John's tribute to St Roch's Ceilidh Band
HE'S renowned across the world for his playing, writing, producing and arranging, but John McCusker has never forgotten his big break – St Roch's Ceilidh Band.
If the legendary Scots musician had any more strings to his bow he would have to play a 12-string fiddle.
John has worked with some of the finest talents the music world has to offer, skipping effortlessly between folk, pop, traditional Scots, rock and country.
However, always present are his passion for music, brilliance at any number of instruments and infectious enthusiasm – all nurtured when he was a young member of St Roch's.
John told the Herald: "St Roch's Ceilidh Band was one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I learned so much from St Roch's. It was magic. It's where I learned all my tunes."
John (below, right) was 12 when he heard about this ceilidh band where you could express yourself with like-minded aspiring musicians and convinced his supportive mum and dad to take him there once a week.
He found himself at home in the band and remained a member for five years, regularly playing live concerts and taking part in competitions.
John, the artist formerly known as Fiddle, said: "You couldn't pay for that kind of education. To be surrounded by people playing traditional music when you're at a young age, you learn so much. It's a brilliant grounding."
John paid tribute to the founder of the band, Frank McCardle, who got him his first proper fiddle and set him on a glittering career that has seen him perform, write and record at the very highest level.
"Frank was a brilliant teacher," he said. "It's great the band is still going. I keep meeting people who say 'I was in St Roch's Ceilidh Band'."
He added: "Enthusiasm is a big thing. I got it instilled in me when I was a little boy. I had no idea where it would lead. We had no money, I had no real formal training or lessons – I just listened to lots of records. You find your own way."
John's way saw him play for 11 years in legendary Scottish folk outfit Battlefield Band, release acclaimed solo albums, write the soundtracks to films and TV series – including Billy Connolly's World Tour of New Zealand – and produce artists like Kate Rusby, Eddi Reader, Kris Drever and Idlewild's Roddy Woomble.
He has also worked with Paul Weller, Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earle, Roseanne Cash, Linda Thompson, The Waterboys, Paolo Nutini and Jools Holland.
Recently John has been touring arenas across the world with former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, with whom he has also recorded – a mighty 97 gigs in six months.
He is also a stalwart of the Celtic Connections festival – which he has championed from the start – and recently toured with Irish singer Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine.
It's all a long way from Bellshill and Bothwell, where he was brought up, and St Roch's where he learned his trade.
John's advice for aspiring musicians is simple – enthusiasm, practice and support from family and friends.
He said: "Always be grateful. Just enjoy it as much as you can. You never go into folk music for money or fame. You do it because you love it. If you can make a living out of it, it's a bonus. It's all I've ever wanted to do."
John has now played more than 18 years full-time since leaving school at 16. Thanks to the support of family, friends and musical partners that could well stretch to 80, but there will always be a special place in his heart for St Roch's.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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