McDonald and Giles

The Profile

A British duo formed by Ian McDonald and Michael (Mike) Giles, best known for the 1970 self-titled album released on Island Records. The record features contributions from Pete Giles (bass), guest piano by Steve Winwood and lyrics by Peter Sinfield. The project grew out of the members' work in early King Crimson.

Ian McDonald was a founding member of King Crimson; he died in 2022. The McDonald and Giles album was released in 1970 on Island Records and is commonly described as British progressive rock with folk and psychedelic influences.

Two DeBaser reviews celebrate the 1970 self-titled McDonald and Giles album as a pastoral, British progressive-rock gem. Reviewers highlight Ian McDonald's multi-instrumental work, Mike Giles' distinctive drumming, and strong suites such as "Suite in C" and "Birdman." The record is repeatedly compared (favorably) to early King Crimson while standing on its own.