Last month saw the release of Josh Ritter‘s Gathering (Pytheas Recordings/Thirty Tigers) which was a Featured Album of the Month here on Folk Radio UK. In his review of the album, Paul Kerr declared the album “a roller coaster of emotion with Ritter mining a rich seam of Americana music” (read the full review here).
The release of Gathering marks 20 years since Ritter began recording and performing music. Along with his loyal band-mates, the Royal City Band, and engineer Trina Shoemaker, Ritter returned to the Clubhouse studio in Rhinebeck, NY with more songs than he’d ever had before at one time.
Re-energized after a recent collaboration with legendary musician Bob Weir and—at the same time—tired of living in the shadow of his earlier self, Ritter felt charged with exploring the possibility of cutting himself loose from his own and others’ expectations.
“I began with an exciting sense of dissatisfaction, and what emerged, as I began to find my voice, was a record full of storms’, says Josh. “I still can’t tell what era these stories are from. They feel part roustabout, part psalm to me.”
The 13 songs featured on the album touch on themes of uncertainty, mania, laughter and sadness. In addition to “Showboat,” highlights include “When Will I Be Changed,” (lyric video below) which features special guest vocals and guitar from Bob Weir. An avid visual artist, Ritter also painted the artwork for the album cover and the various single covers.
In support of the release, Ritter and the Royal City Band will kick off an extensive tour this winter, including a date at London’s Shepherd Bush Empire for which we have a great Giveaway (two pairs of tickets plus signed CDs), see details below.
Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band UK & Ireland Tour:
December
Tues 5th – LONDON, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Weds 6th – BELFAST, Mandela Hall
Thurs 7th – DUBLIN, Vicar Street (seated show)
Fri 8th – DUBLIN, Vicar Street (standing show)
Sun 10th – LIMERICK, Dolan’s
Mon 11th – CORK, Cork Opera House
Josh Ritter Giveaway Entry Details*
We have two pairs of tickets to Josh Ritter’s show at the Shepherds Bush Empire on 5th December along with a signed copy of his Gathering CD.
To enter simply email us here: info@klofmag.com. In your email include “Josh Riter Giveaway” in the subject along with your name and address in the body of the message. Last entries by 10 am on 28 November 2017.
*Terms & conditions apply:
- Only one entry per household.
- Winners will be chosen at random on 28 November 2017.
- The winners will be informed soon thereafter.
- Your information will not be shared with any other parties other than the winner’s name/contact details which will be passed on to the promoter.
- Winner’s names will be added to the guest list for the gig/venue.
Folk Radio UK’s full terms can be found here.
Photo Credit: Laura Wilson
