Artist description See Band History for Ken's Bio...

Music Style Progressive Rock, Rock, Folk, New Age

Musical Influences Genesis, Yes, Mike Oldfield, Peter Hammill and Van der Graaf

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Artist History After two well-received, independently released albums, Ken Baird has no intention of slowing his creative output.Born into a musical family, Baird learned some violin and piano as a child, and sang in the church choir. His other interest was tape-recording, and as a child produced elaborate radio plays with his brother. It was not until the age of 13, however, that he began writing his own compositions. Inspired by the ability to create, he rapidly completed his previously lagging piano studies while learning popular music by ear. Through his teens he played keyboards with several bands and continued to write and record his own ideas. At 19, Baird's style of music had developed into an eclectic mix of Progressive rock, Celtic folk and New Age. He studied music at McMaster University for the next four years where he learned more about modern composition, arranging, performance, history and aesthetics.While at university he worked with his first serious band - Perpetual Angelus. The group eventually disbanded, but they agreed to record an album to document the period from 1990-94. This album contained sixty minutes worth of music in a Progressive rock style and had some of Baird's best compositions. The album was only released on a limited-edition cassette, but plans are currently underway to re-mix and re-release this music.Throughout 1995-96 Baird's career would take many unexpected turns, forming several short-lived groups and playing keyboards for other songwriters. Baird's health suffered during this time, contracting pneumonia and suffering nerve compression in his shoulder. His voice and keyboard playing were both affected so he spent more time on other instruments such as guitar and recorder/whistle.Most important, Baird recorded and released his first solo album August in 1996 on which he played all the instruments (except for the addition of Susan Fraser on vocals). The album, pressed on CD, sold well in Quebec, the USA and Spain. Radio play was encouraging as were reviews. Baird had begun to find a niche for his style.In 1997, Baird formed Bipolar with pop song smith Ian Jack. The group recorded an album, but split up due to large distances between band members. The group gave Baird a chance to successfully experiment with pop song writing.In 1998, Baird consolidated his solo career by recording his second solo album Fields. This album showcased Baird as a singer/songwriter, albeit a very unusual one. Elements of Progressive rock were showing through more on this release and a greater number of musicians were featured. This helped to give each song its own identity. The album received exceptional reviews and sold well both locally and internationally. A CD release charity concert was a highlight at Christmas 1998.Through it all, Baird has continued to teach piano and has lately been engineering recording sessions for others.

Group Members Members past and present are:Ken Baird, Sue Fraser, Steve Cochrane, Jacob Moon, Mike Truax, Mike Classen, Paul Intson, John Mamone, Chris Lamont

Instruments Many old and new synths and keyboards...

Albums August, Fields, Orion

Press Reviews Please visit Ken's website for reviews...

Location Dundas, ON - Canada

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