Singer/songwriter King Rollo celebrates forty years since his talents were first recognised with one of his early songs being published by Apple Corps. This year (2008) three of his recordings from 1968 are to be included on a new CD release by Cherry Red Records to mark the history of The Beatles organisation Apple, and the subject of a forthcoming BBC TV documentary. Other tracks on the CD are from other contemporary Apple songwriters Gallagher & Lyle, Badfinger and Grapefruit

Rollo has spent the last decade as a twenty-first century troubadour touring European clubs and festivals "dispensing harmony to a jangled world, delivered with conviction," as Mel Kingsbury wrote in Blues In Britain Magazine.

With four decades of performing experience his repertoire is wide and far ranging; from wistful, philosophical songs that might be compared to Leonard Cohen to hard-biting, down and dirty blues you might expect from Howling Wolf. His lived-in vocals fulfill the promise of a soulful dexterity creating improvisations around novel interpretations of jazz classics, latin vibes, rhythm & blues standards, African grooves and gospel-tinged folk songs.

His accompanying guitar has the capabilities of a full orchestra using ragtime and classical finger-picking techniques interwoven with soulful melodic solos that make you think there must be at least two musicians playing.

Notable appearances include festivals at:

Colne, Burnley, Banbury, Sheffield, Rotherham
Romily (France), Madrid Raices Ritmo,
International Festival of Acoustic Blues, Madrid
Isle Of Wight Roots Festival, Southsea Roots Festival
Humber Mouth (LitFest), The Bath International Guitar Festival.

His concerts have included appearances with Eric Bibb, Michael Roach, Peter Green, Ian Siegal, Mojo Buford and Country Joe McDonald (of Woodstock fame).

He is a regular performer at the Wolds Collective events Ecofest and Small World held at Badger’s Farm Asterby. (www.woldscollective.co.uk) and currently tours the UK with blues keyboardist Dr.A.
Rollo is also resident MC for the Acoustic Stage at The Great Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne,Lancs.

E: rollo@king-rollo.co.uk T:+44 (0)7780 815516