Jim Malcolm
Jim Malcolm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Douglas Malcolm |
| Born | February 28, 1964 Cumbernauld, Scotland |
| Genres | Folk, Folk Rock, Traditional Scottish Folk Music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Songwriter, Producer |
| Instrument(s) | Voice, Guitar, Harmonica, Trumpet |
| Labels | Beltane Records (own label) |
| Formerly of | The Old Blind Dogs |
| Spouse | Susan Mary Jean Malcolm (married 1997–present) |
Jim Malcolm (born James Douglas Malcolm) is a traditional Scottish folk musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and recording artist.[1] He was the lead singer of the folk rock band the Old Blind Dogs for eight years, before beginning a solo career.[2][3][4]
Early life
[edit]Malcolm was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, in 1964 to parents Helen Grewar and Erick Malcolm.[5] His mother, Helen, was involved in the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. Jim learnt the guitar while at school.[6] After moving to Perth to live with his grandmother, he attended Perth High School.[7][8]
After secondary school he attended the University of Edinburgh, initially studying Chemistry before switching to a General Arts degree. He started his career as a professional musician after graduating from the university.[7]
Musical career
[edit]During his eight years as lead singer of the established folk-rock band the Old Blind Dogs, Malcolm toured various music festivals in Europe and North America.[9]
As a solo musician, Malcolm blends Scots vocals with simultaneous acoustic guitar, and harmonica playing.[10][11] His work is inspired by old Scots songs, poems, and tunes, and he writes new lyrics for old tunes.[12][13] Malcolm also draws influence from Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.[9][14][15] He also takes historical inspiration from Scots of the past, such as William Soutar and Tannahill.[12][16] He has been greatly influenced by Scottish folk musician Jim Reid, a singer and guitarist who passed away in 2009.[17]
His solo performance style has been summarised as "Scots troubadour", with his music accompanied by stories, historical accounts, and comedy.[18][19][20]
Highlights
[edit]- Malcolm was voted Songwriter of the Year at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards, and was nominated again in both 2005 and 2008.[3]
- In 2011, Malcolm was accompanied by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performing two of his songs: Lochanside and Battle of Waterloo, at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.
Later life
[edit]In 1997, Malcolm married Scottish folk musician and journalist Susan Mary Jean Allan (1966–present).[11] They live together in Perth, Scotland, and have two children: Elizabeth Andrea Malcolm (1997–present) and Alexander Andrew Malcolm (2001–present). In recent years, Malcolm has begun touring and recording with his wife Susie and occasionally with his daughter Beth.[10][16][20][21][22]
In 2022, his daughter Beth Malcolm was voted BBC MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year.[21]
Discography
[edit]As of February 2024, Malcolm has released 16 solo albums and one DVD.
| Album | Year Released | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Sconeward | 1995 | Greentrax |
| Rohallion | 1998 | Greentrax |
| Resonance | 2000 | Beltane Records |
| Home | 2002 | Beltane Records |
| Live in Glenfarg | 2004 | Beltane Records |
| Tam o' Shanter & Other Tales | 2005 | Beltane Records |
| Acquaintance | 2007 | Beltane Records |
| The First Cold Day | 2009 | Beltane Records |
| Sparkling Flash | 2011 | Beltane Records |
| Disaster for Scotland | 2012 | Beltane Records |
| Still | 2013 | Beltane Records |
| The Corncrake | 2014 | Beltane Records |
| Live in Perth | 2015 | Beltane Records |
| Spring Will Follow On | 2017 | Beltane Records |
| The Berries | 2019 | Beltane Records |
| Auld Toon Shuffle | 2022 | Beltane Records |
| Film | Year Released | Studios |
| Bard Hair Day | 2012 | Red Barn Studios Ltd, Beltane Records Productions |
References
[edit]- ^ "Jim Malcolm". Discogs. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "Jim Malcolm". Wickham Festival. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Battle of Waterloo by Jim Malcolm". Scots Trad Music Awards. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Jim Malcolm: Traditional Scottish Folk Music". California Institute of Technology. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ "Jim Malcolm". All Celtic Music. 2005. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ Moll, Christian (July 1998). "Jim Malcolm – one of Scotland's rising stars". www.folkworld.eu. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b Mundell (18 November 2015). "Jim Malcolm - Mundell Music". Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Jim Malcolm". California Institute of Technology. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ a b Thomson, Ross (26 April 2015). "Jim Malcolm returns to Clydesdale Folk Club". GlasgowWorld. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Jim & Susie Malcolm". Hey Nonny. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ a b Carl, Sharon (13 September 2024). "Jim & Susie Malcolm | February 22, 2025". Auburn House Concerts. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ a b Pearlman, Neil (29 May 2019). "Episode 54: Jim Malcolm". Trad Cafe. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ Simon (19 January 2018). "Jim Malcolm and Avocet, Celtic Connections 2018". Hands Up for Trad. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ "Jim Malcolm". Old Songs — Music with Roots. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ Kidman, David. "Review: Jim Malcom - The Corncrake, Beltane Records BELCD110". The Living Tradition. 105.
- ^ a b "Album review: Jim Malcolm, Sparkling Flash". The Scotsman. 24 July 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ Kidman, David. "Living Tradition CD review of JIM MALCOLM - The Corncrake". www.livingtradition.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ Thomas, Victoria. "The Soul Of Scotland: Rare Birds Jim and Susie Malcolm". FolkWorks. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ "BBC Radio Wales - Celtic Heartbeat, Caledonian Heartbeat, Caledonian Heartbeat - Jim Malcolm". BBC. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Jim, Susie & Beth Malcolm". The JOLT News. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b Gilchrist, Jim (5 April 2021). "The Scotsman Sessions #213: Beth Malcolm". The Scotsman. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- ^ Golembeski, Bill (28 December 2019). "Jim and Susie Malcolm – The Berries (Beltane Records Belcd113)". Folking.com. Retrieved 2025-06-04.