Ian Parker
Where I Belong
© 2007 Ian Parker/Little Big Beat (710347112020)
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Contemporary blues influenced singer songwriter featuring "brilliantly understated guitar playing" - GUITARIST MAGAZINE
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ian parker - 21st century blues man
Expressed through a distinctive bitter-sweet vocal delivery and harrowing guitar work, Ian’s songs hold nothing back. His ability and willingness to share with his audience, naked honesty and genuine emotion, is what sets him apart.
Drawing on an eclectic range of influences, this young man is fast becoming Britain’s best loved blues/roots performer. A songwriter genuinely literate, sometimes almost literary, Ian is an original craftsman rooted in the blues but not trapped by any desire to replicate the past. He is without doubt a relevant contemporary blues man.
“The best band I’ve seen in a decade. Ian’s voice, feel, and guitar technique are what his contemporaries can only dream of.” Walter Trout
Ian signed to Ruf Records following a personal introduction to US record producer, David Z (Prince – Purple Rain). His debut album ‘INSIDE’ (Ruf1094) was released in October 2003.
“ I was truly honoured to be involved in this project.” David Z
In March 2004, Ian appeared on Germany’s top live music TV show, ‘Rockpalast’ as part of the ‘Crossroads Festival’. Ian and his band were voted the number one act of the festival and a live DVD of this incendiary performance was released in June 2005, entitled ‘…WHILST THE WIND’ (Ruf3007).
In addition to the DVD, a live album documenting Ian’s performance in Hannover during his December 2004 European Tour, was also released in June 2005 under the same title (Ruf1102). Both releases met with high critical acclaim and continue to notch up impressive sales.
In September 2005, Ian wrote and recorded five songs for a Ruf Records project album, ‘PILGRIMAGE’ (Ruf1112) which was recorded in Clarksdale Mississippi and Memphis Tennessee, and released in January 2006. The recording of Pilgrimage, not only extended Ian’s touring activities throughout Europe and importantly into the US, it also had a profound effect on the artist’s musical direction and focus.
On return from America in September 2005, Ian began a lengthy artistic process based around his rediscovery of the blues and soul artists who had inspired him to begin playing as a teenager. This period of consolidation culminated in the recording of the album ‘WHERE I BELONG’ (Ruf1120), released in January 2007.
‘WHERE I BELONG’ was recorded in Cheltenham, England and produced by Matt Butler, whose extensive CV includes none other than Sir Paul McCartney. Recorded analogue to tape, the album has the rich and warm sonic characteristics associated with the pre-digital age, but there is nothing retro about this release. ‘WHERE I BELONG’ has something for all blues fans, purists and progressives alike. It catalogues the pronounced growth and self-discovery of a modern blues artist who is here to stay.
“Proof positive that Ian Parker has arrived on this side of the pond” HARDLINE BLUES
“Recalling the glory days of Robert Cray…brilliantly understated guitar” GUITARIST
“A defining moment in modern British Blues” BLUES MATTERS
“A voice which reflects maturity and screams quality” BBC RADIO YORK
“One of the most thoughtful writers of our time” GET READY TO ROCK
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Where I Belong- Ian Parker
author: GREG LEWISDeep rich soulful vocals with stinging guitar and excellent keyboard work are supported by a rock solid rythmn section on this collection of well written songs. Ian Parker is a treasure. This CD is a keeper!!!
Awesomely heart breaking
author: Monica (NAbodhi)I had the great good fortune of seeing Ian perform live at a small music festival here in NJ. He is a very moving and sensual artist. His music can break your heart open.He is an exceptional guitarist and vocals are awesome too. On this album "Waste my days" has become my new mantra. "Don't hold back" is phenomenal. My prediction for Ian is a long and exceptional career. He is as talented as Eric Clapton. His live album is exceptional as well. I'll buy any CD Ian puts out.
Ian Parker "Where I Belong"
author: Mike CroccoThis is by far the best album of new music I have heard in a very long time. I have been a fan of the Blues since I was a young child, listening to older brother's collections of Hendrix, SRV, Robert Cray, BB King, Buddy Guy and so on. I recently was honored to see Ian and his band play at Knowlton Riverfest in Knowlton, NJ this past August. It was such a pleasure to see and hear someone who is still in touch with the roots. He and his band play such a unique mix of Blues and Gospel, that it gave me goosebumps. His music can relate to all generations, and his guitar work will completely blow you away. It's difficult to find any favorite songs on any of his albums, including this album, but if I had to choose, I'd go with "Waste My Days", "Sweet Singing Sirens", and the incredible "Love So Cold". This album will give you an eargasm. Two other live albums of note, "Whilst the Wind" and "Lost and Found" are unbelievable. Ian has evolved into definitely the most talented blues man I have heard in a long time. You will not be disappointed with your purchase of "Where I Belong".