Ahab

Winners – Best Group – Spiral Earth Awards 2012

Following the release of their self-recorded 2009 CD a.h.a.b., Callum Adamson (Guitar & Vocals) and Dave Burn (Guitar & Vocals) were invited to play a residency at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Nashville Tn. They asked Seebs Llewellyn (Bass & Vocals) and Luke Price (Mandolin & Vocals to join them and create a larger, richer sound. After playing together for two weeks, the band as we now know it, formed.

ahab returned to London and spent two months busking, which is where their sound took shape – Four part harmonies over great songs. The band created a stir and were warned by Police not to perform at markets again as the crowds were becoming a hazard.

In August 2010 ahab played Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival on the strength of a YouTube video of them busking. ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris watched them storm the 15,000 strong crowd from the side of the stage and invited them there and then to record a session for his show. At this point ahab had not released any material for purchase.

In November 2010 ahab released the “No King” e.p. This consequently led to legendary producer John Leckie (Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Rodrigo y Gabriela) recording their “KMVT” e.p which was released on Navigator Records in October 2011. BBC Radio 2 enthusiastically supported the key track “Wish You” with regular prime time plays.

‘KMVT’ was also rush-released into the Scandinavian territories as a result of the excitement ahab created at Denmark’s Tonder Festival. “Wish You” was play-listed on Denmark’s national radio station, NPR4.

Throughout the summer 2011, ahab were building a name for themselves performing at over 25 festivals both at home and abroad and then in November 2011, ahab joined Navigator stable-mates Bellowhead as guests on their sell-out UK tour playing to 20k people.

ahab spent 2012 on the road in the UK, Europe and Australia.

Because of their extensive touring schedule the current band have yet to release a debut studio album (planned for 2013) and thanks to overwhelming demand from their fan base they released in October the Live album – “Live in London” – featuring 14 tracks (5 previously unreleased) which is now available on general release. The initial pressing sold out during the pre-release tour!

ahab release ‘Wits End’, a compilation of re-mastered songs from the No King and KMVT EPs on 6 May on Navigator Records.

“ahab are so attuned their voices work wonderfully in harmony as well as on their own.”  •  Zoe Radas, Beat magazine – Australia

“Their modern, catchy, guitar-rich alt-country/pop songs really buzz.”  •  Martin Chilton – The Telegraph

“ahab is the real deal – top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies.” Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2

“I loved ahab’s terrific performance at Cropredy festival. They are blistering live – alt-country edge and sheer class.” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

plus guests: THE MOST UGLY CHILD

“ahab, are the next great band to emerge from the U.K music scene, soaring harmonies and fantastic instrumental skills” – www.Livemusicconnections.com

Following the release of their 2009 CD a.h.a.b., Callum Adamson and Dave Burn were invited to play a residency at the famous ‘Tootsies Orchid Lounge’ during Nashville’s Country Music Awards week festival in Nashville, Tennessee. They recruited Seebs Llewellyn and Luke Price and spent a week playing two shows a day to packed houses, and were even given an invite to record at Warner Studios in Nashville.

ahab returned to London and decided to make the new line-up permanent, they spent two months busking in east London, which is where their unique sound took shape – four part harmonies accompanying extremely accomplished song writing. While busking, the band created such a stir on the streets that they were warned by Police not to perform at markets anymore as the crowds that gathered were blocking the streets. It was time to look further afield.

In August 2010 ahab were invited to play Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival on the strength of a YouTube video of them busking on Brick Lane, ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris watched them storm the 15,000 strong crowd from the side of the stage and invited them there and then to record a session for his Saturday night BBC Radio 2 programme. At this point ahab still did not have a CD available for their rapidly growing fan base to take home.

So, in October 2010 ahab went into London’s Snap Studios to record a 5 track EP of self-penned songs. Impressed by the results, Bob Harris offered to host their EP launch at the BBC Club.

Then the word got out.

Legendary producer John Leckie attended one of their early shows and offered to return to Snap Studios to record ‘Lucy’, a download single.

In February 2011, to promote ‘Lucy’, ahab played their first national tour comprising of over 20 shows with most of the dates selling out in advance.

In April 2011 ahab recorded another 5 track EP – KMVT – for Navigator Records at Real World Studios, once again with John Leckie at the helm. KMVT was released in October 2011.

Throughout the summer 2011, ahab were very busy performing at over 20 festivals in the UK and Europe as well as several of their own shows.

In November 2011, ahab joined fellow Navigator stablemates Bellowhead as guests on their sellout UK tour playing to 20k people.

ahab kick off 2012 with a UK tour in February, a debut tour of Australia in March, and a further UK tour in May.
April will be spent in the studio working on their debut album.

“ahab is the real deal – top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies.” Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2

“I loved ahab’s terrific performance at Cropredy festival. They are blistering live – alt-country edge and sheer class.” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

 plus support: JOSHUA KEOGH (official Facebook page)