McDonald & Giles

McDonald & Giles was a short-lived duo formed in 1970 by Ian McDonald and Michael Giles, both former members of King Crimson and Giles, Giles, and Fripp. The duo’s roots stretched back to 1967 with the formation of eclectic rock trio Giles, Giles, and Fripp. Founded by brothers Michael Giles (drums and vocals) and Peter Giles (bass and vocals) with guitarist Robert Fripp, the members blended their influences – classical, psychedelia, pop, jazz, folk, and rock – into a unique sound that would soon give way to the birth of the progressive rock scene and, more specifically, King Crimson. Their debut album The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles, and Fripp (1968) was not a commercial success. They added two members to their ranks – Ian McDonald (saxophone/flute/clarinet) and former Fairport Convention vocalist Judy Dyble – and went back into the studio. Their label was unhappy with the recordings, and they were never released. Judy Dyble soon left the group followed shortly by Peter Giles. The remaining trio – Robert Fripp, Michael Giles, and Ian McDonald – formed a new group by the name of King Crimson. They released their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, in 1969. After heading out on tour to promote the album, Ian McDonald and Michael Giles left King Crimson. However, the two musicians continued to work together, releasing the album McDonald and Giles in 1970. The full-length release included musical assistance from Steve Winwood and Pete Sinfield (King Crimson). The album was not a commercial success, and the two musicians went their separate ways. In 1976, Ian McDonald was a founding member of AOR band Foreigner, and remained with them until 1979. Ian McDonald died on February 9, 2022.

Please enable Javascript to view this page competely.