Old Blind Dogs

Last updated

Old Blind Dogs
Old Blind Dogs blacksheep 2016 0439.jpg
Old Blind Dogs at the 2016 blacksheep festival in Germany
Background information
OriginAberdeen, Scotland
Genres Scottish folk, Celtic
Years active1990–present
Labels Green Linnet
Members
  • Jonny Hardie
  • Aaron Jones
  • Donald Hay
Website oldblinddogs.co.uk

Old Blind Dogs is a Scottish musical group which plays traditional Scottish folk music and Celtic music, with influences from rock, reggae, jazz, blues, and Middle Eastern music rhythms.

Contents

Background

The three founding members of the band (Ian F. Benzie, Buzzby McMillan and Jonny Hardie) first met during a so-called "buskers' holiday" in the Scottish Highlands in 1990, [1] and after playing together for the summer decided to call themselves "Old Blind Dogs". Dave Francis and Carmen Higgins joined the band soon afterwards, but left in 1992 before the recording of the first album, New Tricks. Since that time, the line-up of the band has changed frequently, with only Jonny Hardie remaining from the original group.

The Old Blind Dogs were named "Folk Band of the Year" at the Scots Trad Music Awards. [1] Also in 2004, Jim Malcolm was named Songwriter of the Year. In 2001, the UK's Association of Independent Music selected their album Fit? as a finalist for the Celtic Album of the Year award.

The band have toured extensively, performing in Britain, the US, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Russia.

Discography

Band members

1990–92

1992–96

1996–97

1997–99

1999–2003

2003–2006

2007–2008

2008–2016

2016–2021

2021-


In the following table, please note that although "Live" was released in 1999, the performers are those from the 1992–1996 line-up (Benzie, Hardie, McMillan, and Cattenach) and not those from "The World's Room" (a studio release from the same year).

Old Blind Dogs member timeline, 1990 – present
Name1990s2000s2010s
012345678901234567890161718192021
ReleasesNew TricksClose to the BoneTall TailsLegacyFiveLive, The World's RoomFit?The Gab o MeyPlay LiveFour on the FloorWherever Yet May BeRoom With a ViewKnucklehead Circus
Ian F. Benzieguitar, vocals
Jonny Hardiefiddle, mandolin, guitar, backing vocalsfiddle, guitar, backing vocalsfiddle, guitar, vocals
Buzzby McMillancittern, bass
Carmen Higginsfiddle
Dave Francispercussion
Davy Cattanachpercussion
Fraser Fifieldsmall pipes, saxophone
Graham Youngsonpercussion
Jim Malcolmguitar, harmonica, lead vocals
Rory Campbellborder pipes, whistles, vocals
Paul Jenningspercussion
Fraser Stonedrums, percussionpercussion
Aaron Jonesbouzouki, bass, backing vocalsbouzouki, guitar, vocals
Ali Huttonborder pipes, whistlesGreat Highland bagpipes, border pipes, whistles
Donald Haypercussion
Mike KatzUK/Europe: pipes, whistles
Elias AlexanderUSA: pipes, whistles

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References

  1. 1 2 Mills, Michelle (3 March 2016). "Scotland's Old Blind Dogs in concert in Pasadena". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
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