A master of the Sligo tradition of flute and tin whistle playing, Matt Malloy has played a vital role in the evolution of Irish music. A charter member of the Bothy Band, Malloy has continued to bring a modern sensibility to Ireland's traditional music. In addition to recording four memorable solo albums, Malloy has applied the warm, airy tones of his flutes to the music of Paul Brady, Tommy Peoples, Michael O'Suillabhain, Donal Lunny, Planxty, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Malloy has been one of two non-Dubliners in the Chieftains since 1979. A native of the small County Rosecommon village of Ballaghadereen, Malloy represents the third generation of flute players in his family. Starting to learn the instrument at the age of eight, he won the All-Ireland Flute Championship nine years later. An invitation to join the National Fleadh Cheoil And Oirechta followed shortly afterwards. Moving to Dublin in the early '70s, Malloy quickly established himself as one of the city's leading traditional musicians. When his busy schedule allows, Malloy can be found at the pub that he owns in Westport, County Mayo. ~ Craig Harris