Scottish folk-singer and song-writer Jim Malcolm dazzled students and faculty alike at a concert in Markel Auditorium on Sunday, Sept. 16. Later that evening, Malcolm entertained a dedicated group of about 20 for two hours during an interactive workshop on the poetry of Robert Burns in Conrad Recital Hall.
“[Robert Burns] is just a monster,” Malcolm said. “He’s a huge figure in Scotland and most Scottish folk singers are drawn to him like a moth to flame. Everybody ends up doing [Burns]; he has such great songs.”
Malcolm’s natural and relaxed demeanor on stage has not always come naturally.
“When I first started as a musician I didn’t want to be in front,” Malcolm said. “I wanted to be a guitar player, just standing there looking cool, but it’s hard to find someone to sing. So I drifted towards that and once you do that, people expect you to talk as well.”
Sophomore Richard Willis said he thoroughly enjoyed both performances, especially the evening session.
“I thought it was fantastic. He’s obviously an amazing guitarist and singer, but he just has a stage presence and is interactive with the audience and is genuinely funny,” Willis said.
The Scotland native toured with the five-member group, “Old Blind Dogs,” for eight years. Malcolm said the busy schedule of the band caused him to leave the group, which still tours today.
“They were touring so much and I had a young family,” Malcolm said. “I felt like I had to spend more time at home.”
Malcolm has infused his family with a love for music.
“Both my kids are really interested in music,” Malcolm said. “We do a lot of singing together. There’s lots of music in our house, lots of instruments actually.”
Malcolm himself inherited his love for folk music from his mother.
“When I was young I was more interested in rock music, but my mum was really into folk music and it rubbed off on me,” Malcolm said.
Willis decided to attend Sunday’s performances because of a familial influence.
“I had never heard of [Malcolm], but my family’s from Scotland, so I thought I’d give it a try,” Willis said. “I’d heard of ‘Ravi Burns’ from my grandma growing up but I’d never read any of his stuff. I figured I’m Scottish so I should probably know some of this stuff.”
Malcolm’s performances at Hillsdale conclude a five-stop tour of Michigan. Malcolm will perform five shows in the state of New York this week. He travels to the United States about three times a year for one month each time.
Malcolm has found his experience as a touring artist has calmed his nerves in front of crowds.
“One thing I enjoy about touring is when you perform every night it becomes natural, you don’t get as nervous,” Malcolm said.
