The pandemic may have delayed the celebrations for John McCusker’s 30th Anniversary as a professional musician, but John is excited to play live music from across those years, as well as some new compositions. The John McCusker Band will feature Ian Carr, Sam Kelly, Helen McCabe & Toby Shaer.
As someone who has won awards, praise from reviewers and earned plaudits from fellow musicians - “a musician’s musician” in Phil Cunningham’s words - John McCusker has a lot to celebrate. Born in Bellshill, near Glasgow, John began playing fiddle and whistle at a young age under the influence of his Irish mother and her record collection. He spent 11 years from the age of 17 with Scottish folk institution the Battlefield Band.
John is renowned for transcending musical boundaries. Since 2008 John has been a member of Mark Knopfler's studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside down in the best possible way. I have learned so much, not least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.”
He has also performed with David Gilmour, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The Proclaimers, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, Jerry Douglas, The Bluebells and Eddi Reader.
Talking about his work as a producer, John says: “I’m particularly proud of having produced several artists who have become especially influential”. His production portfolio includes debut albums by Kris Drever and Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble and work with Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby, Eliza Carthy, Helen McCabe, Heidi Talbot and Linda Thompson.
Reflecting on his achievements over 30 years John says: “I’ve never had a plan. Good things have just happened and, so far, it’s worked out as well as I could possibly have dreamed of.”
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