Ivor Kallin grew up in Strathbungo in the south side of Glasgow, moving to London in the late seventies. He is essentially an improviser, playing viola with string trio Barrel and the London Improvisers Orchestra, but also plays bass with Ya Basta, Glowering Figs and previously with the London Electric Guitar Orchestra and the Horseless Headmen.

He has also been known to spout dreadful poetry as Ambrosia Rasputin on Resonance FM, and has been captured on YouTube scatting with Shane McGowan of the Pogues!