MALINKY (Scotland)

Malinky's striking vocals and song-based repertoire, as well as their instrumental flair, define one of the most distinctive sounds to emerge from the Scottish folk-scene over the last decade.

Since their initial 1999 success as Danny Award winners for new talent at Glasgow's prestigious Celtic Connections Festival, the voices of Karine Polwart and Steve Byrne remain at the heart of the material, as do their sympathetic string accompaniments. Karine was recently nominated by Kate Rusby as the UK folk-roots artist to watch out for in 2002 whilst Scotland on Sunday newspaper chose her as Folk Performer of 2001. Steve was himself a finalist in last year’s BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition.

Malinky’s original whistle and bodhrán player Mark Dunlop has diversified on to flute and, drawing on his native Irish traditions, and is stepping forward as a singer in his own right. New member, Jon Bews, adds his swinging fiddle style, a dash of mandolin and yet another fine singing voice. Recently Malinky expanded from four to five members with the addition of the wonderful Irish box and whistle player Leo McCann, renowned for his inventiveness and energy both as a soloist and accompanist. The new five-piece Malinky maintain an acoustic approach to traditional and original songs and tunes but their subtlety, power and live presence are greatly enhanced.

Karine Polwart - vocals / guitar / bouzouki
Jon Bews - fiddle / mandolin / vocals
Steve Byrne - vocals / bouzouki / guitar
Mark Dunlop - bodhrán / whistles / flute / vocals
Leo McCann - button box / whistles

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