In 2005 Toby Barelli aka KING SIZE SLIM began experimenting with a new sound. A sound fully conscious of its roots but with a new story to tell. Having spent the previous 4 years touring and recording with TwoTone pioneers 'The Selecter' along with other Ska and Reggae luminaries, the sound was always going to be rhythm led, heavy on the bass and rootsy in the melody.
Big warm tones from his resonator guitar with a powerful and direct vocal style became the trademarks of the sound. Add rolling grooves, multi-layered percussion,vocals, harmonicas and myriad shakers to create a heavyweight acoustic sound that shouts loud and kisses sweet.
Performing around 150 shows a year across the UK and Europe built Toby Barelli a reputation as a powerful performer and a must see act on the roots, acoustic and blues live circuits. Shows at the legendary 100 Club, Camdens Jazz Cafe, Islington Union Chapel and Blues Kitchen announced KING SIZE SLIM to an enthusiastic London scene.
In the autumn of 2015 a double bill package featuring KING SIZE SLIM and guitar hero Skip 'Little Axe' McDonald toured the UK appearing at Liverpool Philharmonic , Albion Theatre London and other venues up and down the country. The intimacy of two solo artists presenting their individual sides of the roots music story on the same stage proved a great success.
2019 will see KING SIZE SLIM take a new 4 piece band on the road, taking in Festivals and venues across the UK and Europe