Ian McDonald (musician)
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- For several other people called Ian McDonald or a similar spelling, see Ian McDonald.
Ian McDonald (born June 25, 1946, in Ostersley, Middlesex) is an English multi-instrumental musician, best known as a founding member of progressive rock group King Crimson, formed in 1969, and the hard rock band Foreigner in 1976. He is well-known as a rock session musician, predominantly as a saxophonist. He also plays flute, vibraphone, keyboards and guitar.
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[edit] Biography
Born in London, McDonald served five years in the British Army as a bandsman. His music talent ranged from classical orchestra to dance bands to rock. In 1969 McDonald was in King Crimson's initial line up which recorded their first album In the Court of the Crimson King. McDonald and drummer Michael Giles departed and formed a spin-off group who released one album titled McDonald & Giles.
McDonald was also a member/founder of Foreigner for whom he also played guitar as well as his trademark woodwinds and keyboards. He has been a session musician and appeared in the recording of the hit single "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" by T. Rex, and recordings by Linda Lewis, Christine Harwood amongst others. He also has some production credits to his name, few of them being albums by Fruupp, Darryll Way's Wolf and Fireballet. McDonald's latest solo record is Drivers Eyes in 1999.
In 1997, the release of the King Crimson 4-CD set Epitaph, consisting of rare live recordings of the 1969 version of King Crimson, renewed interest in the early Crimson material. Out of that interest, the 21st Century Schizoid Band was formed in 2002 and several tours and live albums have followed. The band includes former King Crimson members Michael Giles (drums & percussion), Peter Giles (bass), Ian McDonald (sax, flute, keyboards), Mel Collins (alto/tenor sax, flute, keyboards) and also Jakko Jakszyk from Level 42 on guitar and lead vocals. After the first tour Michael Giles was replaced with another former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace.
[edit] Discography with Foreigner
- Foreigner (1977)
- Double Vision (1978)
- Head Games (1979)
