Biog
Marie’s father had a huge musical influence on her, whistling and singing around the house and Marie became obsessed with learning tune after tune. By age 11, Marie was playing for Irish Dance classes on Saturday mornings and discovered her love of performing to audiences and playing with others.
Marie went on to join the renowned Jim Johnstone and his Band for 13 years.
This was a hugely influential decade, performing, touring and recording in a professional, established and highly regarded band.
Other Scottish Dance Bands that Marie has played in include: Tom Orr, Duncan Black, 60s Bairns, Tribute, Ian Muir, Robert MacLeod, Neil Gow Dance Band, Craig Paton, Stuart Cameron, John Burns, Reeltime, Alasdair MacCuish and The Black Rose, Ian Smith, Bill Black, Craig McCallum, John Carmichael, Neil Barron, Douglas Muir, Jennifer Cruickshank, Clappy Dhu, James Coutts, Marion Anderson, Calum McLean, David Cunningham, John Renton and many more.
As an open minded and extremely versatile fiddler, Marie crosses many genres including folk, Indian and jazz influences and over the years has collaborated with an array of musicians including: Donogh Hennessy, Trevor Hutchieson, Kuljit Bhamra, Pauline Scanlon, Eilis Kennedy, Jeremy Spencer, Laura Kerr, Barry Kerr, Simon McKerral, Damien Mullane, Kathryn Tickell, Finlay Macdonald, Anna Massie, Ryan Young, Willie Hunter, Andy Stewart, Kenneth McKellar, Peter Morrison, Bill McCue, Johnny Beattie, Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod, John Rae, Kathryn Nichol, Wendy Wetherby, Gary Innes, Manus McGuire, Brian McAlpine, Jim Malcom, Phil Cunningham, Simon Thoumire, Duncan Chisholm, Lauren McColl, Shona Mooney, Mhairi Campbell, David McGuiness, Reeltime Ceilidh Band, Kevin MacKenzie, Julie Fowlis, Fraser Fifield, Nuala Kennedy, Maggie MacInnes, Stuart Liddell, Mary Ann Kennedy, Bryan Gear.
Marie owns her own record company, Rumford Records, which has a catalogue of several albums.
Marie's awards
An Education Award from Falkirk Council for contributions to the community
Nominee for Album of The Year at Na Trads
Nominee for Composer of The Year at Na Trads
Nominee for Dance Band of The Year at Na Trads
Winner of Dance Band of The Year at Na Trads
Winner several times for Best Scottish Composer by National Ass. of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs as well as Trio and Fiddle Group champions
Marie is also a keen artist and her latest recording “The Spectrum Project” features her work on the album cover.
Her paintings are imaginary, influenced by nature, using mostly acrylics. Marie also a keen photographer and makes cards and does pottery.