Long-time member of Elbow and celebrated British songwriter and lyricist Guy Garvey is set to release his debut solo album on October 30th. Titled Courting the Squall, the album was recorded initially at Real World Studios near Bath and completed at Blueprint Studios in Salford.
Garvey assembled a band featuring his ‘favourite musicians outside of Elbow’ which focused on spontaneity and experimentation for the recording process, favouring live takes with minimum overdubs to capture the sonic atmosphere. With Garvey firmly in the driving seat, the group ‘moved fast and drank a lot’ throughout the process.
The album features Pete Jobson, long time friend and bass player from I Am Kloot, as lead guitarist and Nathan Sudders from The Whip on bass, bringing an indie sensibility that was at the heart of Guy’s thinking for certain songs. Keyboards are marshalled by old V2 labelmate Ben Christophers and drums are filled by Alex Reeves. Elbow’s brass section add to selected tracks whilst Rachael Gladwin, a steadying contrast to the party vibe of the team due her being pregnant, plays the harp and kora.
Guy has also announced a string of live dates in support of the album, featuring the musicians performing on the recorded version. A special fan presale will commence at 9am on 16th September via Garvey’s official Facebook page.
26/11 – Brussels, Ancienne Belgique
28/11 – Berlin, Postbahnhof
29/11 – Amsterdam, Paradiso
1/12 – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
2/12 – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
4/12 – Manchester, Albert Hall
5/12 – Manchester, Albert Hall
7/12 – Dublin, Olympia
8/12 – Glasgow, O2 ABC
