Ian Hunter, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Mott The Hoople, Free, The Band, Steve Marriott, Kelly Jones, Ryan Adams, Bernard Fanning, The Who, Jesse Malin, The Rolling Stones, The Faces, Lennon/McCartney,
Born and raised in the small village of Stoke Lacy in Herefordshire, Neil Ivison is a 25-year-old singer/songwriter blessed with a soulful, passionate voice and the natural gift of being able to tell a story in a song. Like many of the truly inspired singer/songwriters before him, Neil has absorbed the soul of classic artists from both sides of the Atlantic and channeled it into something original, captivating, and dynamic.
From an early age, Neil was surrounded by music, his father installing a Wurlitzer jukebox in the living room of the family’s rural cottage when Neil was just 2 years old. He first started playing guitar at high school, eventually fronting a band at the end of term concert, where one teacher quickly spotted his prodigious talent and guided the young singer through a more soulful repertoire.
The die was set and his teenage years were spent in bands playing every pub and backstreet dive that would book them. The progression from covers band to a singer with a set of quality original songs came naturally and a move to London soon followed. He says “I went down to London to ‘make it’ as we all do and I ended up working for signed bands as a tour manager but found I was neglecting my own songs really, so I jacked it all in and moved back to Herefordshire”.
An introduction to producer Dave Draper soon followed with Neil decamping to ffg Studios in Tewkesbury in early December 2007 to begin work on his debut album The Long Walk Home.
Neil describes the record as "The Stones meets Ryan Adams meets The Faces which is a sound I'm really pleased with and Dave has captured the live essence of what I do perfectly, the title also means a great deal to me as it reflects the journey I’ve had to take to get where I am now as an artist”.
2008 looks very promising for Neil, the impending release of his debut solo album and some offers of some high profile support slots look set to propel him into the nations psyche.
June 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUOTES
"The Long Walk Home' IS TRULY BRILLIANT AND A MUST-HAVE ALBUM FOR ANYONE WITH ANY MUSIC SENSE AT ALL, IT'S POSSIBLY THE BEST ALBUM I'VE HEARD SO FAR THIS YEAR - AND THATS THE TRUTH - STUNNING!" - Toxic Pete
"SURELY THE VOICE OF 2008?"NME
"NEIL HAS A FANTASTIC STYLE AND VOCAL RANGE, BEAUTIFULLY PERFORMED AND DELICATELY PLAYED" Creative Unsigned
"IVISON'S VOCAL DELIVERY IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!" - Toxic Pete
"SOUNDING LIKE JET COVERING THE FACES!" XFM
"WORLD CLASS" Mick Willetts - SURGE MUSIC
"SPINNING - MY No.1 SONG OF THE YEAR!" Andrew Marston - BBC RADIO
Hi Neil Just Listened to "best days" always loved the song and love the re-work Me and Nick from The Whoo will be over to see you at the Marrs bar on Sunday - Love your work - keep 'em coming.
Fantastic set last night at the Tap House, Neil. You have a fantastic style and voice range! Beautifully performed and delicately played - a pleasure to watch.
cheers for tha request geezer im feeling the vibes up on this bitch its always good to hear a fresh take on the blues and serious this is real fucking sweet music i see your playin worcester you mite see my face in the crowd peace
