Ken plays acoustic and electric guitar, resonator guitar, 5-string banjo, mandolin and ukulele. His music ranges from folk to ragtime, blues to rock, ballads to jazz, amazingly intricate instrumentals to singalong comedy numbers and he has toured extensively in the UK and throughout Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

In 1996, Ken started working with Ashley Hutchings - the man who founded British folk-rock giants Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. It was to prove a very fruitful partnership which continues to this day. Ken has worked with Ashley in The Ashley Hutchings Dance Band, The Albion Band and as a duo. After recording four albums with The Albion Band and continuing to record and release his own solo albums, Ken joined legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span in 2002, touring the world and recording a further four albums with the band.

Another musical partnership was with British comedy star Phil Cool, and in 2009 that duo played as special guests to folk-rock giants Fairport Convention on their 40-date UK tour. Ken recorded his experiences of a very busy year as a touring musician in an online blog, which he is currently expanding into a semi-autobiographical book.

What others say about Ken Nicol:

“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 first met Ken when we collaborated on an Ashley Hutchings song on his last album. 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

“Ken Nicol is a consummate musician. A guitarist of broad scope, a sensitive singer and an intelligent writer of songs with stirring melodies. A musical paragon.” Maddy Prior

“It’s difficult for me to imagine a more talented all rounder than Ken; both as singer and guitarist.” Ashley Hutchings

“Prodigiously talented.” Clive Pownceby (BBC Radio 2)