Jim Malcolm


Jim Malcolm is a traditional Scottish folk musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and recording artist. He was the lead singer of the folk rock band the Old Blind Dogs for eight years, before beginning a solo career.

Early life

Malcolm was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, in 1964 to parents Helen Grewar and Erick Malcolm. His mother, Helen, was involved in the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland. Jim learnt the guitar while at school. After moving to Perth to live with his grandmother, he attended Perth High School.
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.

Musical career

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.
As a solo musician, Malcolm blends with simultaneous acoustic guitar, and harmonica playing. His work is inspired by old Scots songs, poems, and tunes, and he writes new lyrics for old tunes. Malcolm also draws influence from Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. He also takes historical inspiration from Scots of the past, such as William Soutar and Tannahill. He has been greatly influenced by Scottish folk musician Jim Reid, a singer and guitarist who died in 2009.
His solo performance style has been summarised as "Scots troubadour", with his music accompanied by stories, historical accounts, and comedy.

Highlights

In 1997, Malcolm married Scottish folk musician and journalist Susan Mary Jean Allan. They live together in Perth, Scotland, and have two children: Elizabeth Andrea Malcolm and Alexander Andrew Malcolm. In recent years, Malcolm has begun touring and recording with his wife Susie and occasionally with his daughter Beth.
In 2022, his daughter Beth Malcolm was voted BBC MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year.

Discography

As of February 2024, Malcolm has released 16 solo albums and one DVD.
AlbumYear releasedLabel
Sconeward1995Greentrax
Rohallion1998Greentrax
Resonance2000Beltane Records
Home2002Beltane Records
Live in Glenfarg2004Beltane Records
Tam o' Shanter & Other Tales2005Beltane Records
Acquaintance2007Beltane Records
The First Cold Day2009Beltane Records
Sparkling Flash2011Beltane Records
Disaster for Scotland2012Beltane Records
Still2013Beltane Records
The Corncrake2014Beltane Records
Live in Perth2015Beltane Records
Spring Will Follow On2017Beltane Records
The Berries2019Beltane Records
Auld Toon Shuffle2022Beltane Records