Scarcely believable, but Stephen Quigg will be 60 on Burns Day and, on Wednesday 29th January – by dint of careful planning, his wife Pernille and him top the bill that night at Irvine Folk Club. Let’s hope for an especially tuneful rendition of Happy Birthday to You!
Ardrossan born Stephen started out at Irvine Folk Club when it was at The Eg and that means he has been on the folk circuit for almost 40 years. Jings, how did that happen! Underlying Stephen’s successful and longstanding musical career is a very fine singing voice and sustained hard work. He carved out a successful solo career with his terrific vocals and thoughtful instrumental accompaniment. In 2001, Stephen joined The McCalmans and managed to combine his solo career with a life with The Macs. Just in case you have been on the moon, The Macs called it a day in 2011. Stephen then formed a duo with fellow ex-Mac, the late Nick Keir and still kept up his solo gigs. In recent years, Stephen & Pernille have become an established musical duo touring in Scotland and Europe.
Stephen plays acoustic guitar and his superb balance of voice and instrument is something that many other artists would do well to copy. He also plays bodhran and, not often enough, the banjo. Traditional ballads as well as well- chosen contemporary material are his repertoire. He works hard to keep set lists fresh and it certainly pays off. Stephen also has a nice line in deadpan humour. And now with Pernille on stage alongside him, Stephen is a happy bunny – a happy 60 year old bunny.
It will be good to have Pernille & Stephen Quigg as the special guests at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 29th January. There is a strong possibility that some of Stephen & Pernille’s musical friends in the folk world will be along on the 29th at the Irvine Club. The venue is Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road and the first notes start at 8pm.
Meanwhile, Celtic Connections is in full swing at venues across Glasgow. Go online for full information.