Scotland’s Reveal Records is pleased to announce that the debut solo album from one of Scotland’s finest songwriters – John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame – will be released worldwide on October 6th. This collection of “unplugged’ studio performances offer an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith. With this release comes the start of a new chapter in John Douglas’ creative life as he simultaneously looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades and moves forwards.
And what a fantastic album this is. While there is a common sound throughout the album, there is a unique gem within each and every track included in this album. It makes you wonder if, with eleven songs featured on this record, how many others might have also been recorded in this same inspiring session. Well, the fact may lay in the fact that there are 2 bonus tracks available to folks buying the album from Bandcamp (we recommend you all to do exactly that). So 13 tracks for the luckiest of the lucky.
The breadth of Douglas’ career is astounding, especially when considering his co-writing and performance credits over the years of Trashcan Sinatras’ development. There is just so much to love in this album (and we hope to see more output like this from him in future). A sheer delight – recommended for everyone suffering from sensory overstimulation. This will calm your mind and ease you into healthy listening.
In terms of the recording of the album itself, John Douglas performed everything solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard, who also mixed and mastered the album.
The album ‘John Douglas’ features new recordings of some of John’s favourite Trashcan Sinatras material, alongside new songs he has written and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’. Compare, for instance, John Douglas’ acoustic rendition of ‘Weightlifting’ with the original Trashcan Sinatras’ version
John Douglas explains, “I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year – out of nowhere – everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark [Freegard] just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be.
Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.
He has also been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 during Trashcan Sinatras’ ‘Jordan – The Comeback’ tour with Prefab Sprout.
On October 6th, John Douglas’ album will be released on CD and digitally and will be available from fine music outlets worldwide. It can be obtained via Bandcamp ahead of the general release with early-birds receiving an immediate full album download, plus exclusive access to two bonus digital tracks (‘Last Orders’ and ‘The Drink’).
CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD – REVEAL195CDX – 7427137071599
Digital Album – REVEAL195DDX – 7427137071605
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
TRACK LIST
01. Lost 04:07
02. I Just Want To Go Home 03:22
03. Weightlifting 04:33
04. Orange Crayons 04:31
05. Leave Me Alone 03:39
06. Maid O’ The Loch 04:09
07. The Sleeping Policeman 03:23
08. I’m Not The Fella 02:50
09. Oranges & Apples 03:35
10. We Let The Stars Go (Prefab Sprout) 03:46
11. Always 02:36
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