OrganFax

John Jackaman speaks to Andrew Nix and Tony Stace, two increadibly popular musicians on the concert scene who have now become one of the best organ duo's around.

Tony Stace and Andrew Nix are probably the most well known and enjoyed duo on the Organ and Keyboard scene. Both are superb musicians who are also very funny guys. Tony is sort of accidentally funny, whilst Andrew is probably best described as more of a saucy postcard style of humour.

Attending a solo concert given by either of them will see surely see you well entertained with an evening of fun and fantastic music. Then - put the two of them together and the result is nothing short of superb.

So how did Andrew and Tony get to know each other, start performing together and now run sell-out festivals? Time to ask some questions... First how about a bit of background on the pair of them both?

Tony, born in Sussex, started play the Organ in 1982 at age nine. His father owned a Hammond T500 Organ which he showed great interest in. Throughout his childhood, Tony entered and did very well in numerous competitions - the highlight of which was winning the 1989 Wersi competition. Only one week later, Tony was delighted to find him and his father booked on a plane to Frankfurt for the Wersi European final in which Tony won an Organ which his dad built for him.

In 1991, Tony decided to start looking for a Yamaha HS8 after hearing the legendary Brian Sharp play one. He called Waveband Organs in Kent and asked if they had the instrument for sale. They didn't, but they did have a HX-1 from Yamaha, in a wooden cabinet. After some debate, his father took out a substantial bank loan and purchased it. It took Tony a couple of months to really take to the organ but he is now famous for the way he utilises the features on what is now a very old instrument - The sounds and rhythms he engineers are unique to his style.

Now a firm favourite at Organ Societies and clubs across the country, Tony can be heard regularly performing concerts featuring a superb blend of music, from popular light classics, to novelty and jazz numbers.

Tony Stace now lives with his lovely wife Louise and their three wonderful sons in Catterick, North Yorksure.

In 1996 Tony arrived to play at a new Festival down on the south coast at 'Mill Rythe Holiday Village', Hayling Island, and this is where he first met Andrew.

All these years later they recently returned to 'Mill Rythe' for there very own T&A Event which was a massive success. They have already planned future events at this venue for 2008. Not to mention their sell out event at the Elmbank hotel in York.

Tony now lives in Catterick, North Yorkshire with his lovely wife Louise and two wonderful sons, Charlie and Matthew. Their third child is expected July 2007. Recently Tony proudly accepted the British Organ / Keyboard Player award for the second time.

Also nominated for the British Organ / Keyboard Player awards was Andrew who started organ lessons at the age of ten playing Christmas carols on his mothers organ at home near Selby, North Yorkshire. Although he was taught by two teachers (one being classical) he soon developed his own style. Shortly after leaving school Andrew was offered three nights a week playing in a local club where he accompanied artistes and played for dancing. This 'training' proved priceless as at 17 years old he was appointed Organist and Musical Director for a Theatre Group performing at Butlins, Barry Island.

Andrew thoroughly enjoyed this position as he was gaining experience and confidence and, after three further seasons with Butlins and one for Haven Holidays he became fully freelance as he was increasingly in demand for concerts and dances nation-wide on both Theatre and Electronic organs. He established himself on the organ circuit not only as a musician but also as an entertainer.

In May 2000 Andrew started performing on a Roland Atelier and now currently tours with the fantastic new AT900c as one of Roland UK's Freelance Artistes. Andrew fell in love with the richness of the Atelier Organ which is well known producing crystal clear and detailed sounds perfect for his wide range of styles. The audiences are enthralled by the range of sounds and are stunned by the truly authentic Theatre organ sounds which Andrew expertly crafts. From Ballads to Latin, Marches to Musicals, Andrew performs music to suit all tastes played in a refreshing style and presented with his own brand of light hearted humour.

Still living in the Selby area Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He and Lisa married in 1993 and they have three lovely daughters, Stacey, Melissa and Ashleigh.

Check back soon for a Q & A with Tony and Andrew.