Shetland-Music.com

From the early 1920's the predominant musical influence in Shetland was Scottish music, mainly because of its lively nature and suitability for dancing. Gradually this 'new' music all but replaced Shetland's own indigenous musical culture, especially in the mainstream social scene, driving it into less prominent cultural corners throughout the islands.

Thankfully, though, it quietly remained alive throughout Shetland, especially in more rural and isolated areas where 'outside influences' perhaps had less immediate impact. Through this, it lasted long enough for a 'saviour' to realise the importance of its individuality and its potential for the future.

Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson first appeared on the Shetland music scene during this time, and along with other notable Shetland musicians such as 'Peerie' Willie Johnson (guitar / double bass), Billy Kay (piano) and Alice Nicolson (accordion), began his musical career playing in dance bands at events throughout the islands.

Again their music of choice was largely Scottish based, as many of the events they performed at would have been local country-dances. However a number of Shetland tunes were included in the repertoire, again helping keep the tradition alive.

Tom Anderson and Peerie Willie Johnson

Then the war intervened and Tom found himself stationed in India with the Royal Signals, a consequence of his skills with radio receivers and transmitters. 'Peerie' Willie, in turn, joined the RAF, being stationed much closer to home at a base in Sullom Voe in the north mainland of Shetland, servicing the Catalina 'flying boats' who were tasked with U-Boat hunting in the north Atlantic.

During this time Tom was exposed to the traditional music and cultures of India, while Willie met many musicians involved with, and playing, his first love - jazz. He had been an avid jazz fan since hearing musicians such as Django Reinhardt and Eddie Lang broadcasting via American Forces Radio in the pre-war years.

Listening to them Willie realised that many of the jazz chords and phrases they used could equally be applied to accompany traditional Shetland and Scottish music, and he set about applying this to great effect, in essence inventing a whole new guitar accompaniment style, now recognised, acclaimed and copied the world over.

Although they did not know it at the time, all these circumstances were ultimately to converge, shaping and defining Shetland music for many years to come.