Ken Nicol and Wendy Ross
When folk/rock band, Magna Carta , came to perform at Sharrington, Chris Simpson brought these two remarkably talented musicians with him. The pair loved Sharrington, and have returned to both stay in the village with friends or perform at the Village Hall on several occasions when privileged audiences have been treated to a fabulous evening’s entertainment.
Each time Ken has appeared here he has been supported by the talented violinist Wendy Ross who has, in the past, supported bands such as Jethro Tull. The You can hear several tracks recorded at Sharrington below
Ken Nicol is a highly acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, producer, playwright and composer, and as well as his extensive solo work he’s been a member of Steeleye Span, The Albion Band and Magna Carta, and has worked with artists ranging from Al Stewart to Phil Cool. His music ranges from folk to ragtime, blues to rock, ballads to jazz, amazingly intricate instrumentals to singalong comedy numbers. If you’d like to learn more you can visit his website by clicking here.
He has recording credits on more than 50 albums.
He plays acoustic and electric guitar, resonator guitar, 5-string banjo, mandolin and ukulele. He has toured extensively in the UK and throughout Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
He’s co-host of the Internet radio show, FolkCast which has thousands of listeners all around the world.
“Formidable and painstakingly acquired skills on both acoustic and electric guitars, a very high class player indeed. Flexible too. He seems comfortable with whatever style is tossed at him.”
Martin Carthy
“I was amazed at Ken’s beautiful ragtime guitar style. He has such a great way of delivering a story and gently laying down the punch line. Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility, and a passion for right, proper, good music.”
Ralph McTell
Acoustic Magazine: The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired.
You can see how well regarded Ken is and Gordon Giltrap also rates him as one of the most accomplished guitarists in this country.
Wendy Ross began playing violin at the age 4. Classically trained, a rapid, high achiever she soon became a protege of one of the North East’s top teachers/violinists, and went on to win festival and music awards. Many years of experience and further training followed, playing professionally in orchestras, chamber orchestras, theatres, quartets and solo work both at home and abroad.
However, a desire to learn all other musical genres prompted Wendy to leave the classical world behind and develop her own style, using the influences of jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass and folk which then lead on to many years of playing in bands, session recordings and working professionally with different singer-songwriters.
Consequently, Wendy has appeared in many venues and festivals throughout the UK and abroad (including Cropredy and Glastonbury), plus appearances on radio and TV, and recording sessions. Currently she can be seen playing with: Magna Carta, Ken Nicol, The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band, Captain of the Lost Waves.