John McCusker Trio and The Coaltown Daisies

John McCusker Trio

“One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is

equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer”. The Guardian

The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated

traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and

composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive,

emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of

contemporary Celtic music.

John is renowned for his skill at 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 from Mark and the rest of his band, 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.” As a live and studio guest he has also performed

with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The

Proclaimers, Texas, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, 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 and Linda Thompson. Film and TV soundtracks include Heartlands (2002) and 16

Years of Alcohol (2003), Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand (2004), Jennifer Saunders

BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem (2008) and Starlings sitcom for Sky TV (2012).

Collaborations have included, Before the Ruin, with Roddy Woomble and Kris Drever (2008),

Under One Sky (2009), and the enduring trio with John Doyle and Mike McGoldrick, producing

two studio albums The Wishing Tree (2018) and The Reed That Bends in the Storm (2020), and

three live albums. John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions house

band.

John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and The

Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. 2016 saw John receive the Good

Tradition Award and perform with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert

Hall. John won the Music Category at the Scottish Culture Awards in 2019.

He is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK folk circuit. Sam Kelly, winner of

the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a

devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless

charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as

Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby.

Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of

flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has

performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic,

expressive playing.

Together, The John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance,

heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances ... a rich tapestry of original

compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs .. captivate audiences with

warmth, humour, and sheer musical class. Whether on festival stages or in intimate venues, this

trio delivers a rare experience: deeply rooted in tradition, yet bursting with innovation, joy and

soul.

The Coaltown Daisies

“Wow!” - Iain Anderson (BBC)

“I love this music!” - Baylen Leonard (Country Hits Radio)

"Brilliant!” - Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze)

“Great songs!” – Boo Hewerdine (The Bible) T

The Coaltown Daisies are a duo of singer songwriters who write and perform dynamic folk, soul and americana music and who have a wealth of experience as performers, recording artists and event managers. They are renowned for their highly engaging live performances and steady professionalism which has resulted in them performing at sought after venues and festivals all over the country.