This was everything a Celtic festival concert should be.
A cosy, intimate setting, an appreciative and knowledgeable audience and one of Scotland's finest traditional musicians. Jim Malcolm and the Glasgow Art Club complemented each other perfectly. The former lead singer of the Old Blind Dogs has performed in some of the biggest concert halls in the world but he was very much at home in this more snug environment.
Malcolm is one of these characters who has been a fixture in the Scottish folk scene for decades but has never achieved household name status. Which is a pity, because he is as polished and enduring as any of his fellow folkies. He has a relaxed and experienced stage presence – guitar, harmonica and voice – and a distinctive singing style. He is also happy to espouse causes and sang about the plight of factory workers in Angus and the damage being done by oil pollution.
Malcolm, who is setting off on a tour of California this week, was joined on stage for part of the evening by his wife Susie and daughter Beth, a star in the making. His Old Blind Dog days may be long behind him. He is older and – by his own admission – in need of spectacles – but an evening in his company is still thoroughly enjoyable.
HHHH
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