Ken Nicol is an exceptional musician. As a guitarist, he is one of the most skilled and exciting playing anywhere today; as a singer he is capable of evoking wide range of emotions in his audience; and as a songwriter he demonstrates these abilities in his clever and well-crafted material. His music covers the spectrum from blues to rock, and effortlessly takes in folk, jazz, ragtime, ballads and more along the way.

Born in Preston UK, Ken formed the band 'Nicol & Marsh's Easy Street' with Pete Marsh, and it wasn't long before they landed a major record contract and went on to produce four albums to widespread acclaim on the CBS and Polydor labels, the last one being recorded in Los Angeles. This prompted Ken to make his home in the US where he played gigs as a solo acoustic performer.

Ken returned to the UK from LA in 1989 producing the albums: "Living in a Spanish Town", "Two Frets from the Blues", "Clean Feet - No Shoes", "The Bridge" and more recently, "13 Reasons" all released on his own M.V.S label.

In 1997 Ken joined The Albion Band as lead guitarist and singer, writing much of the band's material himself and co-writing with Ashley Hutchings. They produced four albums in this time.

In December 2002, he successfully joined forces with the legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span on their UK 'Reunion Tour'. 2004 saw the release of two albums,"They Called Her Babylon" and "Winter". His third collaboration with the band, "Bloody Men" was released in 2006. 2009 proved to be an extremely busy time as Steeleye Span celebrated their 40th year in the business, as well as two UK Tours the band visited the USA and Australia.

Ken also continues to write, record and tour as a solo artist, his latest album - Initial Variations which is completely instrumental was released in 2008.

Ken decided to take full advantage of his trip 'down under' with Steeleye by immediately following the Australian leg with a string of solo performances from Perth in Australia to the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Reviews

"Formidable and painstakingly acquired skills ....... a very high class player indeed. He seems comfortable with whatever style is tossed at him."   Martin Carthy

"I first met Ken when we collaborated on an Ashley Hutchings song...... I was amazed at Ken's beautiful ragtime guitar style. He has such a great way of delivering a story and gently laying down the punch line.  Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility, and a passion for right, proper, good music."  Ralph McTell

"Ken Nicol is a consummate musician. A guitarist of broad scope, a sensitive singer and an intelligent writer of songs with stirring melodies. A musical paragon."  Maddy Prior

"It's difficult for me to imagine a more talented all rounder than Ken; both as singer and guitarist."  Ashley Hutchings

"Prodigiously talented."  Clive Pownceby (Radio Two web site)

The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired, and fans of instrumental guitar are likely to be thrilled.....  Acoustic Magazine

Guitar players will appreciate his masterclass style, while more general listeners will be aware that his gift for melody......  Record Collector

Find out more about Ken Nicol at:

www.kennicol.co.uk     www.myspace.com/kennicol