Multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald and drummer Michael Giles first teamed in early 1969 as founding members of the pioneering British art rock band King Crimson. However, after appearing on their landmark debut In the Court of the Crimson King, the duo -- dissatisfied with the group's musical direction and the strain of touring -- left the lineup, reuniting a few months later to record an LP of their own. Titled simply McDonald & Giles, the album continued where their work in King Crimson left off and featured a guest appearance by Steve Winwood; McDonald and Giles nevertheless went their separate ways soon after, with the former going on to co-found Foreigner.