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Karl Wilson’s as English as John Steed drinking Earl Grey at a village cricket match, and so is his music, but the driving force behind his ambition lay thousands of miles to the West. One random, reckless trip to New York changed everything.
All set for a comfortable career arguing for a living – not as a traffic warden, but as a lawyer – Karl realized this wasn’t the life he wanted to live. Fuelled by an irresponsible dream and the knowledge this moment could pass him by, he packed a backpack, grabbed his guitar, and headed for the airport. He acted out every bored worker’s daydream of tearing off their tie, telling their boss where to go and walking out into the sunset.
As he adapted to the rhythms of his new home, he spent more and more time honing his guitar and piano playing, which involved hanging out in the small acoustic and folk clubs of the East Village and Lower East Side, drinking coffee and jamming with strangers. But he didn’t just perform in cafes. He played on the subway. He played on the streets. In fact, he’d play anywhere just to experience a live audience, whether it had paid to hear him or not.
He soon became a fixture in that part of New York, and the songs that feature on his debut album, Eleven Songs, started to take shape. The risk had begun to pay off – Karl had been determined not to return home until he had a plan. Now, one year on and with a body of work ready to be sculpted into an album, the next step was clear.
Arriving back in the UK, he hooked up with producer Jack Ruston (Tom McRae, Kubb, Jill Jackson) and began to work on the debut LP. It’s full of raw, intimate and fragile songs borne of an uncertain time, which perfectly reflect the circumstances of their birth. They remind the listener that sometimes, just sometimes, when you gamble, your numbers can come up. Something Karl knows only too well.
Hi Karl, It looks like you are keeping busy :-) and all seems to be going along well. If you are not busy on the 14th I wondered if you might be interested in coming along to Jon's gig at The Union Chapel. You probably know the venue but if you don't it's really amazing,check it out. Be good to see you there if you can make it along. It's a band gig so am assuming Rich will be there and I seem to remember you liked his Hammond playing. take care, dee x
Don't miss Jon Allen and his band headline at this stunning top class London venue.Union Chapel, Compton Av, Islington, London, N1 2XD - Tickets on sale now.
KXD- The 3x6 turntable Spectacular featuring Dj's Kos, Xavier, and the one and only Diggabeatz- one of the most unique and amazing DJ acts in the world. Now accepting tour dates for 2009!
Hope is the seed of FUTURE delight. It is the enticement to trust,to risk, to try once more,and to carry on. New prospects and possiblites opening up to you every day! So let us Hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,for God who promised is faithful.
Keep your faith in all u do. You are Abraham Seed indeed...
hey karl, thanks much for listening and ur friendness. you can hear more and pick up some CDs at www.cdbaby.com/all/jameskatz hope ur weekend was note worthy and ur week ahead looks expansive
