Ken Nicol - Initial Variations

Acoustic variations, but the talent remains the same

For those who don’t know, Ken Nicol is a chap who has paid his dues within the folk-rock world with stints in both The Albion Band and Steeleye Span, among others. He also puts out his own material, of which this acoustic instrumental album is the latest.

Its title alludes to the fact that the tracks are all listed as initials of various pals, while the variations suggest the central theme of tunes that glide seemingly effortlessly around a general folk palette. 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. Nicol intertwines subtle variations of musical quotes from more familiar songs and nuances of feels of tracks which change the moods of the material much more that you might expect. A warm wash of an album to enjoy on a number of levels, which can be bought through www.kennicol.co.uk.

MVS Sound | MVS CD 018

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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