The band
Kevin Critchley Outfit are unrelenting in their passion for making fresh music. With a line-up that has grown from duo to six-piece in just two years, KCO are armed to the teeth with versatile musicians, global influences and a refreshingly unique sound.
At a party in Autumn 2006, Kevin pitched his musical ideas to a mysterious stranger over a table of finger food and excessive varieties of mini-roll and won the enthusiasm of the cellist and composer Luke Moore. In 2007 they performed across the North West of England with their first major slot supporting Ian McNabb at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Violinist Josie Pearce, who had previously performed at Keele University with Luke, came on board later that year and immediately added an extra dimension to the Outfit’s sound. In March 2008 they began recording their debut album at Sandhills Studios in Liverpool and since its release in April 2009, it has continued to meet with praise from critics and fans alike.
Once the album was complete they began the search for additional musicians to expand the band’s sound for live shows. They didn’t have to look too far- first on board was Alex Williams, a former school friend of Kevin’s, to play drums & percussion in late 2008. The rhythm section was completed with the arrival of Alex’s brother Mike on bass guitar in January 2009 and the new Outfit began performing in earnest. Broadening KCO’s sonic pallette, Heather Cookson (violin and backing vocals) completed the current lineup.
KCO’s continuing success has led to bigger shows, more radio play and a growing fan base- the Outfit are here to stay.
