Band History
EZRA were put together in 1991 by Edwin Stewart and Fiona Stewart (Macleod as she was then). The pair had just come out of another band called Mardi Gras and wanted to do something different and keep on playing. After much searching a bass player and drummer were recruited and the band finally went on the road in 1992. With all the contacts Edwin had from previous bands, the diary was very quickly filled and they enjoyed a busy first year. This was followed by playing the Black Isle show in 1993, and a short tour of England.
Various changes in personnel happened through the next few years, mainly drummers, 5 in all were in and out of the band until, finally Fraser Goodall and Alan (Tess) Stirling were enlisted on bass and drums respectively in October 1996. Both had played together in a school band and were young and talented and fitted the way EZRA wanted to go. The line-up from then remained steady apart from a 5 year break in the middle when Tess left and was replaced by 2 drummers in Iain Gallie & Bruce Maclean.
Then in early 2012 Fiona was forced to stop playing after being diagnosed with Tinnitus, and the band went out as a 3 piece for a while whilst searching for a keyboard player to change the band again. Mid 2012 saw the introduction of Roya Maclean to the band, playing keyboards and accordion giving the band even more versatility.
Hogmanay 2014 then saw the last gig for Edwin, as he decided to stop playing with the band to pursue another project with Fiona amongst other things, and Michael (McDeed) McEntee was recruited to take over the guitar and singing duties.
January 2016 saw the last gig for Roya, as she left to pursue her teaching career, with Michael (Veeb) Margetson taking over the keyboard duties.
Late 2017 sees the introduction of another singer into the band, in Alison Birnie. Having sung in bands previously around her home of Forres she brings, along with a great voice, a much needed and welcome diversity to the band. Going into 2018 we are looking forward to another year, but also with what we can do with another lead singing voice.
EZRA have always followed the philosophy of not being labelled as a specific genre of music, instead we have strived to be varied in what we play and to have something for every listener in our repertoire, with music from the 1950's through to the 2010's be it rock, country, pop, Irish or dance music, it all gets taken into the mix and it is this versatility that has given the band its longevity, into its 26th year now.
With not only the various styles of music being played but with Fraser, McDeed and Alison singing, EZRA try to keep the listener (and dancer!) entertained with different sounds throughout the night.
Below are some photos of the band through the ages!!
Various changes in personnel happened through the next few years, mainly drummers, 5 in all were in and out of the band until, finally Fraser Goodall and Alan (Tess) Stirling were enlisted on bass and drums respectively in October 1996. Both had played together in a school band and were young and talented and fitted the way EZRA wanted to go. The line-up from then remained steady apart from a 5 year break in the middle when Tess left and was replaced by 2 drummers in Iain Gallie & Bruce Maclean.
Then in early 2012 Fiona was forced to stop playing after being diagnosed with Tinnitus, and the band went out as a 3 piece for a while whilst searching for a keyboard player to change the band again. Mid 2012 saw the introduction of Roya Maclean to the band, playing keyboards and accordion giving the band even more versatility.
Hogmanay 2014 then saw the last gig for Edwin, as he decided to stop playing with the band to pursue another project with Fiona amongst other things, and Michael (McDeed) McEntee was recruited to take over the guitar and singing duties.
January 2016 saw the last gig for Roya, as she left to pursue her teaching career, with Michael (Veeb) Margetson taking over the keyboard duties.
Late 2017 sees the introduction of another singer into the band, in Alison Birnie. Having sung in bands previously around her home of Forres she brings, along with a great voice, a much needed and welcome diversity to the band. Going into 2018 we are looking forward to another year, but also with what we can do with another lead singing voice.
EZRA have always followed the philosophy of not being labelled as a specific genre of music, instead we have strived to be varied in what we play and to have something for every listener in our repertoire, with music from the 1950's through to the 2010's be it rock, country, pop, Irish or dance music, it all gets taken into the mix and it is this versatility that has given the band its longevity, into its 26th year now.
With not only the various styles of music being played but with Fraser, McDeed and Alison singing, EZRA try to keep the listener (and dancer!) entertained with different sounds throughout the night.
Below are some photos of the band through the ages!!
