Ist (styled as ist) were an English rock music group based in Leicester, England. Their name is meant to denote a lack of prejudice. They are broadly speaking, a pop/rock group, but with a penchant for genre-jumping that has seen ska, jazz, blues and classical influences find their way on to their albums.

History

Ist was formed in March 2001, the original line-up consisting of Canadian singer/songwriter Kenton Hall, lead guitarist/songwriter Jack Bomb, bassist Detroit Robbins and drummer Mark "Flash" Haynes. The original line-up toured extensively throughout the UK following the releases of ''The Adult Tree'' EP in 2001 and the album '' Freudian Corduroy'' in 2003. The year 2004 saw setbacks for Ist. Lead guitarist and contributing lyricist Jack Bomb left the band to form Vitriol I.D. in August, and in October bassist Detroit Robbins died. The remaining members chose to move forward adding bassist John McCourt. In September 2005, Brett Richardson (guitars and bassoon) joined ist, following guest appearances on their second album. Ist's second album, '' King Martha'', was released in August 2005. It features Kenton Hall, Mark "Flash" Haynes, John McCourt, with Brett Richardson and Paul Swannell, as well as a group of contributing artists including

Kevin Hewick Kevin Hewick (born 4 February 1957) is an English singer-songwriter who was an early member of the Factory Records roster. Today he is known for his recordings on Sorted, Pink Box and his own Botheration label, and his work with Venetian collec ...

, The Have Nots, The Swinging Laurels, and former member Jack Bomb. The album features a wide array of horns, as well as string sections and a bassoon in addition to traditional rock instruments such as guitar, bass and drums. In 2006, Ist released the single "The Wreck of the Eddie Fitzpatrick/I am Jesus (And You're Not)" in direct response to a conversation with performer, songwriter and presenter Tom Robinson. In 2008, Kenton Hall from Ist was one of the co-writers of

Chris Difford Christopher Henry Difford (born 4 November 1954) is an English singer, musician, songwriter and record producer. He is a founding member and songwriter of the rock group Squeeze. Musical career Born in Greenwich, London, Difford has written l ...

's Christmas single for

BBC1 BBC One is a British free-to-air public broadcast television network owned and operated by the BBC. It is the corporation's flagship network and is known for broadcasting mainstream programming, which includes BBC News television bulletins, ...

's The One Show, "Let's Not Fight This Christmas". Songs co-written by Hall have also appeared on releases from other artists, including the song "Grace" on Madelaine Hart's "LAA" EP, released on the Creative Commons label modifythevan. He is currently working on songs with a number of other artists, including Chaz Jankel. In August 2009, Ist released '' Toothpick Bridge'', produced by Jay "Burzootie" Burnett. The Swinging Laurels, (Gaz Birtles, John Barrow and Dean Sargent) once again provided brass, along with Jay Lyndsay, and they were also joined by renowned pedal steel player Melvin Duffy and vocalist Dorie Jackson, amongst others. In October 2010, Ist played one final gig, their Obistuary, at The Musician, in their native Leicester. They were supported by the musical comedian,

Boothby Graffoe Boothby Graffoe is a village and civil parish in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. The population of the civil parish at the 2011 census was 223. It is situated approximately south from the city and county town of Lincol ...

. In 2011, Kenton Hall embarked on a solo career and has taken to the stage as an actor. John McCourt was playing for the Pink Box outfit, Mr Plow, and recording solo material. Flash had formed the Beatles tribute act Hamburg62, and continues to work with Kevin Hewick. Brett Richardson ventured deeper into his studio recording, mixing and mastering for a real mix of artists.

Public response

Ist have received a positive reaction from independent media.Album Reviews – Ist: King Martha
. Left Off The Dial.Manchester Music – Release Review From the Archive
Music-dash.co.uk (16 January 2006).Home – The Mag – New Music Uncovered
The Mag (6 February 2012). In 2006 songwriter Kenton Hall received a nomination for MOJO Magazine/Bavaria's Music of Substance Award, alongside fellow Leicester songwriter,

The group's sound has been compared to artists such as Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Nick Cave,

The E Street Band The E Street Band is an American rock band, and has been musician Bruce Springsteen's primary backing band since 1972. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. For the bulk of Springsteen's recording and performing care ...

, Ray Davies, Television and

The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...

. Fans include the novelist Neil Gaiman.Neil Gaiman's Journal: "any stick to beat a dog with..."
Neilgaiman.com (12 August 2005). Ist have received positive response in Russian where the album '' King Martha'' reached no. 1 on the Russian legal music download site yanga.ru in June 2006, with debut album '' Freudian Corduroy'' occupying the number two spot.

Discography

*2001 ''The Adult Tree'' EP (Pink Box Records) *2003 '' Freudian Corduroy'' (Pink Box Records/The Orchard) *2005 '' King Martha'' (Pink Box Records/The Orchard) *2006 ''The Wreck of the Eddie Fitzpatrick/I am Jesus (And You're Not)'' (Pink Box Records) *2009 '' Toothpick Bridge''

References

External links

Official websiteMyspace profileFlash's drum school website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ist English rock music groups Musical groups from Leicester