Tom McFarland – percussion and vocals

“…one of the most sensitive accompanists on the folk scene” - Folk Roots

Tom comes from Belfast where he started studying drums as a teenager and played with garage bands. Later he guested with blues and pop bands before starting to concentrate on "hand drums". His interest in percussion stretches to instruments from all over the world - in his live work he plays, among others, the African Djembé, Latin American congas, bongos, various shakers, bodhrán and drum kit.

As well as touring with his wife Fil Campbell, Tom has played and recorded with David Knopfler and has also toured with Ben Sands of the world renowned Sands Family. He is a regular guest on stage with Finbar Furey and has been working with Irish uilleann piper and singer Tomás Lynch. He has also appeared on albums by the Jon Wright Band, Tommy Sands, Rosemary Woods, Briege Murphy, Colum Sands, and Ben Sands.

Between tours and sessions he teaches drums and percussion to kids and adults and is available for workshops.

"A good drummer listens as much as he plays."
-Indian Proverb