|
1998 saw the introduction of Scots Fiddle and Highland Bagpipes into the line-up. The group then went on to win their first UK “Accordion Showband” title at the UK Accordion Championships.....a feat which they were to repeat several times! In 1999 the band enjoyed a short trip to Normandy, France and was approached by Shielburn Associates to record their debut CD “Mist in the Glen”. which went on to sell over 3000 copies.
The band in 1999 After winning a "Danny Award" (an award presented to the top six acts in the "Open Stage") at “Celtic Connections 2000" in Glasgow, it was agreed that as the band no longer sounded like a typical “Accordion Orchestra", a name change would be beneficial. It was decided that KODA (an anagram of the initials of the band’s original name) would be the group’s new name. The band were then invited to perform in the Shetland Isles in July 2000. In 2001, (now with Guitar and Percussion and rehearsing in Biggar, Lanarkshire), KODA were invited to perform at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Celtic Connections), Brunton Hall, Musselburgh (Variety Concert) and at Wembley Conference Centre (London Accordion Festival).
KODA at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh in 2001 In 2002, the group received a “Special Award” at the European Accordion Festival in the City of Prague, Czech Republic. The group’s unique style was sharply contrasting to the other groups, but they were well received by the audience and other performers who seemed suitably impressed, if not surprised, by the band's unique and refreshing approach. Later in the year KODA released their second CD “Tight Squeeze” coinciding with a return visit to the Shetland Isles. In July 2003 the current band line up made their final appearance at the 10th T in the Park. A "new look" KODA appeared at Peebles Arts Festival and the First Biggar Little Festival. In May 2004 this young group visited the UK Accordion Championships, held in Scarborough, winning the “Accordion Showband” and “Entertainment” categories.
UK Showband Champions 2004 |
