Right now, the Glasgow-based band stand on the brink of their busiest period to date, preparing to pull the trigger on their hotly anticipated third album, ‘Reaching For The Light’, and bring the music to fans across Europe. "Our schedule is so busy," laughs Alan. "But you've just got to run with it".
In short, there's no time for backslaps, even as King King reflect on an astonishing early run. As a measure of the band's impact, consider their five victories at the 2014 British Blues Awards, not least 'Best Band' (for a third consecutive year) and 'Best Album' for 2013's 'Standing In The Shadows'.
Add to that, the inclusion of Shadows in both The Blues Mag's Top 50 Albums of 2013, and Paul Jones' BBC Radio 2 end-of- year countdown (the only British album in the running). And now, with 'Reaching For The Light' due to land on May 5th, they'll need to clear some space in the trophy cabinet.
Media plaudits are always welcome, but perhaps the most tangible evidence that King King are doing something right are the audiences who have roared them to the rafters across the planet. It's quite a coup, in an era when we're told that honest, dues-paying rock 'n' roll is on the ropes. But then, ever since their live debut shook the Monaghan Blues Festival back in 2010, it was obvious there was something special about this four-piece.
King King were never exactly a 'new band', of course. Alan was already a familiar face on the international blues circuit while Lindsay, Wayne and original keys man Bennett Holland were all first-choice musicians with pedigree and past-form. Yet critically, whereas many talented lineups become a tug-of-war between egos, King King soon hit on a winning team dynamic, with all four members creating synergy on the stage and sparking ideas in the studio.
First came 2011's ‘Take My Hand'. Dubbed "tremendous, terrific" by Maverick Magazine, crowned Blues Album of the Month in Classic Rock, and ultimately scoring the band's first British Blues Award for 'Best Album', it was one hell of an opening gambit — topped only by the release of 'Standing In The Shadows' in March 2013.
While lesser bands complain of 'difficult second album syndrome', this was a follow-up that bottled King King's jaw-breaking live power, and underlined the line-up's evolving song writing on tracks from the tough More Than I Can Take to the tender Long History Of Love. The Classic Rock Blues Mag deemed it "a sure-fire hit", and they were proved right, with demand for King King pulling the new lineup — now bolstered by Bob's astonishing prowess on keys and organ — from Eastern Europe to Canada, for house-rocking sets that included the Ottawa and Mont Tremblant Blues Fests and the Canada AM show.
With King King, the soundbites and statistics only tell half the story. Far conclusive proof of this band's brilliance, you need only play the music — and the smart move is to start with their most powerful and personal album to date, 'Reaching For The Light'. Co-written by all four members, recorded in snatches between touring commitments, and channelling everything from hard-rock to gospel, it's another step up from a band with no reverse gear. "We're really proud of this album," says Alan, "It's faster, louder, more energetic, more exciting. It's got the potential to blow the roof off."
No doubt, you'll want to be there when it does. Alongside the release of stunning new album 'Reaching For The Light' on May 5th, Alan, Lindsay, Wayne and Bob will be embarking on a continent-hopping tour schedule in 2015 that means there's never been a better time to experience their magic from the front row.
King King are moving fast. Catch them in 2016 if you can!
Winners 'Best Band' - The British Blues Awards 2012, 2013 & 2014.
Best Album 'Take My Hand' 2013
Best Album 'Standing In Shadows' 2014
Nominated for "Best New Band" in the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards 2015.
‘Reaching For The Light’ is the best blues rock album you’ll hear this year – and one of the best of the modern blues rock era’ – Fabrications HQ
KING KING – March 2016 UK Tour Dates are:
Wednesday 9th March
LIVERPOOL – Epstein Theatre
Box Office No: 0844 888 4411
Thursday 10th MarchBRISTOL – The FleeceFriday 11th March KENDAL – Brewery Arts Centre Box Office No: 01539 725133
Friday 11th March
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Website
Saturday 12th March
CREWE – The Box
Box Office No: 01270 257398270 257398
Website
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Website
Saturday 12th March
CREWE – The Box
Box Office No: 01270 257398270 257398
Website
Thursday 17th March
CARDIFF – The Globe
Friday 18th March
HOLMFIRTH – Picturedrome
Saturday 19th March
STOCKTON – Arc
For further information on KING KING and LAURENCE JONES - check out the following websites / social media links:
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