Acoustic Singer-Songwriter John Herring has released his eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Tales From a Northern City’ on July 11, 2009. ‘Tales…’ is the follow-up to the EP, ‘Unobtrusive’ which was released in 2007. The album was recorded at Salford’s Blueprint Studios (home of Mercury Prize winners Elbow) with Herring co-producing alongside Blueprint’s Gary Hadfield (Courteeners, The Twang).
A limited edition of the album is available for 10 English Pounds from Piccadilly Records, Manchester or via the picture link below. For that you'll receive the CD along with the DVD 'The Making of Tales From a Northern City' a folding CD holder and booklet featuring original artwork.
Click on the image below to purchase
As well as buying the 'physical' album you can also download tracks on iTunes by following the link below.
The new album features a wealth of musicians including fellow singer-songwriters Jason Dunkley, That Girl Sue, Phil Davies and Mike Kneafsey as well as Tim Thomas (Drummer – Meadow, Killer Heels), Martin Roberts (Bass – Orange), and Bob Buller (Cello – Cornershop). Herring explains, “Whilst there are very definitely acoustic undertones throughout the whole album the music is strongly influenced by the urban street scenes in which I grew up. I am thrilled to be working alongside a number of great musicians and I think this has broadened the scope and appeal of the album.”
‘Tales From a Northern City’ was launched in the Big Room at Blueprint Studios on July 11, 20009 to a 200 strong crowd. It was a special night both in terms of the wide range of musicians involved on the night and delivery of a top quality album.
‘Tales From A Northern City’ represents the rise to prominence of one of the region’s most creative and talented songwriting talents. 9/10.
Mike Roberts; Whisperin' & Hollerin'
Really, really love his work.
Sam Walker; BBC Radio Manchester Introducing
Skilfully delivered, with a sparkle here and a melodic bounce there, creating a natural and effortless collection of charming songs, without pretension. Refreshing.
Emily Slowly; Manchester Music
There is something of Paul Heaton – now an adopted Manc – about Herring’s music, occasional nods in the direction of such venerable English singer-songwriters as Richard Thompson and a whiff of unplugged Smiths.
Paul Taylor; City Life
The album, Tales From a Northern City was definitely worth waiting for... Success in this country is tantalisingly close.
Tom Rodgers, SalfordOnline.Com
Made up of 12 finely crafted songs the CD also has a touch of The Beautiful South and even The Blue Nile about it and is a real grower.
TunA the Day
Herring is a highly engaging chap and his songs are chock-full of the kind of melancholy that can bring a full room to a complete hush.
Jon Coupe, SalfordMusic.Com
We're currently gathering votes for peoples favourite songs on 'Tales From a Northern City' - so feel free to vote for your favourite below:
..
If you wish to contact John or get more news you can do this by:
On the back of a wonderful album 'Tales From A Northern City', John delivers a class live performance. Many thanks for gracing our stage John and adding your own magic to our Christmas Special Show. Donal
Hi John! We're planning to come and see you at Bury Met on 20 March. I know it's some way off, but you're venturing far afield in between, I see! Looking forward to seeing (and hearing) you then, if not before. Will try to bring along some more of your fans too! All the best, Simon
Thank you for singing at the gig last night John! You were great & so was your friend :-) I'm looking forward to seeing you again and having you play at a future charity-gig too. All the best! Sara :-)
This Monday 16th November at the Acoustic Live Lounge we have 2 fantastic acts performing: THE GOOD INTENTIONS & THE RACHEL JAMES BAND
The Good Intentions are from Liverpool and this year they won the Maverick Magazine 2009 Song of The Year award and are an act not to be missed!
The Rachel James Band are from Bolton and we are very much looking forward to having them at the Acoustic Live Lounge performing live.
If those two acts weren't enough there's also plenty of open mic spots if you fancy coming down and giving us a song on the open mic.
For those of you who were at last weeks Acoustic Live Lounge, you'll agree it was a fantastic night of live music! For those who weren't there, here's a video from the night, which featured Karen Cleary and The Lees
If you're on Youtube, why not add the Acoustic Live Lounge Youtube channel as a friend and subscribe to get all the latest live footage from the Acoustic Live Lounge http://www.youtube.com/user/AcousticLiveLounge
Hopefully see you on Monday Barry ACOUSTIC LIVE LOUNGE
Hey John, thank you! I will be listening to your album on my travels down to London later today... I absolutely love the tales you sing - wonderful ear candy... I am looking forward to having your company in the car with me!
Hey John, a privalege to meet you last night. Really enjoyed your set, and am checking out your CD..for sure, when we are back in Salford will give you a shout...and when you come to London of course,
The title's the hook... :) You're gonna have to get some audience participation to do it justice live though, or a backing singer. Can understand why you like singing Home. That's probably my very close second.
Cool. Margi mentioned December Sunday Sessions? I'm playing I think...scary. :)
Thanks so much for coming down last night & for your encouraging feedback. I really appreciated it, especially with your busy schedule these days. I'm really glad you sold some copies of your album too: just goes to show how good it is! We'll make it to another of your gigs this year, for sure, and will keep listening to the album in the meantime.
Come on down to 3345 relax and enjoy the music or bring your guitar and join in with the open mike slots All welcome with or without a guitar from 8pm onwards....
Hey John, thank you! I will be listening to your album on my travels down to London later today... I absolutely love the tales you sing - wonderful ear candy... I am looking forward to having your company in the car with me!
Thank you for singing at the gig last night John!
You were great & so was your friend :-)
I'm looking forward to seeing you again and having you play at a future charity-gig too.
All the best!
Sara :-)