Jonny Hardie

Jonny Hardie was brought up in Aberdeenshire - an area of Scotland culturally rich in ballads and fiddle tunes. At the age of eight Jonny started playing fiddle. After leaving school he studied viola at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. Jonny then returned to Aberdeen to concentrate on traditional music and soon became involved in various local bands. It was during this time that Old Blind Dogs were formed, along with Ian Benzie and Buzzby McMillan.

Over the last decade Jonny has toured extensively with Old Blind Dogs and has been involved with a variety of projects including theatre and production work.

Apart from OBD’s work Jonny has recorded two CDs with Gavin Marwick ('Up In The Air' and 'The Blue Lamp'), recorded and produced 'The Captains Collection' (recording from Captain Simon Fraser’s 1816 collection) and a CD featuring the music Inverness fiddler Donald Riddle (called 'A Highland Fiddler'). In 2006 Jonny released his first solo album 'Lucky Jonny'. Over the last few years Jonny has been much in demand as a producer and guitarist working with Ronan Martin, Bruce McGregor, Back of the Moon and many others. Last year OBD’s released the award winning album 'Four on the Floor' and were once again voted Folk Band of the Year.

Apart from Old Blind Dogs Jonny is currently working with Alyth McCormack and featuring as a regular guest with The Chieftains.

Watch Johnny Hardie talking about the 'In the Shadow of the Stones' (mov)