John McCusker Trio - 2025 — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

John McCusker Trio - 2025 — DeepCutsArchive

John McCusker Trio - 2025 “One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer”. The Guardian The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, 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 Knopfler's studio and touring band, in John’s 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: “I’m particularly proud of having produced several artists who have become especially influential”. His production portfolio includes debut albums by Kris Drever and Idlewild’s 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 Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand (2004), Jennifer Saunders BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem (2008) and Starlings sitcom for Sky TV (2012). Collaborations have included, Before the Ruin, with Roddy Woomble and Kris Drever (2008), Under One Sky (2009), and the enduring trio with John Doyle and Mike McGoldrick, producing two studio albums The Wishing Tree (2018) and The Reed That Bends in the Storm (2020), and three live albums. John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions house band. John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and The Spirit 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 ofthe Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s 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 UK’s 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.

About This Footage

The John McCusker Trio - 2025 is a rare gem, a 14-minute clip that captures the essence of one of the UK's most gifted musicians in his element. Recorded live in 2025, this footage is not only notable for its quality but also for the artist's reputation at the time it was filmed. John McCusker, a multi-award-winning fiddle player, producer, and composer, had already established himself as a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music by then.

As the leader of his eponymous trio, McCusker is seen here in his element, effortlessly navigating the boundaries between traditional folk and modern composition. His playing is characterized by emotional depth and masterful technique, making him one of the most revered musicians of his generation. What's striking about this clip is its context - it was filmed during a tour, likely at a studio or TV appearance, where McCusker was showcasing his skills to a wider audience.

The significance of this footage lies not only in its rarity but also in its documentation of an artist at the height of their powers. By 2025, McCusker had already spent over three decades at the heart of the UK folk scene, having been part of Mark Knopfler's studio and touring band since 2008. This experience had not only honed his skills but also broadened his musical horizons, allowing him to transcend genre boundaries with ease.

As a producer, McCusker has worked with some of the biggest names in British music, including Eliza Carthy (who is featured prominently in this clip). His production portfolio reads like a Who's Who of influential artists, from Kris Drever and Roddy Woomble to Eddi Reader and Kate Rusby. This level of expertise and exposure has undoubtedly contributed to his reputation as one of the UK's most versatile musicians.

Watching The John McCusker Trio - 2025 is like stepping into a world of Celtic music mastery. You'll be struck by McCusker's fluid playing style, which effortlessly blends traditional folk with modern sensibilities. His compositions are masterful, weaving together complex rhythms and melodies that showcase his technical prowess. This clip is not just a rare glimpse into the life of an exceptional musician but also a testament to the enduring power of Celtic music.

One of the most striking aspects of this footage is its intimacy. Despite being recorded in a studio or TV appearance setting, McCusker's performance feels raw and unbridled, like a private moment shared with the viewer. This is likely due to his years of experience performing on big stages, including iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the Royal Albert Hall.

In short, The John McCusker Trio - 2025 is a must-watch for anyone interested in Celtic music or the work of this exceptional musician. It's a rare opportunity to see McCusker in his element, showcasing his skills as both a performer and producer. With its masterful compositions, emotional depth, and technical precision, this clip will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry of John McCusker and the enduring power of Celtic music.

As the camera pans out, capturing McCusker's fiddle playing in all its glory, you'll be struck by the sheer beauty of his craft. The John McCusker Trio - 2025 is not just a clip; it's an experience that will transport you to a world of musical mastery and leave you in awe of this exceptional musician's artistry.

Curated from public records and music databases.