Ken Nicol and Becky Mills debut show

Preston’s own folk star, Ken Nicol, introduces his brand new duo in a home town gig tomorrow before setting out on tour.
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Ken, who found fame playing with massive folk bands like Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, has teamed up with top singer songwriter Becky Mills, of Waking the Witch, in a brand new project.

The pair, who hail from Lancashire and Yorkshire respectively, premiere their new duo with a show at the city’s New Continental tomorrow night, before setting off on their debut outing, the UK wide Tour of the Roses, next year.

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Both accomplished solo artists in their own right, the twosome have worked on projects together previously.

But never before have they collaborated in an outfit which is built entirely around their combined talents.

Mills, who hails from Pickering in Yorkshire, began singing and playing in her mid teens.

Early last decade, she rose to fame as one of four-strong female folk rock band, Waking The Witch.

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But after releasing three highly acclaimed albums and taking part in highly successful tours and appearances at scores of folk, indie and blues festivals around the UK, Waking The Witch finally split.

Becky has since collaborated with her fellow “Witch”, Patsy Matheson in a well received duo, and has also carved out a successful solo career.

And, last year, she sang on Historic Events And Other Subjects, the latest solo album by... none other than Ken Nicol.

Born in Preston, Ken was hailed as “one of the greatest guitarists in the world” by Ashley Hutchings, founder of folk stars Fairport Convention and also of Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, with both of which Ken played.

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Ken has also worked with an impressive range of stars, from Al Stewart to Phil Cool, and has played live around the world.

He has contributed to well over 50 albums as writer, singer, musician and producer and he is renowned for his amazing acoustic guitar technique.

Tickets for the pair’s debut show at The Continental are still on sale, priced at £12 each.

They can be bought from the New Continental’s bar on 01772 499 425, from Preston Visitor Information on 01772 253 731, or online from www.newcontinental.net or from Skiddle, Seetickets or WeGotTickets