Ivan Drever

Ivan Drever is a folk singer, songwriter and guitarist popular not only with the Scottish folk scene but also in other European countries such as Norway, Denmark and Spain. He often tours with popular fiddler Duncan Chisholm who founded the folk rock band Wolfstone which Drever joined in 1990 but left in later years. For three decades, Drever has produced a unique music sound, mixing traditional folk with some rock and roll sounds.

Life

Drever spent his childhood as one of ten children on Sanday one of the islands of Orkney in Scotland. Interest in music was clear from a young age with Drever winning youth talent shows at 12. He enjoyed country music. In 1974 he founded the band 'Knowe O'Deil' and stayed until the late 80's. In the 90's Ivan moved to Easter Ross and joined Wolfstone. Drever spent many years in the Scottish town of Inverness which inspired many songs. His album 'Waterfront' is named after a favourite bar and restaurant there. Ivan has 4 children.

Career

In 1989 he released his debut album, Homeland. In 1990 Drever joined Wolfstone where he played guitar, cittern, whistle, mandola and pipes as well as providing lead vocals and songwriting but pursued a flourishing career of solo and duo work. In 1998 Drever and Duncan Chisholme released their own album, Lewis Blue. In the early 90's Drever released two duo albums with fellow Wolfstone member, Struan Eaglesham. 'Long December Night' is a recent duo album with Duncan Chisholm.

Career highlights

*2001- One of Ivan's most popular projects which gained huge media interest was a Californian dance spectacular named 'Celtic Fusion' in which he provided the music and toured not only in the UK but in the USA with the high-profile team. He was the chief songwriter.
*The popular Irish band 'The Dubliners' have recorded some of his tunes.
*The 1997 film 'Good Will Hunting', which featured famous movie star Robin Williams, included one of Ivan and Duncans songs.
*In 1988 he recorded a duo album with Dick Clarke
*In 1996 he hosted a Radio 2 documentary about the Islands of Scotland

Now

Ivan and Duncan have been busy touring the UK and Europe. An exciting new project is underway with Ivan being part of a new rock-meets-folk band. More news should be released about this shortly. One of Ivan's sons Kris Drever is becoming big on the music scene especially with his 2006 album Black Water. Kris appeared on the Hogmany Live show 2007/8. Ivan's other son Duncan (not Duncan Chisholm) is also busy making music.

Solo albums

* Homeland (1989)
* Isles Ne'er Forgotten (1991)
* Four Walls (1996)
* Black, White And Blue (2000)
* The Orkney Years Vol. 1 (Collection of previous songs)
* The Orkney Years Vol. 2
* Tradition
* The Waterfront

External links

* [http://www.mp3.com/artist/ivan-drever/summary/ Career Summary MP3.com]
* [http://moo-ahh.com/Ivan/idbiodisc.htm Official Website]