John Munro

JOHN MUNRO was born in Glasgow and 'escaped' to Australia at the age of 18 years. Having had a flirtation with folk music in Scotland, John found the local folk haunts in Australia and was soon immersed in the music. He was a founder member of Country Express in 1969 and later Colcannon (Australia) in 1988, but he is probably best known as an accompanist to Eric Bogle. In his work with Eric, John has toured Canada, the USA and the U.K. Six times and Australia numerous times. He has also toured widely with Colcannon, including the UK, where the Band has achieved a high profile.

John has also made a name for himself as an inspiring and talented songwriter, best exemplified by his two historical song cycles, "The Kelly Collection" and "The Eureka Suite" - the latter was recorded in 1999 by Festival Records, Australia.

John's recording credits include eight albums with Eric Bogle, four with Country Express, nine with Colcannon, two with Mike Quarmby and one each with Margaret Christl (Canada), Mary-Jane Field, Irene Petrie plus Denis and Lynn Tracey, as well as countless guest appearances. His experience extends to production as well as performing.

In Australia, John has received two Celtic Music Club Awards for guitar and one for mandolin; two Folk Federation awards and two South Australian Music Industry awards with Colcannon - the latter being for Most Outstanding Contribution to Folk Music. He has also received three songwriter awards from the Songwriters, Composers and Lyricists Association.