The Ideal Band
"A simply beautiful sound, each song an absolute gem" (Maverick)
One of the best songbooks in contemporary Scots acoustic music, three of Scotland's most experienced musicians, and one of the most exciting new line-ups to emerge in recent years.
Ken Campbell - vocals, guitar, laud, Northumbrian pipes
Linsey Aitken - cello, vocals, recorders
Gavin Paterson - piano, guitar, mandolin, vocals
Eponymous CD on Fellside Recordings FECD226, touring throughout the UK and overseas.
Listen to
The Ideal Band
- Piper's Refrain [5.60Mb]
- Blue, Black & Green [5.19Mb]
- Clydeside [3.83Mb]
- My Madonna [3.79Mb]
- Old Time [4.32Mb]
"A welcome revival of The Ideal Band, Campbell's distinctive vocals and original songs with a smattering of trad.arr, distinctive flavours of cello and rich undertone of Paterson's piano. Warmly welcomed by all who waited so long for a follow up." R2 (formerly Rock and Reel magazine)
"The songs are absolutely gorgeous... I can't praise this CD highly enough, and if you get a chance to see them live, make time to enjoy an evening of great songs and music... this CD will fill the gap in your rack marked if I only buy one CD again place here." CD review, Amazon.co.uk September 2009
"A welcome showcase of Campbell's extraordinary varied talents and strong yet sensitive singing. A great knack of collecting gems from old sources and a canny ear for current songs from Scotland." Folk Roots
"A gem of a band" Irvine Herald
"A simply perfect group" Aberdeen Press and Journal
Ken Campbell
Ken is a Scottish singer/songwriter whose pedigree has been well established over 25 years, with five albums to date, festivals, concerts, TV and radio throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. Starting with Glasgow band "Molindinar", then a duo with Chris Miller and their much commended album "Pipers Maggott" for Topic Records of London, Ken expanded that duo with Alasdair Robertson to become front man of the highly successful "Ideal Band" following in the footsteps of Glasgow's "Bob Smith's Ideal Band" of the 1930's.
Ken toured subsequently with Cauld Wind Piper Hamish Moore with whom he still collaborates, and as a solo artist with two further albums "Going Solo" for Fellside and "Hand Pict" with Watercolour, whilst also working with cellist Wendy Weatherby, singer Stevie Lawrence (Rallion/Red Hot Chilli Pipers/Iron Horse) and Blair Cowan (Lloyd Cole and the Commotions).
Linsey Aitken
A highly regarded unique musician, cellist and vocalist who crosses genres from classical to folk. Trained on cello and piano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD), and subsequently classical singing, Linsey has performed professionally all over the UK from the Royal Albert Hall to the sands of Calgary Bay in Mull.
Collaborating regularly with composer Alan Craig and flautist/composer Louise Burnet, member of classical trio "Trois Femmes" and various quartets, she has taught orchestral/performance studies and degree students at Edinburgh University, teaches Kodaly singing methodology and specialises in working with young musicians from 3 years right through to students entering RSAMD.
As a founding member of folk band "The Cross Border Band" Linsey played and sang her way round Scotland, the Edinburgh Festival and other International festivals before joining the Ideal Band.
Gavin Paterson
Pianist, keyboards and multi instrumentalist - Gavin is one of Scotland's most accomplished and professional all round musicians and musical directors with over 25 years' experience of every genre from folk and roots to soul and rock music.
Gavin is the Musical Director and a member of the sensational 12-piece band "Dexys Bootleg Runners" currently creating an enviable reputation round the UK, and is a founding member of "21 Red", Scotland's most highly regarded and established function band since 1985.
2010 sees Gavin involved in musical festivals in New Orleans, the "Cajun Country", Tennessee, the Appalachians and at Clancy Brothers Festival in Ireland. He is also working on a new project blending the sounds of classic 50's blues with Cajun and Zydeco instruments.
Current Availability
Check availability with John Barrow.
