Ian F Ball is a seasoned folk singer and songwriter based in Oldham in the North West of England. With over 50 years of experience, Ian’s music has been influenced by a wide range of artists from Bach to Big Bill Broonzy, via Arthur Askey and The Purple Gang.
He bought his first guitar aged 14 from Boots the Chemist and was excited to become a singer songwriter. Fast forward half a century or so and he’s finally done it. He’s not been treading water during those years though. Becoming an accomplished Melodeon player Ian self-published a book of tunes in the 90, ‘One Too Many’. The title tune was picked up by Belshazzar’s Feast and played on track one of their debut album of the same name. Other tunes have been picked up and recorded by bands on both sides of the Atlantic.
He’s played in various ceilidh, folk, blues and Americana bands over the years on, guitar, melodeon, harmonica, mandolin, whistle, keyboard and bouzouki, but now concentrates on writing for guitar and melodeon.
An active member of his local musical society, in 2011 Ian was fortunate enough to perform, with other members of the society, on the main stage of the Carnegie Hall in New York in a 150 strong international choir. In 2022 Ian was awarded the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (North West Region): Best Male Lead in a Musical for his role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
You can listen to Ian’s music on Spotify and Bandcamp and all good streaming platforms. Stay updated with his latest news and releases by following his official Music Facebook page.