We recently shared the news of Benji Kirkpatrick’s new album ‘In Phase ‘, which will be released on 6th October (pre-order via Bandcamp) and supported by a UK Tour in October/November (see dates below). Today, we have the pleasure of sharing his second album single, “You Could Try Roulette,” and an accompanying video filmed and edited by Johnny Holden.
The song, inspired by poker terminology, is about trying to break the norm and finding ways out of procrastination, something Benji seemed to have no issues with when it came to making this album, which saw him in full creative flow.
“With a bit of enforced time on my hands, I found material came flowing out. New songs were appearing, and seeds of ideas that had already germinated grew into fully formed entities. Where previously I may have spent endless hours refining things, the pieces fitted together satisfyingly quickly, and I was able to resist the urge to tinker and move on.”
You Could Try Roulette has been beautifully arranged – From Benji’s rich acoustic guitar playing (reminiscent of Bert Jansch in places) to Alex Hart’s warm harmonies, and the sympathetic playing of Pete Brown’s acoustic lap steel and Pete Thomas’ double bass, it’s an uplifting number and easily one of my album favourites.
The new material felt more like a solo project to Benji, so he set about recording the album with engineer and producer Pete Brown (son of Joe Brown, brother of Sam) at his studio in Oxfordshire. Work was spread over a few months, starting at the end of summer 2022 to completion in spring 2023. Featured guests include Pete Thomas and Joelle Barker (The Excess), Alex Hart (Benji’s bandmate with the Seth Lakeman band), veteran backing vocalist Aitch McRobbie and Pete Brown himself.
This is Benji’s 6th studio release with his name on the disc (including his band album), and he will be touring the record in October and November 2023.
Pre-Order ‘In Phase” – https://benjikirkpatrick.bandcamp.com/album/in-phase
Benji Kirkpatrick Tour Dates
Wed, October 4 – Nuneaton Folk Club, Queens Hall, Nuneaton
Sun, October 8 – Costa Festival, Albufeira, Portugal
Mon, October 9 – Costa Festival, Albufeira, Portugal
Sat, October 14 – Beyond The Moor Festival, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Fri, October 20 – Official Album Launch -Temperance Cafe, Leamington Spa
Sat, October 21 – Bishop’s Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle
Sun, October 22 – Squire Performing Arts, Nottingham
Mon, October 23 – The Musician, Leicester
Thur, October 26 – The Oval Tavern, Croydon, London
Thur, November 9 – The Railway Inn, Winchester
Fri, November 10 – The Shambles, Dartmouth
Tickets: https://www.benjikirkpatrick.com/live