WHAT better way to start String Jam Club’s 22nd Year of bringing world class live music to the Borders than to welcome virtuoso fiddler Ryan Young.

This extraordinary musician brings new and exciting ideas to traditional Scottish music and has been described as “a force of nature” by The Scotsman in a 5 star review.

Ryan holds both a first class honours and a Masters degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as well as being a twice in finalist in both the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, as well as Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Up And Coming Artist of the Year’.

Ryan, despite his comparatively young years, is already on his way to becoming a folk giant.

String Jam promoter Allie Fox told us: "Ryan’s fiddle playing is brimming with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision.

"His sound is very distinctive and he always manages to take the listener on an adventurous and emotional journey in any performance."

Ryan recorded his debut album with triple Grammy winner, Jesse Lewis, who has worked with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Bela Fleck.

The album was launched at Feakle Traditional Music Festival in County Clare, Ireland where he was accompanied by renowned guitarist, Dennis Cahill (Martin Hayes - The Gloaming).

Heavily influenced by the fiddle playing of County Clare and long fascinated by the playing of renowned fiddlers such as Bobby Casey, Paddy Canny, PJ and Martin Hayes and Tommy Potts from Dublin, Ryan focuses mainly on Scottish music, bringing new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way, infused with Irish stylistics.

In his own words, he states: “I want to play in a way that allows the music to flow through me, and it is the music that is heard, rather than any technical or lack of technical ability.

"In the end, I think that playing in a heart-felt way is all that should matter.”

That last sentence says everything you need to know about this extraordinary musician.

Allie added: "His technical skill is beyond most people’s reach. It is simply stunning.

"But when you actually listen to the music that is channelling through him, what takes your breath away you is not the technicality, but its emotional intensity and lyricism, passion and sensitivity, and a profound musicality that will touch even the stoniest of hearts."

Ryan will be supported by Jenn Butterworth at the String Jam Club in Selkirk's County Hotel on Saturday, January 12.

Tickets, priced at £14, are available from the County Hotel Selkirk (01750-705000) for collection on the night, or you can book online via Eventbrite (booking fees apply).