Malinky

Malinky is a Scottish folk group based in Edinburgh and active since 1998. The band specialises in Scots song and has built its work around traditional material, especially Scots ballads.

Formation and early line-up

Malinky forms in autumn 1998. The original line-up brings together Karine Polwart on vocals, guitar and bouzouki, Steve Byrne on vocals, guitar, bouzouki and mandolin, Mark Dunlop on bodhrán, whistles and vocals, and English fiddler Kit Patterson. The first rehearsal takes place in early October 1998. The group is largely put together to help Polwart take up a support slot at Edinburgh Folk Club a little later, supporting harpist and storyteller Robin Williamson, formerly of the Incredible String Band.

The members already know one another from the pub session scene in Edinburgh, including venues such as Sandy Bell’s and the Royal Oak.

First recordings

Malinky’s first album, Last Leaves, is recorded in 1999 and released at Celtic Connections in 2000. The album is produced by the late Davy Steele.

Line-up changes

In early 2001, Edinburgh-born Jon Bews, formerly of Burach, replaces Patterson on fiddle. Later in 2001, Leo McCann joins on Tyrone button box and whistle to broaden a sound that is mainly string-led.

In September 2004, the band announces a major change in personnel. Polwart leaves to concentrate on a solo career, while McCann returns to social work. Both continue with the band until February 2005.

By then, Byrne, Dunlop and Bews continue with new members Fiona Hunter from Glasgow on vocals and cello, and Liverpool-born Ewan MacPherson on guitar, mandolin, mandola, tenor banjo, jew’s harp and vocals. In January and February 2005, Malinky plays crossover concerts with both the old and new line-ups, including a sold-out show at Celtic Connections in Glasgow.

The Unseen Hours and later activity

In June 2005, the band records its third album, The Unseen Hours, at Watercolour Studios in Ardgour, Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands. The album appears in November 2005 and draws strong reviews for its continuity with the band’s earlier work and its focus on traditional Scots ballads.

The The Unseen Hours line-up tours Germany and the Netherlands in 2006. In 2007, the band performs with Swedish ballad group Ranarim at Celtic Connections and makes its first visits to the USA and Canada.

Later membership

In December 2007, MacPherson leaves the group and is replaced by David Wood from Grindleford in Derbyshire, who plays guitar and bouzouki and previously performs with CrossCurrent. Fiddler Mike Vass joins in 2008 and is already known for work as part of a duo with his sister Ali Vass.

Members

Malinky’s listed members include Ewen McPherson, Leo McCann, Karine Polwart, Dave Wood, Steve Byrne, Mark Dunlop, Fiona Hunter and Mike Vass.