Shinjig are the most convincing fusion of folk and rock you are likely to hear. Fiddle, octave mandolin and flute handle the traditional end of things and are given a searing edge with the help of electric guitars, bass and drums.
The band are entering a new phase of their existence with the recent recruitment of ex Whisky Priest Hugh on guitar (and a bewildering array of other instruments). His background is an impeccable mix of experience in traditional and electric musics, and an almost fanatical dedication to everything edible of a chocolate nature.
The melody is held down, held up, and generally mutilated by another ex Priest, Simon. Professional by the age of seventeen, Simon's early debauched lifestyle has given way to the pastoral charms of parenthood and playing the hell out of his electric fiddle.
The implausibly young Mr Bussey performs acts of prestidigitation and pyrotechnics behind his aptly named 'kit' and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the rhythm section, ably abetted by Mal on bass. Possibly uniquely in the folk world, Mal used to use a bass cabinet with four eighteen inch speakers in it. It was the size of a moderate wardrobe. Ever since we managed to convince him that this might be a touch of over-kill, Mal has looked a tad wistful. Stalwart sticksman and friend to the stars Pete Spencer, currently residing in Cologne (yes, the one in Germany, and not, as a recent audience thought, Colne in Lancashire) lends a touch of glamour to the proceedings whenever he is in town.
Finally there is Huw. He plays octave mandolin, guitar and calls, too. Talented, eh? div class="ispider
