“Softly softly” is not a maxim that King King are familiar with. Since
surging into life less than twelve months ago they have barely stopped
for breath, and their electrifying sound and scorching live shows have
generated more of a thunderous roar than a buzz.
....
This band certainly knows how to make an entrance. Fronted by
charismatic bluesman Alan Nimmo, their exhilarating debut at last year’s
Monaghan Blues Festival created such a stir that it prompted organizer
Somhairle MacConghail to state: “King King aren’t just playing the
festival. Word is that King King ARE the festival”. With a reception
like this there’s little surprise that the phone has been ringing off
the hook ever since, and after a frenetic winter tour the lads are
currently gearing up for a hectic summer of gigs and festival
appearances.
....
With outstanding reviews and a diary fit to burst, you’d be forgiven for
thinking that King King had enough to keep them occupied for a moment
or two. You’d be wrong. Apparently imbued with sufficient energy to
power a small town, the band has also found time to get into the studio,
the result being their debut EP ‘Broken Heal’. Produced alongside the
team behind the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and the Editors (to name
but a few), the EP instantly received a gleaming review from Blues
Matters Magazine, including remarks on it’s “emotive lyrics”, “heart
wrenching guitar solos” and “stirring guitar work”. The band had barely
left the studio when they began to receive airplay on radio stations in
the UK, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, India, Canada and the USA. Meanwhile,
organizers of the renowned Blues On The Farm festival laid their hands
on a copy and were so impressed that they made room for King King -
despite having already filled the bill for this year’s event.
....
Thundering on, the summer will see King King descending on the
celebrated Maryport Blues Festival, where they will follow Jethro Tull
onto the main stage at an event which will attract some 22,000 blues
aficionados. Then it’s off to headline at the Shetland Blues Festival,
squeezing in some European appearances (including another headline slot
at the Hookrock Festival) along the way.
....
Pretty impressive stuff for a band less than a year old. So what’s at
the root of all this commotion? Well, aside from seemingly boundless
impetus, the band is certainly not lacking in pedigree.
....
Leading the charge is the aforementioned Alan, a front man famed almost
as much for his contagious energy as his dazzling guitar work. Widely
known across the UK and Europe for his pivotal role with the
award-winning Nimmo Brothers, Alan’s full-blooded style, technical
brilliance and impassioned vocals combine to hit all the right buttons
and reach spots that many others can only aspire to.
....
Bringing up the rear we have Lindsay Coulson. Don’t be fooled by the wry
smile – beneath his unruffled exterior lurks a powerhouse of punchy,
fat bass who’s musical career has seen him take to the stage with such
well regarded blues acts as Aynsley Lister. He has also been a regular
in the Nimmo Brother’s lineup, and this history with Alan has resulted
in a dynamic musical chemistry which is evident in both songwriting and
performance.
....
New to the King King fold is Bennett Holland on keyboard. An excitable
advocate of funky low-down blues, Bennett has worked with a plethora of
names including Groove Armada and the critically adored Richard Hawley. A
compelling and highly skilled player, rumor has it that there are no
arms beneath Bennett’s sleeves – only more fingers.
....
Running with the King King ethos that more is always more when it comes
to talent, this summer’s audiences will also be treated to a special
guest in the form of Craig Blundell, recently described by Drummer
magazine as “one of the UK's most versatile and staggeringly talented
players”. A hugely gifted and resourceful musician, Craig is also
clearly a dynamo at juggling – aside from live performances, the last
year has seen him in constant demand for worldwide drumming clinics,
recording sessions, instructional books and even a documentary.
....
With this lineup of top-shelf musicians, King King could only draw their
inspiration from the best in the business, ranging from legendary
greats such as BB King and Albert Collins to the shining lights of
contemporary blues like Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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