Kris Drever
Kris Drever: A Poetic Minstrel
Early Life and Influences:
Kris Drever, born in 1973 in Orkney, Scotland, was drawn to music from a tender age. His father, who played in a local folk band, instilled in him a deep love for traditional Scottish and Irish folk songs. As a young boy, Drever immersed himself in the works of Robert Burns, Hamish Henderson, and Bob Dylan, whose lyrics resonated with his own burgeoning poetic sensibilities.
The Early Years:
Drever's music career began in earnest in the mid-1990s when he joined the band Flook, renowned for their innovative arrangements of Scottish and Irish traditional music. Drever's intricate guitar playing and distinctive vocals quickly became integral to the band's success.
Solo Endeavors and Critical Acclaim:
In 2006, Drever ventured into solo territory with the release of his debut album, "Black Water." This critically acclaimed album showcased his exceptional songwriting skills and earned him the prestigious Horizon Award for best newcomer at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Drever's subsequent solo albums, such as "Mark the Hard Earth" (2009), "The Game" (2014), and "If Wishes Were Horses" (2019), have further solidified his reputation as a master storyteller and musical poet. His lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and his haunting melodies are imbued with both melancholy and hope.
Collaborations and Controversies:
Drever has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, including Lau, John McCusker, and Roddy Woomble. These collaborations have expanded his musical horizons and challenged him creatively.
In 2013, Drever was embroiled in a controversy over his song "Allegory," which some interpreted as containing anti-independence sentiment in the lead-up to Scotland's independence referendum. Drever maintained that the song was not intended to be political but rather a reflection on the complexities of human relationships.
Discography:
* With Flook:
* Flatfish (1996)
* The Green Fields of America (1999)
* Haven (2002)
* Flat Out (2005)
* Solo Albums:
* Black Water (2006)
* Mark the Hard Earth (2009)
* The Game (2014)
* If Wishes Were Horses (2019)
Members:
Kris Drever is a solo artist and has not had a fixed band throughout his career. He often collaborates with other musicians on recordings and live performances.
Early Life and Influences:
Kris Drever, born in 1973 in Orkney, Scotland, was drawn to music from a tender age. His father, who played in a local folk band, instilled in him a deep love for traditional Scottish and Irish folk songs. As a young boy, Drever immersed himself in the works of Robert Burns, Hamish Henderson, and Bob Dylan, whose lyrics resonated with his own burgeoning poetic sensibilities.
The Early Years:
Drever's music career began in earnest in the mid-1990s when he joined the band Flook, renowned for their innovative arrangements of Scottish and Irish traditional music. Drever's intricate guitar playing and distinctive vocals quickly became integral to the band's success.
Solo Endeavors and Critical Acclaim:
In 2006, Drever ventured into solo territory with the release of his debut album, "Black Water." This critically acclaimed album showcased his exceptional songwriting skills and earned him the prestigious Horizon Award for best newcomer at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Drever's subsequent solo albums, such as "Mark the Hard Earth" (2009), "The Game" (2014), and "If Wishes Were Horses" (2019), have further solidified his reputation as a master storyteller and musical poet. His lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and his haunting melodies are imbued with both melancholy and hope.
Collaborations and Controversies:
Drever has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, including Lau, John McCusker, and Roddy Woomble. These collaborations have expanded his musical horizons and challenged him creatively.
In 2013, Drever was embroiled in a controversy over his song "Allegory," which some interpreted as containing anti-independence sentiment in the lead-up to Scotland's independence referendum. Drever maintained that the song was not intended to be political but rather a reflection on the complexities of human relationships.
Discography:
* With Flook:
* Flatfish (1996)
* The Green Fields of America (1999)
* Haven (2002)
* Flat Out (2005)
* Solo Albums:
* Black Water (2006)
* Mark the Hard Earth (2009)
* The Game (2014)
* If Wishes Were Horses (2019)
Members:
Kris Drever is a solo artist and has not had a fixed band throughout his career. He often collaborates with other musicians on recordings and live performances.