Tom McConville, primarily known as The Newcastle Fiddle Player, is one of the leading fiddle players of our time. A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice makes his interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs greatly admired by singers throughout the world.
     In great demand as a performer, session musician and teacher, playing the fiddle is his lifelong passion and he has achieved every player’s dream of creating his own unique, instantly recognizable sound.
     His live performances combine a rollercoaster of musical delights from fast, rhythmic dance tunes - through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing - all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style. 
     Born on Tyneside, Tom was brought up in The Globe pub just off the famous Scotswood Road (You can’t get more Geordie than that!) With clientele drawn from the Irish and Scottish communities, it was here he first experienced traditional singing and fiddle music. The Hornpipes of James Hill were amongst Tom’s first influences. Fifty years on Tom McConville is widely acknowledged as THE authority on the music of James Hill and produced the first CD devoted entirely to his compositions

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     Tom’s musical journey started in Tyneside folk clubs in the late 60s and early 70s. Newcastle’s thriving Irish scene provided the opportunity to support Sean McGuire, John Doonan, Boys of the Lough and even a lock-in with The Dubliners. Tom still credits the legendary Sean McGuire, the fiddle genius from Belfast, for teaching him his bowing techniques.
     Turning professional in 1971 he joined Bob Fox then Magna Carta to play all over Europe. A memorable partnership with Kieron Halpin produced two award winning albums and top billing at The Cambridge Folk Festival.  

 His own group Dab Hand made several visits to the USA where Tom  had the opportunity to meet with another of his hero fiddlers, Byron Berline.  After a brief spell with Syncopace and a partnership with guitarist Chris Newman, Tom spent the next 11 years recording and touring with Northumbrian piper Pauline Cato.
     Every new venture brings great success and immense respect from his peers and the public alike. Throughout his many collaborations he has continued his solo show at venues large and small. “A sandpaper-dry wit, eye-watering skill on the fiddle, great vocals... you just can't help feeling that a performance by Tom is like visiting an old friend”  is how one folk club organiser describes him.
     2006 sees Tom working with Scots instrumentalist of the year, Aaron Jones and All-Ireland Champion flute, fiddle and whistle ace Claire Mann. Along with Kieran Boyle, Peter Tickell, Dave Wood and Kevin McGuire, Tom has just completed a truly stunning solo C.D. Musically brilliant; it is destined to attract great critical acclaim. Tom’s silent accomplice in this masterpiece is his sound engineer Ron Angus, who is without doubt one of the best in the business. (Read his report) He has captured the superb, natural, live sound of Tom McConville at his best. Magic!  

Renowned for his musical accompaniments, Tom has played on literally hundreds of albums. The list includes: Barbara Dixon, Richard Thompson, Allan Taylor and Lindisfarne. Whilst he has shared stages throughout the world with Stephan Grappelli, Sean McGuire, Mark O'Connor, Paul Brady and The Chieftains, Tom has never forgotten his roots and is as happy in the intimate atmosphere of a small folk club as he is at the largest festivals.

Tom McConville is a world class act!