Sharon King started tuning up for her Fringe show by supporting fellow musicians `Blueflint `at the Leith Dockers` Club on Friday night. Sharon has a great voice and her short set was relaxed and assured.
Recently described as a ‘national treasure’ by the Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, and 2011 winner of Edinburgh Folk Clubs annual songwriting competition, the Edinburgh-based singer /songwriter continues to build her reputation.
Last year Sharon toured the UK with her new band `The Reckless Angels,` working as a trio from the Nevernever Cowboys pool of musicians.
They include Andy Thorburn, piano keyboard and accordion, Joel Sanderson, cello, Laura Beth Salter, mandolin and vocals, Daisy Costello, cello and vocals, Jenni Hopwood, vocals, Luke Plumb, mandolin and Vera van Heeringen who plays mandolin, guitar, vocals and fiddle.
In the `90s Sharon toured extensively and recorded 3 albums with Shake the Shack. After this she released her own debut album, `24 Hours.`
From 2002 to 2008 she took some time away from music to be at home for her daughter and had reconstructive surgery on her left arm for an old injury. She also attended Edinburgh University to study English Literature and recorded ‘Quiddity’ with the Nevernever Cowboys.
After that she began writing for a new album and developing her solo show. ‘Reckless Angels’ was released in autumn 2009 and she toured solo and with the Nevernever Cowboys.
Karen was born in Newcastle but I has lived in Scotland since she was 6 months old. “I love Edinburgh,” she said “It is home. I never tire of it, the cityscape is beautiful, and I always see something new in the architecture whenever I walk or drive around.
I also love the diverse population in the city. My community is huge and there are so many connections between different groups of friends. Although the music scene is struggling for decent venues the grassroots are thriving.”
The Reckless Angels are working on their next album which is due out next year and has the working title ‘Nothing = Everything’.
“It will have a very live feel,” explained Sharon.
The group is performing at Folk music hub, St Brides`s Centre in Dalry as part
Fri 19 & Sat 20 Aug, 7.30pm – AMC @ St Brides, Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tickets £10/£8
Follow her on Facebook and listen to some of her music on her website.
