Two guaranteed-to-be excellent folk nights are coming up in Irvinewithin the space of seven days. On Wednesday 30th May it’s Ian Bruce & Ian Walker at Irvine Folk Club and on Saturday 2nd June Jim Malcolm tops the bill at the Harbour Arts Centre. The three musicians make a welcome and always eagerly anticipated return to Irvine.
Ian Bruce now resident in Edinburgh and Bo’Ness based Ian Walker are two gifted songwriters and fine singers. When they joined forces in 1987 as an occasional duo, they quickly established themselves as a winning musical combination.
It’s hard to pin down Ian B’s style – his repertoire includes traditional material, country plus some almost pop items. What’s certain is that his exceptional vocal range and fine guitar playing make him an artist that is hard to match.
The quiet man in the duo Ian W, plays banjo in an uncomplicated fashion and is known for his straightforward way of delivering songs.
The thoughtful and challenging songwriting style of both Ians continues to produce gems. Ian W’s Hawks and Eagles Fly Like Doves was used on a CD to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade inBritain and the respect of other musicians is evident from the number of artists who cover material from both Ians.
Ian Bruce & Ian Walker are at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 30th May. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre inQuarry Road and starts at 8pm. Better get there in good time to make sure of a seat.
Three days later on Saturday 2nd June it will be Jim Malcolm at the Harbour Arts Centre inIrvine. It’s part of the new Irvine Harbourside Cultural Festival.
Jim from Perthshire sings traditional songs ofScotlandas well as his own material. He has a fine, clear voice and is an outstanding guitar player and accompanies himself on harmonica too. He was lead singer for eight years with Old Blind Dogs but is now back as a solo artist. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the HAC on 01294 274059.
As part of the new Irvine Harbourside Festival, there will be a folk music session in The Ship Inn on Friday 1st June starting at 8pm. And on Saturday 2nd June from 1pm and weather permitting, there will be busking at the Harbourside. Interested in playing? Then contact Joyce on 01294 551047.
Ian Bruce, Ian Walker and Jim Malcolm – three fine musicians of whom we should all be proud. Don’t miss them.