Originally from Edinburgh, Ed first came to the USA for “a year or so” to do graduate studies at the University of Texas. Now, over forty years later, he is still based in Austin and travels throughout the country entertaining and educating audiences with his songs and droll stories.
Although he did gain a PhD in Folklore from the University of Texas, he gradually moved from academia to being a full-time performer. Over the past thirty years, he has established himself as one of Scotland’s finest singing exports, performing at concerts, folk clubs, Celtic festivals, Burns Suppers, and Highland Games. In addition, he has been a popular teacher at music camps such as the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina and the Spanish Peaks Festival in Colorado. He also hosts a weekly radio show, Across the Pond, featuring mainly Scottish and Irish music (listen live at www.KDRP.org from 4 to 5 pm on Sundays CST).
From 2000 to 2024, Ed led “Folksong Tours” of Scotland, giving participants the chance to hear songs and music “on location” in different parts of the country. He strongly believes that to fully enjoy Scottish music, it helps to also learn about the social history and landscape from which the songs came. Ed first learned his craft in the pubs and clubs of Edinburgh, and his voice has been described as being “as smooth and satisfying as a really good single malt whisky.” If you’re looking for nostalgic Brigadoonish schlock, this is not your man…. his repertoire ranges from traditional ballads and the timeless songs of Robert Burns to contemporary songs of urban change, emigration, nationalism, and humour. He has 10 CDs to his credit.