Mick Hucknall steps away from Simply Red with ‘Tribute To Bobby’, a collection of soul classics originally recorded by the legendary Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. After an illustrious career with Simply Red, Hucknall decided to do something different, and last June, he emerged from his home recording studio with a brand new album, a tribute to Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland – one of his heroes and inspirations.
“His music has this sophistication to it, a jazz tinge. There’s also the darkness of his lyrics – Bobby sings with a really twisted pain and sorrow. He’s one of the vocalists who influenced my singing style long before I became a slave to pop success”.
A master class in soul, blues and R&B, Hucknall transforms the thoughtfully selected covers into his own, and succeed in producing an intensely passionate and diverse album.
Produced by long time collaborator Andy Wright, the album is characterised by Hucknall’s striking emotional honesty, musical sincerity and his utterly unique voice. Embracing the spirit of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, one of many standout tracks on the album is ‘Stormy Monday Blues’, a thriving journey into the world of jazz and blues.
Other highlights on the album are many and include ‘Cry Cry Cry’, a raw and soulful track that fits Hucknall perfectly. Alongside ‘I’ll Take Care Of You’, ‘I Pity The Fool’, and the stellar ‘Farther Up The Road’ means the album is consistently rewarding and hugely addictive.
Hucknall’s passion and respect for the project is unquestioned “I’m doing this album for myself, it’s my own personal odyssey. I feel more at home here. This is the beginning for me, I hope my old fans come along, and I hope we can make some new friends with it too” he says.
Hucknall also tours the UK and Europe this summer and all dates are on sale now. Full listings, along with ticket information can be found by clicking here.
Dear MICK, I just love when u say in some of yr concerts: -"Say hi to my beautiful ladies Dee Johnson and Sara Brown" Couldn't agree more with u,sweetie.They're absolutely gorgeous, real "ebony Goddesses"...guess u know that... They're,surely,the two most talented,beautiful and charismatic back vocals u've ever had in your Simply Red team! I wish u could keep them by yr side after 2010,when u will be going on with yr solo career. You guys together are absurdely great, the three of you,huuuuuuge presence on stage,believe me.Gee...what am I saying??? No big news for you... You know that... So,July 4th,tonight,when u find yourself on stage at the concert,be sure that DEE is getting one of her best gifts in life: singing on stage with UNIQUE MICK HUCKNALL. And,you my NUMBER 1 artist of all time,will ge getting a blessed gift as well,though it's not yr birthday...Having by yr side,in yr band,such a beautiful negro voice singing along with you. -- Double gift -- Luv ya,dear. God bless && take care. Greetings from yr Brazilian admirer, -Marcia -
Hey Mick ... Bet u'r tired of being traveling since last February,at the very beginning of this amazing tour. Take a deep breath,just a bit more and in September u'll find yourself at "HOME" sharing love with your two pretty "STARS". I'm glad to see that "SAD OLD RED" times are gone since these two precious ladies have come into your life. Into your deepest soul. God bless you sweetie. Take care. Greetings from your Brazilian admirer -- Marcia --
debo confesarte que desde que te vi en Viña del Mar no he podido sacarte de mi cabeza... ahora he comprado 3 cd de simply red para conocerte un poco más...tengo 30 años pero he vuelto a nacer desde febrero de este año, cuando te vi en mi ciudad... Viña del Mar, vuelve pronto por favor...
Dear "RED daddy", sorry I'm a bit late but couldn't post it yesterday... I wish your "beautiful RED Romy True" the best she can get in life.Lucky girl,already...having Mr.Hucknall as her "dad"... May The Lord keep her always healthy and blessed with peace of mind. Greetings from Brazil. Hgs&kss to little cute Romy.
Hi Mick! Today was a great day for you and your family...Romy True is a little princess,she is soo cute!You can be a proudly dad...give her a big kiss and Gabriella too of course!
Are you ready for the road again???Many old and new friends are waiting excited to see you soon!!! God bless you and your family,Mick!Save journeys for the last month of your world-tour!!!Hope you had a refreshing break to bring back your power!!!!!! CU in Gelsenkirchen again!!!! Don't forget your fans after the show...standing outside to meet you.........only few minutes!!!! take care and hope to see you next year on one of your rare farewell shows??!!! hugs from HamburgXXXMarinaXXX
Hello Mike and thanks again for the friendship, much appreciated. Wanted to listen to the tracks and check out your site for updates. Hope to see you guys in concert here in Montreal Canada in the near future. All the best........ Mariano !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your 2nd one,little Romy True!! And Mick,don't stop to make music and don't stop to make sooo sweet babies!!:):) Are you ready to carry on your "Mega-Tour" on Sunday? Wish you and your little family a wonderful day and a lot of fun on tour again! Love and kisses Karin
Happy,Happy Birthday to Romy True!!! Hope that she will have a nice 2th with mum and dad...and a big,big party with friends!!! Mick please give her a kiss from HamburgXXXXMarinaXXX
hoola mick ..quiero decirte que te pasaste ...en viña del mar ..espero que vuelvas a chile ..antes de que termines el tour de grandes exitos ..de verdad increible presentacion..lo mejor de viña 2009 ...creo que no se veia un show tan buenos e muchos años .. de verdad se agradece tu talento ..y el de los musicos de simply red ...por favor vuelvan !!!
Мик, огромное спасибо за твою дружбу, я горжусь ею!!! Я люблю твою музыку! Но, сказать люблю-мало-обажаю!! Люблю твой стиль, твой голос! Желаю тебе вдохновенной работы! Миллион поцелуев!!
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Hi Mick!
