ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — It was a bar owner’s scheduling mistake that was instrumental in creating one of the province’s biggest bands.
When Ralph O’Brien double-booked then-solo performers Mark Hiscock and Chris Andrews at Erin’s Pub one fall evening in 1994, to rectify the situation, he suggested the two perform together.
It turned out to be the right decision, as the veteran traditional musician helped bring together the duo that would become the nucleus of Shanneyganock.
“It struck a chord with us and here we are 25 years later,” Hiscock said.
Together, Hiscock — with his high-tone softer voice and impressive accordion playing skills — and Andrews — with his low, sometimes raunchy voice — and a talented rhythm section have wowed fans around the world with their upbeat and catchy traditional tunes that prompt all ages to hit the dance floor.
“It’s been a great adventure,” Hiscock said. “We’ve had a great bit of fun.”
The band — which now includes Brad Tuck and drummer Ian Chipman — has travelled across Canada, and to the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
They’ve even been to the North Pole.
“It was about 10 years ago,” Hiscock recalled. “We get a call from our manager that we’re heading to the North Pole to perform for the Canadian troops.
“We had a couple of cold-weather training (sessions) in Trenton first. We flew in the Hercules. It was quite the experience.”
He said some other highlights included playing at an international festival in Qatar and playing on Broadway in New York in the opening of "Come From Away" on his birthday.
Over the years, the duo have had a few musicians in the rhythm section, but they’ve been impressed with their new members, bass player Brad Tuck and drummer Ian Chipman.
“It’s a tight band,” Hiscock said. “The boys are just great.”
But through it all, it’s been Hiscock and Andrews.
“There’s a chemistry there,” Hiscock said. “Chris always has that drive, and musically, his singing is just great. Something just clicks with us. It never gets stale.
“We’ve never had a big blowup or anything. Well, you know, when you’re travelling in a small minivan, you get crooked now and then,” he added, laughing, “but we always manage to leave it in the van and always put off a good show.”
The group's next album — “the 14th or 15th. I’ve lost track,” Hiscock said — is in pre-production and is due out sometime in March. Unlike many other bands, who have put out compilation albums to mark milestones, Shanneyganock is keeping it fresh, he said.
The 25th anniversary all-ages shows are set for Nov. 8 at the Sheila Nageira Theatre in Carbonear and Nov. 9 at the Holy Heart theatre in St. John’s.
When asked about the past 25 years, Andrews said, “It’s been the best 20 years of my life.
“Five of them were OK,” he added, laughing.
“But seriously, Mark has been a great musical partner and I look forward to making music with him and the boys for many years to come.”
Twitter: @TelyRosie
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