Ken Nicol

About Ken Nicol

Ken has been a member of Steeleye Span, The Albion Band, Magna Carta and Feast Of Fiddles, and worked with artists ranging from Al Stewart to Phil Cool. He has recording credits on more than 50 albums.

In 1996, Ken started working with Ashley Hutchings – the man who founded British folk-rock giants Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. It was to prove a very fruitful partnership which continues to this day. Ken has worked with Ashley in The Ashley Hutchings Dance Band, The Albion Band and as a duo.

After recording four albums with The Albion Band and continuing to record and release his own solo albums, Ken joined legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span in 2002, touring the world and recording a further four albums with the band.

Ken Nicol writes…

“Over the last twenty years, as well as touring with some of the most established artists on the folk and folk/rock scene, I’ve also found time to do what is closest to my heart, that is to perform solo.

2019 was a busy year, taking me to the countries of Canada, Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand, now I think it’s time to look a little closer to home for a while. This is why, Jim at Friends Of Folk and I are approaching club and concert organisers around the UK, in expressing my availability to perform at your venue, whether it be a folk club, arts centre, or even a house concert – something I’ve become very accustomed to during my regular visits to the Antipodes.”

“Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility”.

– Ralph McTell

“Formidable and painstakingly acquired skills on both acoustic and electric guitars, a very high class player indeed.”

– Martin Carthy

“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 (BBC Radio 2)

Ken Nicol’s “Initial Variations” CD Reviews

The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired. – Acoustic Magazine

KN at his best – rollercoasters of musical virtuosity that spellbind…
– Living Tradition

Ken plays with great virtuosity and sensitivity, and recording and production values are excellent. – Stirrings

Exquisitely crafted and melodically rich; deftly and stylishly played; and of course expertly recorded. A lovely record. – Net Rhythms

Guitar players will appreciate his masterclass style, while more general listeners will be aware that his gift for melody carries the album higher than the rest. – Record Collector

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