Delta blues and Scottish folk tunes, two distinct and expressive music styles, will be showcased in two concerts this month at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.
Travelling the world with his guitar, harmonicas, and entertaining wit, Jim Malcolm sings the traditional melodies of Scotland and his own masterfully crafted folk songs in a style which is modern and accessible, yet presented in an authentic highland spirit.
He performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21.
Malcolm was lead singer of the phenomenal Scottish band Old Blind Dogs for seven years, touring extensively throughout Europe and North America and playing at many of the biggest folk festivals. He plays guitar in mainly DADGAD tuning (an alternative guitar tuning practice most associated with Celtic music), and simultaneously plays harmonica to a seldom heard standard.
In 2004, Malcolm was "Songwriter of the Year" in the Scots Traditional Music Awards, been nominated three times for "Scots Singer of the Year," and is renowned for his musical interpretation of the poetry of Robert Burns.
"Given the right song, he'll melt you in your seat," raved one critic. What's more, Jim's engaging between-song wit has developed into an art form of its own. To visit Jim Malcolm's Web site, go to http://www.jimmalcolm.com/.
Then at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, Rory Block will sing blues and folk music like she was born on the banks of the Mississippi.
Although she hails from New Jersey, Block began plumbing the depths of the Delta sound at the age of 12. She learned by jamming with legendary bluesmen Eddie "Son" House and Skip James, and by absorbing the style of the late, great blues master Robert Johnson.
Tickets will move quickly, so order them today by calling the Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814 or via email at boxoffice@genesee.edu.