Tom McConville is back at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 26th September. A bonus for those who heard him only a few weeks back at this year’s Marymass Folk Festival – he was just terrific – and a second chance for those who missed him. He is in a class of his own and just gets better every time you hear him.
Tom McConville is a performer, session musician and Fiddle teacher – and in great demand on all three fronts. Tyneside born, Tom’s first experience of traditional singing and fiddle music was in The Globe pub in Newcastle where he was brought up. As ‘the watering hole’ for many in the local Irish and Scottish communities, it explains why Tom’s repertoire although deeply rooted in his native North East, has strong Scottish and Irish influences.
Tom’s Fiddle playing is second to none. He is also a fine singer. Add on a dry Geordie wit and an engaging personality and it makes a formidable package. Tom is much respected by his peers and, on and off stage, is a thoroughly nice bloke. Whether playing fast rhythmic dance tunes, beautiful slow airs, jazz sounds reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli or his fine rendition of Richard Thompson’s Beeswing – the man’s knack of choosing good material and his immense talent shine through.
As well as performing solo, as is expected when at the Irvine Club, Tom tours with a variety of line-ups and accompanists including terrific acoustic guitarists of the calibre of Andy Watt and Dave Newey. Tom’s popularity at Clubs and Festivals is evident from his gig list which takes him to Spring 2020.
Make sure you are in the Irvine Folk Club audience on Wednesday 26th September at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road for 8pm to hear Tom McConville. It’s BYOB at the Irvine Club.
Elsewhere, another very talented fellow will be playing at The Star on Tuesday 25th September – Colum Sands. Gifted songwriter and teller of tall tales, Colum is well worth a trip to The Star which meets downstairs at The Admiral Bar in Glasgow’s Waterloo Street. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Dunbar Trad Music Festival is on from 21st – 24th September and Findhorn Bay Festival from 26th September – 1st October.