Malcolm Bushby

Born in Tasmania, Australia with a strong Scottish heritage Malcolm grew up listening to the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland through his parents playing and recordings. At the age of 12 he won his first fiddle competition at Westbury Irish festival. His talent was recognised by many musicians including Scottish guitarist Tony McManus, Irish singer Sean Keane and Irish fiddle player, Liz Doherty. Whilst in Australia he worked with Australia's foremost exponent of the Scottish fiddle, Chris Duncan and in 2003 at the age of 13 toured Scotland with Australia's premier Celtic band "Tantallon" and drew critical acclaim for his mature playing at such a young age. He appeared at numerous festivals in Australia and Tasmania and acted as support act for a number of touring UK artists in Tasmania. In 2005 Malcolm moved to the UK with his parents and in 2006 quickly became part of the tradtional music scene in Newcastle, Northumberland where he quickly established himself as one of the regions finest young fiddle players. Malcolm joined the north-east's young folk ensemble, "Folkestra" early in 2006 and is currently in his last year. In the same year he performed at "festivale interceltique de Lorient" in Brittany, France. In 2007 he was a member of SNAP 07, a music group from the North Pennines, Sweden and Brittany and with them performed at venues across Sweden and France. He has also been part of support acts in the North-East for Scottish based trio LAU and Tony McManus as well as performing a set with Tony. In 2008 he toured Spain with Folkestra and performed with Folkestra in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert hall in front of a sold out audience. Since arriving in the UK Malcolm has worked and studied with Aidan O'Rourke, Shona Mooney, Sophy Ball and is currently studying with Stewart Hardy (ex John Wright Band). ..