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.
Listening to you sing is one of the things in life that brings me joy. Gosh, I've been enjoying your music since 1989! That's 20 years!! Hopefully, I will be able to hear you sing live oneday soon. I will look up, whether or not you will be in the Northern California area sometime soon. Have a very lovely autumn!
GOOD NEWS are meant to be spreeeeeead around as much as possible,to as many plaaaaaces as they can can get to...that's why I'm posting up here, to all my SIMPLY RED FRIENDS ,our FIRST pic of MICK on stage, after the end of the tour,last March.Not sure if you guys will be able to get it ,not always I can post pics up in here,dunno exactly why...
Anyway,trying ,once again...
*or also,you RED FANS can take a look at it at my album,newest one,on RAH event,last night. Get it with all my love from Brazil,dear REDDIES
Marcia – São Paulo xo
*it was sent to me from my sweet friend Patricia,another RED member of our huge RED FAMILY...
Dear Mick, already miss you soooo much on stages ... Looking forward to seeing you next Oct 25 !! *This Mon(3:00am-Brazilian time) watched (again/and again...again...) your beautiful concert in Chile -Viñ del Mar. You and your guys were absolutely SUPERB on stage. Beautiful audience,pretty and charming ladies enchanted by your lovely performance(as usual). Hv a nice week,sweetie. Kisses from Brazil Marcia - São Paulo
Here in Brazil a cable TV that is exhibiting your Concert in Cuba , and I already saw 10 times or 12 times...and I will see for more 20 times, rsss... you are Simply Wonderful, Congratulations!!!
Wohooo Mick...bet u'r happy today-- Manchester United 4 x M. City 3 !!! My hubby was watching the game yesterday on TV and call me to see the game with him, he loves soccer as much as you do...It was a bit stressing,wasn't it?I could imagine you watching it at home or with friends or much probably at the Stadium... Glad 4 you,dear... Greetings from the "Land of King Pelé"-Brazil !!! Marcia Santos - São Paulo
Hey there Mick ! Just stopping by to wish u, charming Gabriella and cuuuute little RED Romy a nice and most of all, "blessed" week !! Right now I'm listening to you singing (SUPERBLY) ""Yolanda""... Since I bought yr Tribute to Bobby CD last year, I couldn't stop listening to it,every single day...My favorite time for listening to yr UNIQUE WHITE voice singing Bobby's BLACK-Blues songs is when I'm cooking dinner for my hubby & kids,having a glass of wine...These songs fits perfectly in this special and magic moment of my day--you singing Blues x wine x some cooking for those whom I love so much is pure heaven... Greetings from Brazil. Marcia - São Paulo