Balvaig BIOs

Kenny Higgins - Kenny bought his first guitar (Echo Ranger 12 string) after saving his milk round money way back in 1968. Some 45 years later he still plays this along with a small collection of other acoustic guitars. Kenny's Music career started at an even younger age - of 9 when he sang in the Edinburgh MOD at Leith Town Hall performing a solo of "My Heart's in the Highlands" winning an award is his age category. Kenny joined the School Orchestra as a flautist and played in Schools Orchestra at the Usher Hall. As a Teenager, Kenny became hooked on Traditional Music and played in Edinburgh's Folk Circuit - White Hart Inn, Fidlers Arms, Festival Tavern, Nicky Tams, Sandy Bells and a few other venues shared with now well remembered artists such as: Humblebums - Gerry Rafferty, Billy Connoly, North Sea Gas, Molly Maguires and twins Charlie and Craig who became the Proclaimers - once borrowed Kenny's guitar at a City Gig when they were in their late teens. During the 1980s. Kennys career in BT pulled him away regularly to London and Music activity dwindled away.

in the 1990s Kenny picked up the Guitar, Flute, Whistles and Harmonica and started to play occasional gigs with friends around the West Lothian Folk Scene and at Scottish evenings and attended Balerno Folk Club. In 2004 Kenny retired from BT, bought a yacht and went sailing and the guitar went with him to west coast harbour locations, at this time he joined up with fellow guitar playing sailors and they became known as the singing Pirates playing on board various yachts and Pub locations from the Clyde to the Inner Hebrides. A Job change took Kenny to Hereford and he received invites to perform in local pubs and at Bromyard Music Festival.

In 2011 Kenny and wife Barbara moved to Strathyre and during an early visit to the Strathyre Inn he met Cliff Uney and during a chat over a few pints they discovered a mutual Music interest and they decided to try playing in the pub, Kenny with guitar and Cliff with Ukelele. After a few weeks playing to Tourists on a Sunday afternoon, others aspiring musicians came along and Balvaig was formed - the band being named after the local river flowing through Strathyre. The music continued with good local support growing to an eventual 9 member Music Group.

Kenny has always dabbled in song writing and has scribed several songs. The latest "Lang May Your Lum Reek" is dedicated to those pursuing the fight for Scotlands Freedom. Kenny's unashamed love for Scotland and the beautiful surroundings of Strathyre have inspired several songs, some of which the band have adopted. Other recent titles "The Horses of Ballynacree" has hints to his distant Irish ancestry and the flight of freedom. Nature also features in many of Kenny's lyrics and there is certainly lots of inspiration to be found in the beautiful home setting of Strathyre.

Kenny's favoured music genre is ballad and traditional folk. Influences: Bob Dylan, Dick Gaughan, Eric Bogle, Damien Rice, James Taylor, Neil Young, Capercaillie, Clannad.

Contact: kenny@balvaig.co.uk

Jane Booth - Jane popped into the Strathyre Inn one day with husband Adrian and quietly listened to Balvaig playing. She decided to write to Kenny to say she might pop along one Sunday and the rest is history. Jane is now very much part of Balvaig offering: guitar skills and harmonising vocals.

Music has always been an inspiration, second nature. From the first recorder to the latest guitar, music never ceases to amaze. The guitar was a natural accompaniment to a rich, melodic, soulful voice. Song writing began in the early 1990's with a desire to expand on other great melodies. Starting out as a personal pastime, singing and song writing have now commanded a more important role in life. After a few years playing in a monk rock band, The Poet Dogs, in the mid 2000's Jane took a break from the music scene. In recent months the pull of the stage has proved too great to resist and Jane is now looking to return to the music scene and reignite her passion for performing.

Jane Booth is a singer songwriter and keen sports woman from Worcestershire. Music has always been a passion with many musical instruments learned and enjoyed. From recorder to piano to clarinet to saxophone to guitar - the list goes on! If a note can be played Jane will attempt to coax a tune! Song writing was a natural progression and over the years many an evening has been spent strumming and humming new tunes and lyrics. A true romantic, many songs relfect personal views on love, lies and life. Although music is an important part of everyday life; fitness, family, friends and fun ensure that life is never dull - whatever the weather or time of year! Life is for living; so live it and love it!

Jane Booth's Music is accoustic, mellow and soul searching! Taking influence from many diverse artists and genres, Jane reflects the artists wide and varied musical taste. Jane's Music can move you, inspire you, make you want to cry, make you want to sing; it is open to interpretation. There is a hint of folk, a touch of Country, a lot of ballad and a good deal of emotion. Jane's Music is to be enjoyed and experienced. Listen and decide for yourself.

Contact: jane@balvaig.co.uk

Mikey Higgins, Mikey is a guitarist and Singer Song-writer with Balvaig. As a teenager Mikey was taught a few basic guitar chords by Dad Kenny and he took this simple lesson to extremes on the guitar fretboard where he is now an accomplished player. Through time, Mikeys unique voice developed and he supports Balvaigs vocals and harmonies as well as delivering several Solo performances which always pleases a captivated audience. Mikeys voice travels to octaves that few can reach.

Mikey plays acoustic and electric guitar and writes his own material. He also delivers many artist covers in a unique style and he has many repeat requests for his renditions of Eric Clapton's "If I saw you in heaven" and his own versions of Wild Horses and Johnny Cash's "Hurt" being very popular. Mikey is kep busy with occasional unusual gigs where he provides the vocal and music backing to Brides making their way down the isle.

Mikey is a keen sportsman and Gold Medal winner in the Martial Art of Kuk Sul Won and when not performing or teaching classes he manages occasional Gigs and music sessions with balvaig.

Contact: mikey@balvaig.co.uk

Greg Watson is a Guitarist and Vocalist with Balvaig and also lead vocalist and Guitarist with Callander based band The Wanted Men .

Greg played Electric Guitar as a youngster and recently drifted to Acoustic where he also accompanies Kenny and Jane on Vocals. Greg sings lead on a number of songs including Steve' Earl's version of Galway Girl and Oasis's Wonderwall.

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