The new kids on the block.
“hunky, chunky blues rock from a tartan-kilted fierce bluesy foursome’
That’s how the press critics described the debut performance of KING KING at this years Maryport Blues Festival
Over the past year KING KING have swept like a breath of fresh air through the British Blues scene.
Fronted by charismatic bluesman Alan Nimmo (of Nimmo Bros fame), audiences at Monaghan, Maryport & Blues on The Farm festivals were left in no doubt that the future of the blues is now in the safe hands of KING KING.
Leading the band is the aforementioned Alan, a frontman 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 other can only aspire to.
On bass guitar is Lindsay Coulson, formerly with the Nimmo Bros band and Aynsley Lister. On drums 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. 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.
Their debut EP ‘Broken Heal’was produced by 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”, “heartwrenching guitar solos” and “stirring guitar work”.
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.
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.
Drawing on their combined talent whilst cherry-picking the hottest influences, the band has pushed boundaries to craft a fresh, powerful new angle on blues rock which is as infectious as it is accomplished.