Blues Train In association with Shades of Soul Ltd

King Size Slim

Heavyweight Acoustics +Guests

Event Has Passed

Last Show: Sunday 17 th February 2019

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

British Blues Award winner King Size Slimdebut at The Soho Jazz Club with full band plus special guest Wah-Wah 45s Artist Bev Lee Harling. Toby Barelli aka King Size Slim brings his 'Heavyweight Acoustic' sound to the West-End from his native Hastings for an early spring Sunday Session. Double Bass, Resonator Guitar and a peculiar 2 man, no drums percussion section creates the unique KSS sound live and direct in Soho. Exclusive London date before festival season. 

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"Few artists create a distinctive sound but KING SIZE SLIM aka Toby Barelli has done just that."

R2 magazine 5 star review

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

Band Lineup

Toby Barelli (guitars and vocals)

Rufus Stone (double bass and vocals)

James Gulliver (cajon , hi-hat)

Andy Maby (hand percussion)

Bev Lee Harling (special guest violin and vocals)