The John McCusker Trio with Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer

The John McCusker Trio with Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer
One of the UKs most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker isequally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer. The GuardianThe John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decoratedtraditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer andcomposer, 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 Knopflers studio and touring band, in Johns 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: Im particularly proud of having producedseveral artists who have become especially influential. His production portfolio includes debut albums by Kris Drever and Idlewilds 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 Connollys World Tour of New Zealand (2004), Jennifer Saunders BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem (2008) and Starlings sitcom for Sky TV (2012).
John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions houseband.
John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and TheSpirit 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 Britains 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 UKs 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.
John McCusker Trio brings together Scotlands foremost fiddle player with singer-songwriter Sam Kelly, and multi-instrumentalist Toby Shaer to launch a new album of folk music. Celebrating 35 years as a professional musician, John McCuskers new album will be released in 2026, launching with a live performance at Edinburghs The Queens Hall.