Acoustic magazine, June/July 2008.
When a former Albion Band and current Steeleye Span Member releases a solo album, you can be forgiven for expecting an extravaganza of traditional songs, but that’s not at all what you get from Initial Variations. Ken Nicol has a secret double life as a virtuosic and highly creative instrumental guitarist, and Initial Variations has somehow crept out of that secret world and into the open. You could almost be forgiven for thinking he wanted to keep it secret, so impenetrable is the packaging; every track has a two letter title, starting with ‘C.M.’ and ending with ‘P.A’
The music ranges from neo-classical to bluegrass, all of it faultlessly virtuosic, but wonderful as it is, it’s hard to detect what the unifying theme of the album is. The titles are, I believe, the initials of friends, and the pieces are dedicated to them, but without further information I felt a little lost.
That said, whilst I find that instrumental albums sometimes showcase virtuosity to the detriment of musical interest and creativity, that accusation cannot be levelled at Nicol. The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired, and fans of instrumental guitar are likely to be thrilled with this album.
Sam Wise

Record Collector, June 2008.
For those who don’t know, Ken Nicol is a chap who has paid his dues within the folk-rock world with stints in both the Albion Band and Steeleye Span, amongst others. He also puts out his own material, of which this acoustic instrumental album is the latest.
Its title alludes to the fact that the tracks are all listed as initials of various pals, while the variations suggest the central theme of tunes that glide seemingly effortlessly around a general folk palette. Guitar players will appreciate his masterclass style, while more general listeners will be aware that his gift for melody carries the album higher than the rest. Nicol intertwines subtle variations of musical quotes from more familiar songs and nuances of feels of tracks which change the moods of the material much more that you might expect. A warm wash of an album to enjoy on a number of levels, which can be bought through www.kennicol.co.uk.
Kingsley Abbott.

REVIEW...... University of Central Lancashire Arts Centre, Preston - Saturday 17th November 2001
Following the interval, the main attraction, Ken Nicol, (recently turned solo after leaving the Albion Band), commenced his set. He began with “Midsummer Night Dreams” which was co-written with Ashley Hutchings. Although Preston born, Ken now lives in Ingol, he dedicated his next song, the bluesy - “I Feel Good” - to his present place of residence. It was at this point that an over-enthusiastic drunk commenced to gyrate wildly immediately beneath Ken’s nose. Unabashed and as professional as ever, Ken completed the song despite the drunk colliding with and dislodging a speaker. The unwelcome guest, obviously not a true folkie, was immediately ushered into the night time air to the relief of artist and audience alike, who I am sure now, - ‘felt good’. A very accomplished flutist, Andrew Keeling, then joined Ken on stage with a song from his “Living in a Spanish Town” album entitled “Down on the Island”. The mix of flute and guitar was just superb. Ken then had the audience rolling with laughter as he coaxed them into imitating bass runs to his finger picking ragtime style. This preceded the ragtime medley of - “Cocaine all around my brain”, “Charleston” and “Black Bottom”, played with such dexterity and speed. It was wonderful. Two songs from the new CD then followed - “Dangerous”, which reminded us of just how dangerous the world is at times and a ballad, “If ever I return this way”, which implored one to ‘do things which are important while you can’. “Jigs and Reels” was announced in the intro. as “Ken’s Hornpipes” after Ken told the story about a punter once pointing out to him that ‘there’s not really any jigs or reels in that tune’. It certainly made me listen more closely and - yes Ken, I think the hornpipes have it’. It was brilliantly done anyway. So what the ..ll? The music style then changed when Steve Conway, playing knitting machine, oh sorry, it was actually a pedal steel guitar, joined Ken in a rendition of another love ballad, “It’s you that I’m missing”. The mood changed again when Andrew Keeling featured with flute on the instrumental, “Wailing at the summer wall”. This was the first public airing of the tune and once again Ken’s dexterity on guitar with Andrew’s flute produced the most excellent wistful and haunting oriental sounds. It was blues time next and as a prelude to JT’s, “Steamroller Blues”, Ken showed off a little with a variety of BB King and Clapton licks, plus his own of course. Peter Abbott then returned and exhibited his acting ability as a ‘close harmony angler’. Yes, dressed as a fisherman, which added visual quality and humour to a chorus song about fishing. ‘Go fishing everyday,’‘Casting out your trouble watch it float away’, ‘Put off till tomorrow what you’d do today’, ‘All he wants to do is go fishing’. We all managed the last line by the end of the song. It was great fun. All too soon the night was brought to an end with the title piece of the new CD - “The Bridge”, a tune, which Ken featured many times on The Albion Band’s previous Christmas Tour. Any guitarists wishing to develop themselves with finger picking at speed would do well to listen to this tune. The obligatory encore saw all the artists on stage performing the first song off the album, “Nowhere fast on the road”, with Ken playing mandolin. Life on the road as a band of musicians was the theme of this song. I wonder which band? Finally, Ken reverted to blues again, playing the title song of his 1995 album “Two frets from the blues” which concluded this excellent concert”. We returned home to Wirral full of wonderful music and eagerly awaiting the next chance see this master class guitarist and singer in action. I would say to anyone who has not seen him solo. ‘Do so. He is wonderful and a Lancastrian as well’.
JOHN OWEN, FOLK NORTH WEST, Spring 2002.

The Living Tradition, Issue 48 (Summer 2002) 'The Bridge'
Solo outing from Preston-based former guitar / vocals with the ever evolving Albion Band. Ken's has been a well known name in North-west music circles for more years than either he or I for that matter cares to remember! A successful pairing with Chris Wile in the pre Chris and Julie years, he's a journeyman muso whose dues are well and truly paid and he deals in own songs in folk-centric mould combined with a nice touch of irony.
Relationships, fairwells, a showmans life - they're all covered - it's a piece of cake to spot everyone in Nowhere Fast (On The Road)
Take the laid-back good times vibration of John Sabastian, fold in the honeyed country-blues flavour of Fred Neil and serve with a side order of Steve Ashley's well-observed lyricism and you've just about got the taste of this sneakily addictive aural concoction. From the deliciously heartfelt feel of the catchy opener 'Nowhere Fast' to the naggingly busted and bruised, world-weariness of Road Beneath My Wheels Nicol has done a good job with this album. Sometimes wistful (If Ever I Return This Way) occassionally suitable for waltzing after-hours in an empty bar (Rags To Riches) and at one point roadhouse-bluesy (Oh Mavis) with a smattering of romantic whimsy ('Till The English Summer's Done) this set is executed with a sincerity and artistry few could conjure.
Like it? I rang up and booked him!
Clive Pownceby

Read The review of new album 'The Bridge' on 'NetRhythms'

Ken Nicol The Bridge MVS – CD004 Sid Smith WOW magazine
17 December 2001 14.21
Since 1974 Ken Nicol has occupied the hinterland of acclaim and popularity around the live folk circuit of the UK. There may be guitarists who have a higher profile but Nicol proves he's no slouch at nifty picking and turning in some impressive flights of fancy on the fretboard. The Bridge is the latest release in a career which has seen him appear on nearly fifty recordings. In addition to his own solo work, Nicols has been working with Ashley Hutchings, helping to front The Albion Band. The pair co-wrote "The Road Beneath My Wheels" which appears on the album around the half way mark, and is a plaintive tale of experience performed to perfection. Nicol opts to present a compendium of styles which range from blues-tinged ragtime pickings of "Rags To Riches" through to the hauntingly beautiful "Wailing At The Summer Wall" (featuring the lush tones of Andrew Keeling on Flute). "For Love & Money" demonstrates Nicol's ability to capture the rockier side of folk in a convincing manner as his electric guitar soars within an light edging of feedback. For the most part Nicol is at his best unadorned and it's then that the singer and player really combine to best effect. "The Land Of The Free" is an outstanding take on the plight of the asylum seeker which makes this a sobering rejoinder to the knee-jack reaction and thoughtless commentary which passes "debate" in this country. However, if there is a criticism of the album, it would be the lack of a unified feel to the twelve song set which is on offer. Sometimes the light-hearted observations ("Nowhere Fast" and "All He Wants To Do Is Go Fishing") which probably work well in a live context, seem to sit somewhat unevenly next to the more thoughtful examples of Nicols work elsewhere on the album. Putting aside such churlish observations, The Bridge is a great reminder that in our desire to look around the world for new talent, we can sometimes overlook the homegrown talent right under our noses.
The Bridge MVS – CD004 Sid Smith WOW - worldmusic, 7 Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1QQ Tel: (44) 0191 200 1028 Email: sid.smith@wow-worldmusic.com

Folk Roots, October 2001.
"Ken Nicol's soft rock past and session filled history actually belie the fact that he's an able and dextrous guitarist who can play pretty much any style you care to sling his way. His return to these shores from California began to build into his playing a seam he's been expanding ever since, an English sensibility. Of course hanging around with the likes of Chris While and then getting to serve five years in The Albion Band all contribute to this experience. Like a Hoover, he's sucked it all in and added it to a repertoire that's wider than you ever dreamed. His acoustic playing's full of Elizabethan and early music flourishes while his electric lead work rips up the floor in sizeable chunks. Ask anyone who's heard him on The Albion's Wooden O, and they'll tell you he can conjure screaming solos out of thin air. However, here supported by some of the north-west finest, he pulls a bag of tricks taking in all stations from trad to Tom waits. The album's swan song, The Level Plain, is a sensitive treatment of an Irish instrumental that just melts out of the speakers and runs liquid chocolate all over the floor. Is an acoustic album of quiet, assured quality that continues to echo a remarkable story set to run as he once more launches more determinedly into a solo career. Not what you'd expect to come out of Preston, but up there the man's got a reputation and its about time you heard why.
Simon Jones.

Folk Buzz Magazine
It's 27 years since Ken Nicol's first collaborative outing on disc. He has an impeccable pedigree, having played with almost everyone who is anyone in folk. It reflects the respect others have for Ken's superb guitar playing and contribution to their projects. Ken's solo recorded work began in 1990, the curiously entitled 'Clean Feet-No Shoes' is his third such album.
As you'd expect, the guitar playing is exemplary and most tracks were written and arranged by Nicol. His choice of songs and instrumentals is an eclectic mix, encompassing folk, country, Irish ballads and ragtime. The arrangements are a stripped down acoustic mix, bolstered by contributions from formidable Albion Band members, past and present, including Hutchings, While and Matthews.
Nicol doesn't always get the wider recognition he deserves but this offering once again demonstrates that he can show a clean pair of heels to most of his contemporaries.
Lewis Jones.

"Ken Nicol, a talented stage performer who is being tipped for greatness with his blend of folk, blues & ragtime,".
Steve Tilleys, Sound Check, Staffordshire Evening Sentinel

"Ken Nicol has been described as a "Superstar just waiting to be discovered". A stunning guitarist, writer & singer,".
Don Frame, Manchester Evening News

"What a performer - everyone in the room was tapping their feet and smiling. Ken was forced into no less than three encores. A true professional,".
Jo Walton, Lancaster Weekly

"He can turn his acoustic guitars to: folk, blues, jazz ragtime or ballads with seemingly equal ease and excel at all of them. He writes much of his own stuff, from hornpipes to love songs of such good quality that it leaves you wondering why he's not mega-famous (perhaps he is, it's just that most people don't realise!) Don't just wait to happen across him sometime - seek him out,".
Johnny B (Grapevine press)

"Speaking of Guernsey Folk Festival, all the acts from the North West did our region proud. In fact Ken Nicol's spot, on the final concert, was the highlight of the weekend,".
Tony Gibbons (Folk North West)

"Acoustic guitar ace Ken Nicol was in breathtaking form recently at O'Neils in Harrogate when he turned in a set that featured several memorable originals plus powerful versions of 'Last of the great whales' and James Taylor's 'Steamroller Blues'. Without doubt one of the finest acoustic guitarists the YKM team have ever heard. Don't miss him when he visits a venue near you,".
YourK Music