Ist (band)
Encyclopedia
Istare a musical group based in Leicester
, UK
. Their name is meant to denote a lack of prejudice. http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=605 They are broadly speaking, a pop/rock group, but with a penchant for genre-jumping that has seen ska, jazz, blues and classical influences find their way on to their albums.
The original line-up toured extensively throughout the UK following the releases of The Adult Tree EP in 2001 and the album Freudian Corduroy
in 2003.
The year 2004 saw setbacks for Ist. Lead guitarist and contributing lyricist Jack Bomb left the band to form Vitriol I.D. in August, and in October bassist Detroit Robbins died. The remaining members chose to move forward adding bassist John McCourt. In September 2005, Brett Richardson (guitars and bassoon
) joined ist, following guest appearances on their second album. http://www.istianity.co.uk/band.htm
Ist's second album, King Martha
, was released in August 2005. It features Kenton Hall, Mark "Flash" Haynes, John McCourt, with Brett Richardson and Paul Swannell, as well as a group of contributing artists including Kevin Hewick
, The Have Nots, The Swinging Laurels, and former member Jack Bomb. The album features a wide array of horns, as well as string sections and a bassoon in addition to traditional rock instruments such as guitar, bass and drums.
In 2006, Ist released the single "The Wreck of the Eddie Fitzpatrick/I am Jesus (And You're Not)" in direct response to a conversation with performer, songwriter and presenter Tom Robinson
http://www.prweb.com/releases/ist/xmas_number_one/prweb491079.htm.
In 2008, Kenton Hall from Ist was one of the co-writers of Chris Difford
's Christmas single for BBC1's The One Show
, "Let's Not Fight This Christmas". Songs co-written by Hall have also appeared on releases from other artists, including the song "Grace" on Madelaine Hart's "LAA" EP, released on the Creative Commons
label modifythevan. He is currently working on songs with a number of other artists, including Chaz Jankel.
In August 2009, Ist released Toothpick Bridge
, produced by Jay "Burzootie" Burnett. The Swinging Laurels, (Gaz Birtles, John Barrow and Dean Sargent) once again provided brass, along with Jay Lyndsay, and they were also joined by renowned pedal steel player Melvin Duffy and vocalist Dorie Jackson, amongst others.
In October 2010, Ist played one final gig, their Obistuary, at The Musician, in their native Leicester. They were supported by the musical comedian, Boothby Graffoe
.
New for 2011, Kenton Hall has now embarked on a solo career and has taken to the stage as an actor, John McCourt is currently playing for Pink Box outfit Mr Plow and recording solo material for release soon, Flash has formed Beatles tribute Hamburg62 (the Beatles rock'n'roll years) and continues to work with Kevin Hewick and finally Brett Richardson has ventured deeper into his studio recording, mixing and mastering for a real mix of artists.
In 2006 songwriter Kenton Hall received a nomination for MOJO Magazine/Bavaria's Music of Substance Award, alongside fellow Leicester songwriter, Kevin Hewick
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/thread.php?forumid=2074&threadid=619527
The group's sound has been compared to artists such as Elvis Costello
, Squeeze, Nick Cave
, The E Street Band, Ray Davies
, Television
and The Beatles
.http://www.leftoffthedial.com/Ist_King.htm, http://yanga.ru/music/review/?id=99, http://www.skidmark.org/index.htm?Features/CDreviews/ist/KingMartha1005/KingMartha_Review.htm~mainFrame, http://www.music-dash.co.uk/releases/archiverelease.asp?item=2712, http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=803, [], http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:JZyj_wOFCAAJ:maxwelledison.blogspot.com/2004/05/uk-based-quartet-formed-three-years.html+%22LOGO+Magazine%22,+%22ist%22,+%22Freudian+Corduroy%22&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=68. Fans include the novelist Neil Gaiman
. http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/2005/08/any-stick-to-beat-dog-with.asp
Ist have received positive respsonse in Russian where the album King Martha
reached no. 1 on the Russian legal music download site http://www.yanga.ru in June 2006, with debut album Freudian Corduroy
occupying the number two spot.http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/07/exclusive_inter_1.html
Leicester
Leicester is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England, and the county town of Leicestershire. The city lies on the River Soar and at the edge of the National Forest...
, UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Their name is meant to denote a lack of prejudice. http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=605 They are broadly speaking, a pop/rock group, but with a penchant for genre-jumping that has seen ska, jazz, blues and classical influences find their way on to their albums.
History
Ist was formed in March 2001, the original line-up consisting of Canadian singer/songwriter Kenton Hall, lead guitarist/songwriter Jack Bomb, bassist Detroit Robbins and drummer Mark "Flash" Haynes.The original line-up toured extensively throughout the UK following the releases of The Adult Tree EP in 2001 and the album Freudian Corduroy
Freudian Corduroy
Freudian Corduroy is the debut album by the band Ist, released in 2004.-Track listing:All songs by Ist#"This is Where We Came In" – 4:03#"The Station" – 5:09#"Boyfriend" – 3:49#"Dust" – 4:04#"Let's to Bed" – 2:53#"Pay for This" – 5:43...
in 2003.
The year 2004 saw setbacks for Ist. Lead guitarist and contributing lyricist Jack Bomb left the band to form Vitriol I.D. in August, and in October bassist Detroit Robbins died. The remaining members chose to move forward adding bassist John McCourt. In September 2005, Brett Richardson (guitars and bassoon
Bassoon
The bassoon is a woodwind instrument in the double reed family that typically plays music written in the bass and tenor registers, and occasionally higher. Appearing in its modern form in the 19th century, the bassoon figures prominently in orchestral, concert band and chamber music literature...
) joined ist, following guest appearances on their second album. http://www.istianity.co.uk/band.htm
Ist's second album, King Martha
King Martha
King Martha is the second album by the band Ist, released in 2005.-Track listing:All songs Hall/Haynes/McCourt except * Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Ilett#"Momentary Glitch" – 4:33#"Apologia" – 2:37#"Duty Calls" – 3:14#"Haunted" – 4:05...
, was released in August 2005. It features Kenton Hall, Mark "Flash" Haynes, John McCourt, with Brett Richardson and Paul Swannell, as well as a group of contributing artists including Kevin Hewick
Kevin Hewick
Kevin Hewick is an English singer-songwriter who was an early member of the Factory Records roster. In the present day he is known for his recording on Pink Box records, an independent label based in Leicester and his recent work with Italian collective Unfolk.-The Factory years:Newly added to the...
, The Have Nots, The Swinging Laurels, and former member Jack Bomb. The album features a wide array of horns, as well as string sections and a bassoon in addition to traditional rock instruments such as guitar, bass and drums.
In 2006, Ist released the single "The Wreck of the Eddie Fitzpatrick/I am Jesus (And You're Not)" in direct response to a conversation with performer, songwriter and presenter Tom Robinson
Tom Robinson
Tom Robinson is an English singer-songwriter, bassist and radio presenter, better known for the hits "Glad to Be Gay", "2-4-6-8 Motorway", and "Don't Take No for an Answer", with his Tom Robinson Band...
http://www.prweb.com/releases/ist/xmas_number_one/prweb491079.htm.
In 2008, Kenton Hall from Ist was one of the co-writers of Chris Difford
Chris Difford
Chris Difford is a singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer....
's Christmas single for BBC1's The One Show
The One Show
The One Show is a topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, hosted by Alex Jones and Matt Baker. Chris Evans joins Jones to present the programme on Friday...
, "Let's Not Fight This Christmas". Songs co-written by Hall have also appeared on releases from other artists, including the song "Grace" on Madelaine Hart's "LAA" EP, released on the Creative Commons
Creative Commons
Creative Commons is a non-profit organization headquartered in Mountain View, California, United States devoted to expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and to share. The organization has released several copyright-licenses known as Creative Commons...
label modifythevan. He is currently working on songs with a number of other artists, including Chaz Jankel.
In August 2009, Ist released Toothpick Bridge
Toothpick Bridge
Toothpick Bridge is the third album by the band Ist, and was released on August 17, 2009.-Track listing:All songs: Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Richardson except'*' Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Richardson/Birtles/Barrowand...
, produced by Jay "Burzootie" Burnett. The Swinging Laurels, (Gaz Birtles, John Barrow and Dean Sargent) once again provided brass, along with Jay Lyndsay, and they were also joined by renowned pedal steel player Melvin Duffy and vocalist Dorie Jackson, amongst others.
In October 2010, Ist played one final gig, their Obistuary, at The Musician, in their native Leicester. They were supported by the musical comedian, Boothby Graffoe
Boothby Graffoe
Boothby Graffoe is a village and civil parish in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. It lies approximately 7 miles south of Lincoln, on A607 . It's population is approximately 400....
.
New for 2011, Kenton Hall has now embarked on a solo career and has taken to the stage as an actor, John McCourt is currently playing for Pink Box outfit Mr Plow and recording solo material for release soon, Flash has formed Beatles tribute Hamburg62 (the Beatles rock'n'roll years) and continues to work with Kevin Hewick and finally Brett Richardson has ventured deeper into his studio recording, mixing and mastering for a real mix of artists.
Public response
Ist have received a positive reaction from independent media http://www.leftoffthedial.com/Ist_King.htm, http://yanga.ru/music/review/?id=99, http://www.skidmark.org/index.htm?Features/CDreviews/ist/KingMartha1005/KingMartha_Review.htm~mainFrame, http://www.music-dash.co.uk/releases/archiverelease.asp?item=2712, http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=803, [].In 2006 songwriter Kenton Hall received a nomination for MOJO Magazine/Bavaria's Music of Substance Award, alongside fellow Leicester songwriter, Kevin Hewick
Kevin Hewick
Kevin Hewick is an English singer-songwriter who was an early member of the Factory Records roster. In the present day he is known for his recording on Pink Box records, an independent label based in Leicester and his recent work with Italian collective Unfolk.-The Factory years:Newly added to the...
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/thread.php?forumid=2074&threadid=619527
The group's sound has been compared to artists such as Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
, Squeeze, Nick Cave
Nick Cave
Nicholas Edward "Nick" Cave is an Australian musician, songwriter, author, screenwriter, and occasional film actor.He is best known for his work as a frontman of the critically acclaimed rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, established in 1984, a group known for its eclectic influences and...
, The E Street Band, Ray Davies
Ray Davies
Ray Davies, CBE is an English rock musician. He is best known as lead singer and songwriter for the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave...
, Television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
and The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
.http://www.leftoffthedial.com/Ist_King.htm, http://yanga.ru/music/review/?id=99, http://www.skidmark.org/index.htm?Features/CDreviews/ist/KingMartha1005/KingMartha_Review.htm~mainFrame, http://www.music-dash.co.uk/releases/archiverelease.asp?item=2712, http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=803, [], http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:JZyj_wOFCAAJ:maxwelledison.blogspot.com/2004/05/uk-based-quartet-formed-three-years.html+%22LOGO+Magazine%22,+%22ist%22,+%22Freudian+Corduroy%22&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=68. Fans include the novelist Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
. http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/2005/08/any-stick-to-beat-dog-with.asp
Ist have received positive respsonse in Russian where the album King Martha
King Martha
King Martha is the second album by the band Ist, released in 2005.-Track listing:All songs Hall/Haynes/McCourt except * Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Ilett#"Momentary Glitch" – 4:33#"Apologia" – 2:37#"Duty Calls" – 3:14#"Haunted" – 4:05...
reached no. 1 on the Russian legal music download site http://www.yanga.ru in June 2006, with debut album Freudian Corduroy
Freudian Corduroy
Freudian Corduroy is the debut album by the band Ist, released in 2004.-Track listing:All songs by Ist#"This is Where We Came In" – 4:03#"The Station" – 5:09#"Boyfriend" – 3:49#"Dust" – 4:04#"Let's to Bed" – 2:53#"Pay for This" – 5:43...
occupying the number two spot.http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/07/exclusive_inter_1.html
Discography
- 2001 The Adult Tree EP (Pink Box Records)
- 2003 Freudian CorduroyFreudian CorduroyFreudian Corduroy is the debut album by the band Ist, released in 2004.-Track listing:All songs by Ist#"This is Where We Came In" – 4:03#"The Station" – 5:09#"Boyfriend" – 3:49#"Dust" – 4:04#"Let's to Bed" – 2:53#"Pay for This" – 5:43...
(Pink Box Records/The Orchard) - 2005 King MarthaKing MarthaKing Martha is the second album by the band Ist, released in 2005.-Track listing:All songs Hall/Haynes/McCourt except * Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Ilett#"Momentary Glitch" – 4:33#"Apologia" – 2:37#"Duty Calls" – 3:14#"Haunted" – 4:05...
(Pink Box Records/The Orchard) - 2006 The Wreck of the Eddie Fitzpatrick/I am Jesus (And You're Not) (Pink Box Records)
- 2009 Toothpick BridgeToothpick BridgeToothpick Bridge is the third album by the band Ist, and was released on August 17, 2009.-Track listing:All songs: Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Richardson except'*' Hall/Haynes/McCourt/Richardson/Birtles/Barrowand...