We recently announced Richard Thompson’s new album, Ship To Shore, to be released on May 31st on New West Records. This news was accompanied by his first single, the swaying shanty Singapore Sadie. Today, Thompson is sharing ‘Freeze’, another album highlight.
In typical Thompson-style humour, he says of Freeze: “Oh, for heaven’s sake, do something. Forwards, backwards, sideways, anything. There is nothing to fear but fear itself… no, I take it back, it’s all terrifying choices. Good luck.”
Freeze rolls along beautifully with Michael Jerome’s steady percussion delivering what will undoubtedly be another live crowd-pleaser, a folk-rock number with a deliciously proggy edge. Alongside Jerome, Thompson is joined on Ship to Shore by guitarist Bobby Eichorn, bassist Taras Prodaniuk, harmony vocalist Zara Phillips and fiddle player David Mansfield.
Talking of the album, which pulls from various styles, genres and eras, Thomspon said, “I liked the idea of having a strong base to work from and reaching out from there. And I think of my base as being British traditional music, but there’s also Scottish music, there’s Irish music. There’s jazz and country and classical. As far as I’m concerned, once you establish your base, you can reach out anywhere. It’ll still be you ringing through, wherever you decide to go musically.”
Prior to the album release, Richard will launch a brief North American tour on March 21 in Fairfield, CT. He will launch a 12-date UK tour in Bristol on May 26 that features a performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London on June 8. Thompson has also announced a performance at The Town Hall in New York City on October 18. See below.
Ship to Shore Formats and Editions
Ship To Shore will be available across digital platforms (including Bandcamp), CD, and standard black vinyl.
A limited “Deep Blue” colour vinyl edition of 500 with a bonus orange flexi disc featuring a demo of the song “Trust” will be available via Rough Trade.
An autographed compact disc edition and a limited Orange & Yellow Marble colour vinyl edition featuring a 5×7 archival print autographed by Richard Thompson will be available via Independent Retailers and is available for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.