A songwriter genuinely literate, sometimes almost literary, Ian is an original craftsman. Expressed through a distinctive bitter-sweet vocal delivery, Ian's songs hold nothing back. His ability and willingness to share with his audience, naked honesty and genuine emotion, is what sets him apart.Ian's career took off in the summer of 2003, when he signed to Ruf Records following a personal introduction to US record producer, David Z (Prince - Purple Rain). His debut album 'INSIDE' (Ruf1094) was released in October of that year.Further albums, live DVDs and extensive tours of Europe and the USA followed, with Parker always seeking new musical avenues to explore, never content to merely rehash old ideas, no matter how successful they may have been. To this end, Ian is something of journeyman, guided by his art and his self-confessed emotional need to express his soul through music.His journey has taken unexpected turns, testing his loyal following from time to time, but the integrity of his writing, the quality of his distinctive voice and the soulful nature of his signature guitar playing have always been the bedrock of his work.Following the release of Politik Blues (Eye-Pea002) in April 2015, Ian refocused his attention on the Stratocaster-driven blues music he began building his reputation on, more than twenty years ago. A return to the iconic Rockfield Studios (Queen A Night at the Opera) in the summer of 2018 resulted in the blues album many long-standing fans and critics alike are lauding as his best work to date. Spoonful of Gold Blues for Willie celebrates the music of Willie Dixon, delivered in Ian's inimitable style.Freed from the shackles of being the new kid on the block vying for attention in an over-saturated market, Parker approaches his music, these days, with the calm, self-assurance that accompanies one who has, to some extent, been there and done it. Nothing to prove and still so much to say, Ian Parker remains an act not to be missed.Katie Fitzgerald's Sunday 28th November, 7.30pm FULL BAND! Ian plays his first genuine hometown gig in a decade on Sunday 28th November at the newly refurbished and capacity-expanded Katie Fitzgerald's in Stourbridge. Ian returns with his full four-band and will perform the blues-rock material through which he forged his reputation in a career spanning twenty-five years. After eighteen months without be able to performing in public, it has been a real privilege to begin playing again over the summer. I am really excited about the prospect of a home-town gig in what is now a fantastic, intimate venue always my favourite kind of place to play, commented Parker. Our current setlist comprises blues and blues-rock covers and originals taken from the albums that I have released over the last two decades. Im genuinely enjoying playing more than ever before, he added.