HKB FiNN

Infobox musical artist

---

Name = Andrew Ward
Img_size =
Background = solo artist
Birth_name =
Alias = HKB FiNN
Born =
Died =
Origin = London, UK
Instrument =
Genre = spoken word, Jazz
Occupation =
Years_active = 1999 - present
Label = Alter Native Studios
Associated_acts =
URL = http://www.hkbfinn.com, http://www.alterns.com, http://www.tundejegede.com, http://www.mayajobarteh.com
Notable_instruments = Vocal, djembe,

HKB FiNN aka "Andrew Ward" is a spoken word artist from the UK, who embodies worldly influences that are present in a cosmopolitan city such as London. Active is the Spoken Word and Jazz world, he's an accomplished performer, song writer and producer.

Performances

HKB FiNN specialzes in a unique brand of alternative Hip Hop which is part Reggae, part West African, part Jazz and has a verve rare in Hip Hop.FiNN was the former front man of UK band Katch 22 and has recorded and performed across several genres with various groups and organisations such as: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Tunde Jegede Ensemble, Ntoumos, Roots Manuva, Viva Sinfonia, No Jazz, Gunshot, Def Tex,, Electro Deluxe and many more. He became a soloist in 1999 and has released five solo albums.

HKB FiNN started his vocal career with UK hip hop crew 'Hijack signed to 'Ice T's' RSR records in 1989'. After recording the single 'burial proceedings' FiNN departed to start his own group: Katch 22.

Katch 22 (Huntkillbury Finn, Dj Marga, Dj Killamantwice) quickly rose through the hip hop ranks and were signed to 'kold sweat records' in 1990. They released 3 albums between 1991-1994. After fulfilling their contract, Katch 22 disbanded.

Soon after, FiNN began exploring other genres and worked with several underground jazz & rock bands before releasing his debut solo recording on Son Records in 1999.

Working with Tunde Jegede, FiNN performed with ' The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' and Viva Sinfonia giving him a taste of the classical world.

After the release of his critically acclaimed debut album 'VItalistics' in 2002, FiNN began to create music based on composition and less on sampling. Working with Classical producer 'Tunde Jegede' to create a sound drawn directly from the Caribbean, West African and European folk traditions, Finn discovered ' Acoustic Afro hip hop'. Having found his centre&sound, HKB FiNN began attracting a worldwide audience to his unique style.

In 2004, HKB FiNN expanded his music production company 'alter native studios' into a music label, and embarked on a series of critically acclaimed albums and eps. Focusing on live and original music, HKB FiNN has successfully managed to move from hardcore B-Boy to Boho Poet in a few years.

In 2008, he spends much of his time touring with his own backing group 'The Drovers Street Band' featuring 'Tunde Jegede, Derek Johnson, Andi McLean& vocalist Crystal Night.

He also appears regularly with jazz groups such as Nojazz& Electro Deluxe (France) and UK jazz pianist: Robert Mitchell.

Reviews

* " A masterpiece" OUTSiDE LOOKiNG iN MAGAZiNE
* "An inspiration to listen to..." UK HiP HOP.COM
* " Exceptional" THE TiMES
* "This is music from that 'next level' many rapper claim to be striving to attain" MOJO MAGAZiNE
* "Well crafted, earthy, rootsy, an atmospheric gem" RAPNEWS.CO.UK
* "Beautiful arrangements and Thoroughly refreshing" NiCK LUSCOMBE, XFM RADiO
* "Urban Album of the month - July 2005 & Urban album of the year 2005" MOJO MAGAZiNE

Trivia

* Uses lowercase and capital case in a unique combination

Film Credits

* The Idea 2006 (actor)
* Our Story Our Voice 2007 (self)

Song list

* ViTALiSTiCS ALBUM 2003
* ACOUSTiC AFRO HiP HOP ALBUM 2005
* SPOKEN HERBS ALBUM 2006
* FiNNSTRUMENTALS ALBUM 2006
* LO-Fi JAZZ EP 2007
* SANCTUARY OF JOY EP 2007
* LiGHT iN THE SHADE OF DARKNESS ALBUM 2008

Links

* [http://www.hkbfinn.com/ HKB FiNN Official site]

* [http://www.badnews.co.jp/main/en/public/cgi-bin/artist_main.cgi?ses_id=&ad=hkbfinn Bad News Link]