Welcome to the history of the Kings Band
The Kings Band came together in 1987 when Dave Williams and Allen Mornington-West formed a co-operative band in which playing for dance but not too often were to be key features. Immediately we gathered a core of like minded members of King John’s Morris and the band was born! Allen was one of the founders of the folk rock styled Kings Hat Band which was, at that time, regularly engaged in southern counties for which Dave was a long standing principal caller.
Dave had a long heritage of calling and playing most notably with The Biggest Trio in the World and he was also a key member of the Southampton based King John's Morris. The Biggest Trio used a large number of dances and tunes from the Auvergne in France and these continue to feature in the repertoire of the Kings Band.
The connection with King John's Morris attracted some of their musicians and this membership shaped the eclectic playing style of the band. And it continues to evolve.
So many Kings then ... but due solely to co-oincidence. The Kings Hat Band took its name from the Kings Hat inclosure in the New Forest - it was here a pin landed when the name was being discussed! King Johns Morris is a morris side established in the 70s to continue selected Cotswold Morris and it too has evolved. Spookily during the very first Kings Band practice a stage cupboard door opened and a sign bearing the legend The Kings Messengers tumbled out. With such an omen we promptly named ourselves the Kings Band. It’s a simpler name which also reflects the members' backgrounds.
Over the 20 or more years some have left the band in many cases they've played with other well known bands in the Hampshire area. Over time the Kings Band has gained players from other bands - it's part of the give and take in folk dance bands. One key feature
of the Kings Band is that it counts three expert callers amongst its
members and this means that there is never any need for an event organiser to look separately for a band and a caller. It also gives greater fun and a more varied event as the dancing styles differ.
Click here to the page showing an outline of the Kings Band genealogical tree.
What happened to the original bands? ... Kings Hat Band closed in 1989. Its keyboard and guitarist - John Shepherd - left to join the Albion Band. Cliff, its percussionist, left to join the local 70s revival band Peter Pod and the Peas. The members still keep in touch. The Biggest Trio continued until the late 1980s. King John’s Morris is a thriving morris side based in Southampton and which dances out throughout most of the year. See www.king-johns-morris.org.uk/
These days the line up of the Kings Band is stable and the style has evolved further as Nigel - usually playing bass - and Ferd usually playing accordion - double up on trombone and tenor sax respectively. Allen often changes from fiddle to bass to continue the rythmic foundation. John keeps the tempo strict with the side drum and is aided by Henry on bones. Whilst Dave and Dick keep a steady flow of notes. From time to time the band enjoys the presence of guest players often on keyboards, brass or guitar. The influences of the band are varied - both new and old. They range from Bottine Souriante, Blowzabella, Steeleye Span and The Biggest Trio.