About Russ

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Russ Chester...born and educated in Newcastle upon Tyne I soon followed the example of my very ancient forefathers and moved to the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd, N. Wales, where in 1978 I started my musical journey as a bass player in a rock band. By 1986 - and several bands later - a surprise Christmas present of a concertina ensured that my eyes…and ears, were laid open to a whole new world of music (literally), and the following year I bought my first piano accordion for the extraordinary price of £ 12.50 while working at the Welsh National Eisteddfod. After some months of trying to learn this mad instrument, I was back in a band playing a fairly eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Irish, Welsh, Cajun and Zydeco. Sessions in local pubs brought me into contact with other musicians, and it was here I met Andy my guitarist, who also joined the ever-growing band.

After many years of playing sessions and gigs (we drank more than we earned), Andy and I found we enjoyed each others playing style and company, and so in 1999 got together as Rundogrun. I enjoy the influence that world music has had on me and find that sometimes, when writing, a tune 'falls out' of my accordion, which leaves me surprised! I also play acoustic guitar quite a lot now, which has given me a further sense of purpose and opened up new horizons. So how come I'm doing what I'm doing? Fate, design or destiny? or does it have something to do with all those Scottish dancing lessons and competitions I had to brave as a child?- Mr Jimmy Shand, you might have a lot to answer for!