John McCusker & Phil Cunningham

Unlike other forms of music, Folk almost seems a little ashamed of it's honours. Had he been an opera star, it would be proudly displayed as Phil Cunningham MBE, but because he's a folk star he's more modest than that.

It's difficult to set Phil's place in modern Scottish entertainment. You don't get into a list of Scotland's most influential 25 people just by being a pretty good fiddle player. If you did then perhaps Phil's partner in this duo would have one too.

John has played Cambridge in a lot of differnt combinations over the last few years. Off the top of my head I reckon this duo is about the fifth. Everytime he'splayed, it's been with less hair and this year looks like no exception.

Quite simply John McCusker is the fiddle player of his generation, seemingly able to be at home with everyone he plays with. He's one of the best musicians on the circuit right now. This is a must see combination. Fortunately there's more than one chance to do it.