This is a place for you to have your say about John’s music. Please leave a comment about my music and/or browse what others say. Comments are moderated so remember to play nice 🙂
Original performing guitarist/songwriter
This is a place for you to have your say about John’s music. Please leave a comment about my music and/or browse what others say. Comments are moderated so remember to play nice 🙂
John captivates and hold his audience through both his technical prowess and the sheer diversity of his music. His fingers fly up and down the fretboard at the speed of sound, exquisite melodies and complex rhythms interweaving and combining in the name of passion and true creative expression.
When it comes to guitarists, Brisbane’s own John Malcolm is one of those players who makes you walk out of a gig with your jaw on the floor…
John plays a range of musical styles – his live performances are always an energetic mixture of rock, folk, blues, and jazzy funk. He is an accomplished performer, his prowess with the guitar dazzling audiences as he plays improvised instrumental tunes which range from “anything from flamenco to blues to jazz to African influences.”
You will delight in hearing him live in concert. To see John perform is a joy – his exquisite guitar work is spellbinding.
Combine his extraordinary talent with an approachable, open and friendly guy, and you have the definitive John Malcolm – a wonderful and integral part of the Brisbane music scene.
Jack the M, are you up for a duet with the 23rd.of June?
I’m sailing up your way soon !
Ice.
I’d just like to say that I once again saw John perform live at The Joynt in Brisbane today, and I reiterate my comments – John is an amazing performer, and one of Brisbane’s beloved musical jewels. He continues to mesmerise and delight audiences with his incredible musical ability. Cool stuff. Go JM…!!
I hope you know how much I appreciate your long-standing support Bill
HI John, was wondering as to where you could be playing fri or sat Aug 16th,17th , would love to come see you when down in brissy? do you ever get up to sunny coast? Cheers Shell
Friday August 16th right in the middle of town, street level, Brisbane Central Railway Station: The Grand Central Hotel 9:30 – 12:30.
I hope you can make it.
John
Hi John
we spoke at the Joynt june 2 hoping you can make a date with us up at Noosa late August 23 + through sept . . . look forward to a reply.
Sorry I missed this; see Facebook Messages for reply and contact details.
Hi lovely to catch you on the web. Many mezmorising memories. I tell my son who has been playing 5 or 6 years, listen and watch. He’s 13 and I recount times of music. Peter Harrison
I have missed you so much Peter
Hi John and thanks . I remember our youth often- all the good times. I went to see Leonard Cohen recently, remembering a few nights on the beach with the fire glow. My family are going to your gig on Friday night – I can’t be there unfortunately. My son might introduce himself – ” Datjin ” and maybe Sam. Let me know if you come this way , Melbourne and vice versa for me. Hope you’re well and happy
I hope your family found out that gig was cancelled: sorry for any inconvenience.
No worries, they did. Next time. All the best.Peter
Great to know that John is still around playing. Myself and a group of friends would go specifically to watch him ( and ‘the breeze’ ) every Friday night at the Embassy Hotel around 1988-89 ( even though we were underage, lol ). Man, good times.. He even GAVE me a tape he was selling back then.. Which leads me to why I found this site..He partly inspired me to play guitar myself. One of my favourite songs of his is to play is ‘The Habits in my fingers’ – simple to play but great lyrics.. I forgot one of the verses, it’s on the tip of my tongue. Couldn’t find a video or anything of that song, but videos of songs like ‘In another world’ take me right back to a Happy place.
Hat’s off to you John.. you ARE a living legend still to me and many others i’m sure.
I hope you can check out a show some time Tony
Those nights at embassy with cat and mark Neumann were the best
I got given guitar lessons with mr malcom for my 21st
He inspired me to play as well
Good luck to you j
Verse first lines
I wake up in the morning, I reach accross an empty bed
Sorry baby wrong number, another babe I was tryin’ to call
I thought I gave up smokin’, how come I lit another cigarette
If I’m so happy that you left me, how come I’m playin’ the blues
Thanks soo much
“If I’m so happy that you left me, how come I’m playin’ the blues”
That’s the verse I was missing, Cheers John, Hoping to catch up soon.
cool
Hey sir malcom
How about putting some tab up so we all can play your songs..?
Suggest a song Jason
Walking past KC’s in Airlie Beach on Tuesday night with my wife, here’s this Dude blasting out Hallelujah on his Slide guitar, there’s not much else happening in’ town
So we decide to grab a seat and have a listen we were both blown away with the performance PURE entertainment.
Went back Wednesday night first song up John snaps his first string” I’ll be back in a minute” He announces and disappears to replace it.
Two songs later he does exact same thing on the newly replaced string unflustered he shouts out OOps! Must be the Airlie Beach humidity, picks up his 12 string and carries on performing.
After replacing the second burst string he pumps out some amazing blues songs,
I nip off to the toilet and when I return I can’t believe my eyes, the 6th string has been hacked to death and is now hanging off the back of the fretboard.
This guys a musical maniac, he’s battering his instruments to death but he’s doing it so beautifully.
Thursday night sadly our last night in Airlie and back we go back for more, this guys infectious, during the break John come over and says hi and during the conversation informs us he plays in the Brisbane area, Hallelujah! We’re heading home to the Gold Coast and will definitely be heading up to Brisbane to see you perform again John.
The weather has been piss poor but the entertainment was amazing. Thank You!!
Zander and Lauren
Hey Zander it was great to see you and your family at Da Burger
Thanks again for your help – it makes a difference!
By the way, I’m back at KCs Sept 15 – 22
I was lucky enough to meet John Malcolm briefly at Stradbroke Island on the 8th of June. As a music and event fantastic, I can confidently say he is more talented than any modern musician I have ever witnessed live in the 21 years of my life and 10+ countries I have visited. I loved his originals and some classics that he enhanced, his talents mesmerized me. Your music make me appreciate life. Rock on man! Solar – solarmood.com
Hey john
Couple of my favs
I feel
Another world
Cheers Jason
First time I caught JM was in the old Brisbane Hotel in the early 1980’s. (Yes, sorry, we’re both that old…) After years of travelling all over the place it’s good to know you’re still the great entertainer you were back then! I’m down Ballina way these days – a part of the world you ever get near? (I still annoy the neighbours singing ‘Just Another Sunday in Suburbia’ when they disturb my weekend!)
That would have been 1981. I recall I had a terrible repertoire at that stage.
“I was so much older then; I’m younger than that now” – Bob Dylan “My Back Pages”
Thanks for remembering; come to a gig sometime!
John you rock love the music you play and the way you plz everyone in the room thanks for your music
Oh the memories; I moved away from Brissy back to FNQ in 1989 and had spent a good few Friday nights at The Embassy. Loved, loved, loved you and Cat – was there the night Cat played his last before moving (to New Zealand was it? Bit hazy!!). Still have the tapes and the memories……I just heard a snippet of music that reminded me of your style and that’s how come I looked you up. Good to see you’re still going and you look younger than ever!! Vicki H
Hi John. Through the wonders of this marvel called ‘apps’ I have found spotify and rediscovered your music. Am listening now and wonder do you remember me from soo long ago – I was David Sier’s partner when we were all at Melb Uni. Would love to come and see you play if ever you are in Melb. Great to hear you again. Stephanie aka Stevie
Oh dear – didn’t i reply to this? I remember you well and very fondly.
I’d love to hear from a few more of the Uni crew
The Story Bridge Hotel ………the sound of 15 Harley Davidsons starting up followed by Angel Gear ….. is it 1993 again
Hello John,I used to come and see you at Boroughs wine bar in Scarborough.How have you been? still doing the marathons?Looks like you are still performing? do you perform for private gigs?
Best Regards,
Shala
-regularly running up Mt Cootha but not doing the Bridge to Briz this year ; numbers are capped and the course is temporarily different. I am still gigging and yes I do private gigs. thanks for contacting me. Regards, John
Hi John, I first heard you at the story bridge in the early 90’s where I remember being left mesmerised & speechless.. then you were offering tape recordings after the gig which I promptly had to have, which I have cherished over the years but it was damaged & I hadn’t copied it..it had a yellow & black cover design & your name..what do you think of my chances are of ever owning another copy.. wonderful to see you are still performing, I don’t live in briz anymore but you have given me reason to visit 🙂 regards fi
I still have a tape copy; there is a chance i could burn it to a CD, even tho’ it would be low fidelity
Thank-you that’s wonderful news john 🙂 regards fi
Hi John!
I think I saw you in the Whitsundays area once, it may not have been but either way I came away with Highlights and Pieces of String. I just rediscovered both of them today on an old hard drive and man oh man what a rediscovery it was! ‘Naked’ is a truly awesome song. The beginning, ‘Are you feeling cold, are you feeling old, have you wandered far from home…’ always gives me chills. Thanks for the memories!
Yes that was me xx
John – loved Humpybong Express on Saturday, had to leave earlier than we wanted to as the designated driver (wife! 😉 ) was starting to feel a little out of sorts.. but what a fantastic night. Sorry I couldn’t stay until the end and help you pack up 🙂
Absolutely brilliant music.
Hiya John, Darky here. Have followed your gigs since the mid 90s at the Embassy Hotel Brisbane n where ever i could find you. Own most of your cassette tapes from back in the day of You n the Breeze. Caught up again at Taps 2014 Mooloolaba. Small crowd, kinda personal gig. MAN YOU STILL OWN THE SHOW!!! Just missed your current Sunny Coast gig. Hope to see you again soon! DARKY. JOHN YOURE A LEGEND
Thanks Darky. If you drop in to Peregian Beach Hotel, ask them when they are getting me back. Meanwhile watch for gigs at The Yacht Club, Mooloolaba. Highlights (with the Breeze) is now available on CD or can be downloaded at https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/johnmalcolm25
Thanks for re-releasing Highlights. I had a copy on tape I bought from you at the RE (Toowong) back in the day, and I missed it.
we stalked John Malcolm gigs back in ’86, ’87 etc. Had our own music happening (I was a singer) in the Brissy scene but would rock up to your shows John, always knowing we were in for an amazing listen. Man, soooo happy you are still out and about. I’ll be the 50 year old fat lady at your next gig. Onya mate. Ps. I bought one of your ‘tapes’ too.
Hey John, Am also very excited about the re-release of Highlights – remember all the words by heart! Bought a copy off you years back at the Story Bridge Hotel…before it went sporty. Saw you in Kedron awhile ago….still loving your work!
Lisa
I just happened to look at my local paper today (Tamborine Times) and was blown away to see an Add stating that John Malcom is playing at the local bowels club.
It has been 20-something years since seeing John play at the Bomb Shelter, Story Bridge.
John, it was such a treat to see you play tonight; you’re brilliant live!!
Thank you, you’re a gifted musician…
Cheers
Mark
Hi, Jo Ma Com
Call Troy
0416162954
Please
I have known JM for a period of times to be totally blessed to meet talk and absorb the structure of pleasure regards scotty h.
Listen to you under the bridge on dec. 8 1994 in brisbane… read this right now in our travel book from then… still incredible guitarplay…
Hi John, really enjoyed catching you again at the Salisbury Hotel last week. Thanks for playing all my requests so brilliantly. I will follow you on Facebook and make sure I see you next time you play. I play around Brisbane too in my Irish duo called Coolybar, we have 2 vocals , guitar and a Bodhran. If ever you want a support act please get in touch. You can find us on Facebook/coolybarmusic
Best wishes
Eric
Saturday Nov 25 Royal Mail Goodna 1 – 4
coolybarmusic did not show up on a Facebook Search
I’m keen to get some Bodhran on my recordings and would love to check out a gig.
Hi John, Paul Delofski here… just wanted to let you know that Tony Woodward died a little while ago… that, and to thank you for some of your songs that play themselves in my head and sometimes aloud:
There’s streams go down by greens and browns, depending on the season…
And,
I spoke to the muse and her face was the sky. The wind it replied through the trees…
And,
There once was a farmer who lived by the creek. You could tell by his long hair that he was a frequent church goer…
And,
Tasmania, Tasmania, no relation to Albania, Romania or Transylvania..
paulskye@mac.com
Yeah, so sad that Tony who was a very close friend, passed away without me ever finding out why he stopped communicating with me about 30 years ago. I think fondly about him every day.
Check this one, recorded to cassette tape on my back steps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwvkO1uCdaQ
Hi John,
It was awesome to see and hear you tonight at the Salisbury Hotel!
It’s been 3 decades since I used to be mesmerised by you each weekend.
I was half expecting a ‘has-been’ show, but instead what I got was a genius who ‘has moved on’ to bigger better prowess with a soft embrace of the modern technology that you never had back then that allows you to be so much more John Malcolm then you ever were before!
I recently saw Paul McCartney at Suncorp Stadium and realised why he’s still doing it in his 80s. Because he can finally put on a Beatles show, the way the Beatles imagined it, now that technology has finally caught up. I can see that you are doing the same because now the technology lets you do the things you dreamed of back then.
Thanks again for a lovely trip down memory lane and a trip up future lane too!
Cheers,
Jacques Vever
Thanks Jaques, I will be back at the Salisbury Sat June 22 7-10pm (they may change the time to 5-8, stay tuned)
From July to Dec I will play there on the first Saturday of each month 5-8
MEANWHILE I’m at the legendary Royal Mail Goodna this Saturday April 20 1:30-4:30
Met John yesterday at the Royal Mail
What a brilliant diverse man he is
His music is wild yet beautifully deep…
So pleased there are still a few good authentic music men still in our crazy world…
Look forward to hearing more of his amazing gigs …..
Thanks for the music Deborah
Thanks very much Deborah
It was nice to meet you.
It means a lot to me that you appreciate my work.
I have a few more gigs booked at the Royal Mail and will post them on my home page soon, The next is a 2-hour spot on Saturday May 18 from Midday. (The food is good.)
Hi John, I see your still gigging Brisbane, Legend for not giving Music, awesome influence on Me, My cousin Helen Aitkenhead, used to take me to watch you perform, at the story bridge hotel early 1980`s, I have a diss ability 8 fingers and a short leg, i limp. but still did not stop me from playing music, i remember, you used one speaker bin horn, rack, preamps, when i was learning guitar, you was my idol. you used to visit me and Ian, with the yellow falcon x ambulance, from Melbourne Cairns when we where having a jam, near Cannon Hill rail way station,1987 i was one of Brett Eddy Music student, I got into a band with Mark sampson and Jason Loyd, Diane Wizza, George And Alan from Brisbane Concert sound Queens port hotel, hemo! gigged gold coast Brisbane, I moved out back Australia, 1996, And i worked as a Mechanic, trade, and Worked as a Guitar player singer, nights far North Queensland, Gear, from, lawrie Esmond, Central Concert Sound worked as a stage hand, while still setting up my own gear, hired 1400`s big 3000 watt, crown cross over, yamaha p22000, Nipon, slim dusty old amp, one channel cricket, needs service, Coal Mines, used a false name, out back Australia Pubs, 25 years, then i did pro drum studies in Boonooroo Tuan, Coast guard with yukka Mantari, Now And studio sound Mastering Studies, again, 2007, still current, living in my mobile home, now on Pension, Still writing and learning to record, capture, professional, did band and Backing backing tracks, and solo acoustic, Learning how to record with out distortion, sweet spot on digital gain, taken a few road cases of Junk boxes, Neumann condenser Mic! its getting the limiters gates expansion adjustments, and exciters and enhancers, i also got mys self a 8 track1/1/4 inch reel to reel ampeg tape, mixer and expanders bent electric motor shafts, that give a effect to the recordings, , i bought off terry Simonds Gympie Music, we used to jam in tingalpa social club, gum dale,. 1980`s, before it burnt down, I imported a new electric telecaster from the USA, solid Alder wood, series two, and Maton, rose wood back and sides, Messiah cut away from Box Hill. USA STRAT, p Maple kneck American a Oak, and old vintage Monterey kawii tripple humbucker, Brett Eddys old axe, kalah action, now coming up to my 38 year` performing operating Guitar, Mic, good to see your still performing and improvising, Made it your own Musical art, best of hope and all good luck, from Troy Aitkenhead
Thanks for the music…if your still playing…I’ll see you again…may good things come your way….”Happy birthday” hope its a great one….helen (story Bridge days and after…)
Ha