Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle
John Doyle, John McCusker and Mike McGoldrick first crossed paths as teenagers. A quarter of a century later they are set to celebrate their friendship and musical kinship with their first studio album, ‘The Wishing Tree’. A thrilling trip through traditional, contemporary and original jigs, reels, ballads and more, it sees them branch out musically, while tracing the roots of their tunes and acquaintance. "We all left school early, at 16 or 17 to join different bands,” recalls John McCusker of their early days. "We all met back then... we've grown up together, really.”
All three musicians have gone on to global acclaim and are members of the BBC acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions.
John Doyle from Dublin (vocals, guitar, bouzouki and mandola) is an Irish music linchpin and a founder member of acclaimed group Solas who has worked with Joan Baez, Linda Thompson and Mary Chapin Carpenter. John's gifts as a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist have played an essential role in the ongoing renaissance of Irish traditional music. Now living in the states he is alsoone half of the stellar duo Liz Carroll and John Doyle.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner John McCusker from Glasgow (fiddle, whistles and harmonium) has played with the Battlefield Band, Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan, recorded with Paul Weller, and recently produced albums for Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot and Kris Drever. John’s unique fiddle playing has earned him a worldwide reputation as one of the most gifted and versatile musicians of any genre. He was also part of the legendary band that toured with both Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler. Joining the Battlefield Band at just seventeen, John spent eleven years touring the world with the now legendary folk outfit. Renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries he has worked with artists ranging from Paolo Nutini and Jools Holland to Steve Earle and Rosanne Cash and has recorded with Paul Weller and ‘Ocean Colour Scene’ to name but a few.
Mike McGoldrick from Manchester (flute, whistles, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, clarinet and congas) is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, founding member of Flook and Lúnasa andcurrent member of Capercaillie. Regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time, Mike has toured with Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, as well as with The Afro Celt Sound System, RTE Orchestra and Kate Rusby. He has collaborated with the likes of Jim Kerr, Youssou N’Dour, John Cale, Eddi Reader and Zakir Hussain amongst many others. Awarded the BBC Radio 2 folk Musician of the year in 2006, he was nominated for a second time and has just completed his first soundtrack for TG4 and the Smithsonian channel.
These fabulous musicians have performed as a trio since 2009 when they released a live album and continue to tour together regularly. All three retain their youthful excitement for making records and life on the road. As John McCusker says of their recent recording, "I hope it's the sound of three old friends, having a great time, making music together"
This is a rare chance to see three of the world’s finest musicians share a stage together. It is also one of the most highly anticipated concerts ever at the festival so please ensure you secure your tickets early!
