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.
The trademarks of that sound emanate from a road-beaten Resophonic guitar, a powerful and direct vocal style and a peculiar rhythm section of Double Bass and a duo of Percussionists. It‘s a heavyweight acoustic sound that shouts loud and kisses sweet.
” …..few artists create a distinctive sound KSS has done just that, terrific stuff…” R2 Magazine 5 star review
Performing regular shows at the legendary 100 Club, Camden’ Jazz Cafe and Union Chapel Islington announced KING SIZE SLIM to an enthusiastic London Scene. Following the release of his debut studio album ‘Milk Drunk’ KING SIZE SLIM won international critical acclaim, IBBA album of the month, a British Blues Award and a nomination in Wasser Prawda magazine awards.
“The stand out act of the weekend” E-Festivals Acoustic Festival of Great Britain
Word soon spread amongst gig go-ers and bookers alike that KING SIZE SLIM was a hot act and subsequently Toby was handpicked to perform solo support for rock legends Queen at the BBC event ‘Rock Big Ben’ at Westminster Central Hall, London. Soon after he was invited as a guest of the Prince of Bahrain to perform live sessions at 2 Seas Studio and The Island Vibes music festival on the Island Kingdom of Bahrain.
“Here’s ‘Milk Drunk’ … I really like this record!” – Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 2 / 6 Music
Touring double bill solo shows with Sugar Hill Gang / Little Axe legend Skip McDonald and also loop machine blues maniac Son Of Dave opened the KING SIZE SLIM sound to new audiences across the UK and allowed Toby to develop a uniquely powerful and engaging live show.
“….simply one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen” CBG Festival , Leicester UK
Five studio albums, several awards and somewhere near 1500 shows in countless countries and the KING SIZE SLIM sound continues to develop its unique Heavyweight Acoustic sound and style.
