Solo singer/songwriter or duo with Mario Price on violin
Influences
Loudon Wainwright III, The Waterboys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Dick Gaughan, Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann, Randy Newman and Paul Simon, Sandy Denny, Bob Marley, Chuck Berry, John Denver, Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli, Terry Hall & Mushtaq , Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen , Buddy Holly, Rory Mcleod, George Formby, Simon & Garfunkal, Monty Python, Tom Lehrer, Ray Davies, Martin Carthy, Redgum among others.
John Ward has been a full time singer/songwriter since 1988 and, in that time, has performed in countless venues all over Britain, as well as touring many times in Germany as well as The Netherlands and Southern Ireland.
John has made numerous radio and festival appearences, and has appeared on British television a number of times. He has released five albums, all of which have been critically acclaimed, the new one 'Praying For The Alien' having just been released. John has worked with a wide range of musicians, most notably and regularly with violinist Mario Price. He also plays in a local and highly respected Ceilidh band, SkipHire.
John has been described as an energetic, passionate and spirited performer who successfully combines a good deal of humour with some very thought-provoking songs. His warm and versatile style entertains and engages the audience, with his eclectic material usually ensuring a repeat invitation. Over 20 years' experience on guitars and harmonica has gained John a well earned reputation as an excellent musician, however, it is often his breath-taking bodhran solos which leave the audiences shouting for more.
John's already wide repetoire of popular and original material is further enhanced when joined by Mario Price who brings his exceptional improvisation talents and his exciting celtic/gypsy/jazz to both the live shows and John's recordings.
Over nearly twenty years John has written an epic poem entitled ‘The Iron Bridge’ based the life times and characters his home town. At over 9000 words the book takes the reader on a journey through various periods in the town’s history. Drawing on real events as well as imagination it weaves characters and landscapes from different ages together to form a magical vision of the town’s present and its past.
SOME COMMENTS & REVIEWS:
"A singer and guitarist to watch out for" - THE TIMES
"A songwriter of maturity and depth" - TIME OUT
"Excellent" - GRAPEVINE
"Excellent" - FOLK ROOTS
"An Exciting Talent" - FOLK ON TAP
"Impressive" - EASTERN DAILY PRESS
ALBUMS AND BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM JOHN'S WEBSITE, CLICK ON ALBUMS ABOVE.
I just listened to your new tracks and I can't believe that you still persist with this folk thing, and have yet to embrace the challenging and innovative genre of industrial techno-thrash punk-metal...
Seriously though, congratulations on the new work - the tracks sound fantastic and I think 'It's not Dark', in particular, is a wonderful piece of music.
Hi John, I'm thrilled to be asked to join your friends, always admired your singing, playing, thoughtful and moving but often amusing songwriting and sheer live entertainment value when I've caught your sets at the Music House, very classy :)
