The word got out in 2010 that I am a former dry stone waller from Yorkshire. Not really former, (but definitely from Yorkshire) its just that there are not many DSWs to build in London where I am currently based.
In truth building dry stone walls is the only thing that I can confidently hold my hands up and say that I am really good at, but I do have other passions in life including my wife, olive oil and music. Not necessarily in that order.
So, I have managed to build walls in various places around the world including Italy and the USA, and with regards to music; I have found myself playing in various forms over the years, from rock bands, solo acoustic to singing with the innovative Irish choir Anuna in 1997. Olive oil? Well, that’s another story and another website.
Whilst I was in high school, under the influence of Punk I cut my ‘performing’ teeth if you like, in the local folk clubs and within the ranks of our fumbling high school bands.
Much later on in life, during a visit to Sidmouth folk festival in 2003 , I witnessed the seeds of a new wave of trad English folk music which inspired me to revisit my folk roots. This, and a love of ‘world music’ combined with my recently acquired knowledge of music recording software set me on my way to what I am doing now.
2010 saw the release of my long awaited solo debut album ‘Panic Grass & Fever Few’ on Fledg’ling Records.
Produced along side Adrian Sherwood and Skip ‘Little Axe’ McDonald at the On-U-Sounds studios some of the trad English songs that I had arranged became laced with hints of ‘world music’ and a touch of Dub, thanks to Adrian, Skip and all the talented musicians who joined in the fun at On U Sound Studios.
I toured some of the 2010 summer festival circuit with the lads (Skip McDonald Guitar, Nick Greenwood Bass, Alan Brown perc and the Crispy Horns – David Fullwood, Richard Doswell & Chris Petter) and some gigs are scheduled for more dates next year.
With new solo recordings in the process there will most likely be plenty of solo gigs to come.
ian king of england.
