Rory Mcleod
Sunday night finale!
One-man-soul-band and poet. He has a natural troubadour's talent for weaving magical, musical, storytelling spells accompanied by his own bizarre solo orchestra of distinctive instruments.
He plays the spoons, finger-cymbals, bandorea, Djembe-drum, harmonica, guitar, trombone and-tap-dancing shoes (some times all at once) which accompany the "rich, raw, deep and resonant" voice of this "singular and liberating performer."
"Expect the unexpected." McLEOD is a musical Gypsy, his eccentric melodies are infused with influences from Flamenco to blues, through to Celtic, East European and Calypso rhythms creating a style of music and songwriting that has been described as "intimate, revealing, political and powerful."
"When he sings his songs he will take you on a journey with him." "Poetry and dance-stories with verve, sharpness, humour and warmth about people and for people." "Great songs to dance to, infectious rhythms, flying harmonica!" An ex-circus clown and fire eater, Rory has played harmonica and guitar with MICHELLE SHOCKED, ANI DI FRANCO, BUTCH HANCOCK, TOWNES VAN ZANDT, with the West-African guitarist ALI FARKE-TOURE and TAJ MAHAL; and Madagascan group TARIKA. he's enjoyed creative collaborations with HASSAN ERRAJI, KATHRYN TICKEL and PAUL RODDEN- virtuosos, respectively, of the Moroccan Oud, the Northumbrian pipes and the Irish banjo.
BEST LIVE ACT: BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS 2002
TEXAS HARMONICA CHAMPION 1981.
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL STREET BUSKER OF THE YEAR in 1985.
