Jack lives in Fife, Scotland. He became interested in Scots-dialect songs and ballads during the 1960?s folk-song revival, and helped found The Dunfermline Howff. Throughout the sixties he played with such artists as Archie Fisher, John Watt, The McAlmans, The Corries and The Incredible String Band, among others.

Jack co-founded the acclaimed folk band Heritage, which made four recordings, numerous TV and radio broadcasts, and frequent European tours.

Since 1989, he has toured regularly in the States and presented a monthly radio program broadcast in Scotland and the US.

In 1990, Jack became an honorary life member of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland, and since then he has worked solo, with ?Heritage? colleague George Haig, and with songwriter John Watt at clubs and festivals.

He is currently helping to develop a new national qualification for Scottish traditional music tutors. His most recent venture is A Stranger in this Country, an ?infotainment? examining similar Scots and American ballads that he has performed across Scotland and the United States. Jack continues to record and perform, both solo, and with his wife, Wendy Welch, providing music for her storytelling performances. His latest recording is Half Ower Half Ower Tae Aberdour on the Tradition Bearers label.

[Biographical information courtesy of the Swannanoa Gathering].