Scott McKeon

Born in Nottinham and now living in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, Scott is a 20 year old multi-instrumentalist, currently studying on the Creative Sound and Music Degree at the University of Wales College, Newport. His first instrument was the fiddle which he started playing at the age of 12. His influences range from Ben Lennon to Angus Grant of Shooglenifty. Scott also plays the mandolin and has won a silver medal on this instrument at national level in the All British Fleadh. He is also a highly talented guitar and banjo player. He has currently started to teach the fiddle and advanced instrument groups at the Comhaltas branch ‘Amairgin the Gael’ in Newport, South Wales. Scott is a highly talented and creative tune writer and is also working on a one man band (with a bit of help from fellow OSLers Jack and Baz) called SKEON. You can hear some of his excellent tracks at www.myspace.com/scottmckeonmusic.

Jack Stewart

Scottish born Jack Stewart’s first instrument was the bodhran, which he first picked up at the age of two. Now 15 and living in Caldicot, he has since gone on to become the All British Champion twice and has competed in Ireland the Fleadh Cheoil. Jack is also a fine and sensitive guitarist and has this year received the bronze medal at the All Britain Fleadh for his guitar accompaniment. He recently recieved a BBC Fame Academy Instrument and Equipment Award in order to purchase a semi-acoustic Martin guitar. Jack also plays banjo and last year won the silver medal at the All Britains on the mandolin. His influences range from Led Zeppelin through to Scotland’s Peatbog Faeries. Jack is also a member of Tan Bach - a group comprised of the top Celtic school aged musicians throughout the Newport and Valleys area- which is run by his dad (and One String Loose manager), Donald Stewart. He has also recently become a member of Crimes Against Folk, where he is the youngest member by half, though definitely the most talented.

Joe Brady

Fifteen year old Joe is a flute and whistle player extraordinaire as well as a composer of many of the bands’ tunes. His influences include Kevin Crawford from Lunasa and Mike McGoldrick. He has been playing since the age of seven. Although deciding not to compete as a soloist in competitions, his other band members are highly in awe of him and very aware that if anyone is going to get complimented individually after a gig, it will generally be him! Joe is learning the Uillean pipes at the moment and judging by his playing in a session last year (after only 2 months on them), all one can say is he MUST have been a piper in another life! The other band members are waiting with baited breath for when he is ready to play them on stage! Joe lives in Weston-Super-Mare and is currently doing his GCSEs with an aim to study IT and Music Technology.

 Mathew ‘Baz’ Barwick

The most recent addition to the band, fifteen year old Baz has been playing guitar and bass for the past 4 years. Baz picked up the tunes surreally quickly and has added a fantastic new layer to the bands’ sound. He has started writing tunes for the band and these have been hugely popular at festivals. Baz is also a mandolin and banjo player. He is a member of Tan Bach and the psychedelic funk band BAKJAZ with his fellow One String Looser Jack. Baz is doing his GCSEs and plans to study music (among other things) at A Level.