Hailing from Sydney Australia, Ivor Simpson Kennedy (aka Ivor S K) is one of a new generation of exciting young blues talents to emerge from Down Under.
Now based in New Orleans, Ivor S K is celebrating his first new music since 2017 with the release of his new fifteen track album Mississippi Bound with his first shows back in Australia for four years.
Possessing a maturity in song and skill far beyond his years, Ivor is poised to make a huge splash when he arrives in Geelong tonight (Thursday, November 24), performing at Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues from 8:30pm.
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Whether transporting his listeners to a heaving juke joint, a candlelit club, or a dusty Caribbean seaside shack, Ivor has the ability to draw audiences of all generations into his music – and keep them there. Owning a dark, smoke-filled voice and liquid smooth guitar stylings, Ivor S K utilises these inherit skills to give his compositions a striking originality, paying homage to generations past while bringing a remarkably fresh approach to the table.
Ivor also performs all the instruments on his releases, lending his sound a uniquely personal touch. A deliciously deep groove runs through his barebones approach, with strains of reggae, soul, and rock vying for their moment in a bevy of blues.
Released in October, Mississippi Bound is the much anticipated third release from Australian songwriter Ivor S.K. Following on from 2017’s critically acclaimed Montserrat, Mississippi Bound – Ivor’s first output since relocating to New Orleans – is a fifteen track roots odyssey. In keeping with his last two releases, it’s an all original, self performed and produced effort, reinforcing Ivor’s singular style and feel, while showcasing a few new strings to the bow.
Ivor’s inspired, warmly charred vocals tie each song together, spinning sly tales of life’s sweet and sours, while his easy, rolling acoustic weaves through the entire album, taking moments to shine on stripped back arrangements like Talkin’ Shit Again, No Friend of Mine and Down the Road.
Created over a year of pandemic induced down time, Mississippi Bound is another portal into Ivor’s artistic vision; more cold cuts of unfiltered songwriting laced with trademark dark humor. Having marinated in his new homeland for five years, Ivor has fresh tales to tell and some new weaponry to aid in the plots; cigar box guitar makes its maiden appearance. With songs honed on the highways and pockmarked rooms between Louisiana and Mississippi, and strained through the maw of Big Easy grease, this album marks a new stage in Ivor’s ascent as a songwriter and musician.
Tickets here or call 5221 0287 to book a seat.
