4th December – Jim and Susie Malcolm

Jim Malcolm – the man who plays simultaneous guitar and harmonica to an exceptional standard – is back at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 4th December and, for the first time here, playing in a duo with his wife Susie.

Jim Malcolm is known as a quality performer – very polished and very relaxed. Since he last played at Irvine some three years ago, Jim and his wife Susie now go out as a duo.  He is an accomplished songwriter but for many it is his thoughtful interpretations of traditional Scottish music that is his great strength.  Jim is a longtime admirer of the works of Burns and one of his solo CDs  Acquaintance  is made up entirely of the Bard’s compositions. But Jim can sing in any style.

The outstanding and confident guitar work and subtle harmonica playing of Jim just have to be heard. He is a master of inventiveness. So don’t be altogether surprised if you hear a Calypso or Jazz rhythm now and then.  Add to that, quality vocals from both Jim & Susie and it makes for a talented musical package. Holding the music together is Jim’s wry humour plus the history and story of the songs. A particular love of his and a source for his choice of much of his material is the wildlife and nature of the Angus Glens – and probably features strongly on their most recent album, The Berries.

The Berries is the second duet album the Malcolms have released. This is in addition to a solo album by Susie, Jim’s 13 solo albums as well as albums recorded when Jim was lead singer with Old Blind Dogs for eight years. In short, it adds up to a lot of material much of which has been written by Jim.

As well as playing at clubs and festivals, Jim and Susie, organise and lead Tours of Scotland which have gone down a storm – they are now taking bookings for 2021!  The Malcolms are two very busy people and still manage to tour extensively in the UK, Europe and America. So, to re-acquaint yourself with troubadour Jim Malcolm or to hear the talented Jim & Susie Malcolm for the first time, get along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 4th December for 8pm in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. You’ll be glad you did!