoch’s Irish Pub in Monroe, Louisiana. He was with Murder the Stout that night (their website is here). I and the rest of the crowd were  delighted with Morrison’s performance and his energetic performance.  Since that time, I’ve often heard him at festivals, where he plays with noted musicians I’ve also featured on this site, such as Jed Marum.  His newest CD collection features both solos and songs with other musicians–Jed Marum, vocals, guitar/banjo; Kendall Rogers, keyboards, bodhran; Jonathan Chamrad, drums/percussion; and Trish Strain, cello. The variety of songs on the CD are an indication of how much Morrison loves music.  Some of them were new to me, but I enjoyed listening to every one of them. Morrison plays with energy and as you listen you’ll find yourself thumping the table or wanting to dance a jig or reel. Here is a listing of the songs on the CD :
1   Aidan’s
Ali MacGregor’s Jig
Made in Texas
2   Song – Come by the Hills
3   Calum’s Road
A Tune for Jimmy
4   Welcome to Skye
Mary of Skye
5    Burn’s Farewell
Old Pipe Reel
Ale is Dear
6   Song – McPherson’s Rant
7   Dun Eistein
8   Father John McMillan of Barra
Glen Caladh Castle
9   Song – Red River Valley
10   Rebecca’s Reel
Granny’s Kitchen
11   Kiloran Bay
Wade’s Welcome
to Inverness
12   Ar Eirinn Ni Neosfain Ce Hi
Baidin Fheidhlimidh
The Sea Around Us
13   Wee Man from Skye
Angus MacKinnon
Atholl Highlanders

Hugh Morrison’s website is here:

I encourage you to visit his websites and listen to some samples. If you’re a lover of the button accordian in Irish music (and who wouldn’t be) you’ll likely want to obtain this CD, Under a Texas Skye. If you play or wish to learn to play the accordian, you may be interested in Hugh’s book, “Ali MacGregor’s Music Collection,” which he wrote to honor his accordian teacher. That’s a story I’m going to save for another post.  Contact Hugh directly via e-mail (hugh@hughmorrison.co.uk) with regard to any questions on bookings, button boxes and music in general.

Under a Texas Skye