Folk musician Jon Wilks is releasing his fifth album, Needless Alley, on September 19th (Grizzly Folk Records). His third single, Montagu Whaler (a boat used by the Royal Navy from the 1900s to the 1960s), is released tomorrow, August 29th, ahead of which you can watch the accompanying music video below.
The album, which has been described as a “patchwork of memories,” is a deeply personal project that blends new and old material, with some songs dating back to his early songwriting days. Named after a street in his home city of Birmingham, where he used to busk as a teenager, the album explores themes of nostalgia, time, and memory. While Wilks is known for his work with traditional English folk songs, this album marks a shift towards original material, with nine of the ten tracks written by Wilks himself. The album features his regular band, The Grizzly Folk, and includes collaborations with notable folk artists such as Jackie Oates, Ellie Gowers, and Nick Hart.
Needless Alley draws influence from folk luminaries like Nick Drake, Paul Simon, and The Pentangle, whose influence is evident on his catchy third single, Montagu Whaler (out August 29th). This is the only non-original track on the album, a song Wilks discovered in a folk archive (more on that below). His version of the song even inspired the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards to begin restoring one of the historic boats.
Jon shares:
This is the only non-original song on the album. It was written in the latter half of the 20th century by Nigel “Bernie” Bruen — or, as I like to call him, the Psychedelic Sailor. He was a Birmingham-based bloke involved in the 1960s light shows that bands like Pink Floyd became known for, and he later served in the Falklands. I first heard the song on a folk club tape in the Roy Palmer archives, sung by Shep Woolley, another Brummie folk singer. Among other things, it’s a song about the luxury of living on in the memories of others, I think. I hope this version gives it a fresh wind and a steady course.
The album’s release will be followed by a series of live dates throughout October and November.
‘Needless Alley’ is released on 19th September 2025, available on vinyl, CD and from digital streaming platforms.
NEEDLESS ALLEY NATIONAL UK TOUR DATES 2025
Solo unless otherwise stated. Band shows are listed as Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk.
Tickets: https://jonwilks.online/gigs
September
Sept 21 Peggy’s Skylight, NOTTINGHAM
October
Oct 3 The Hen & Chicken, BRISTOL – Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk
Oct 4 Whitchurch Folk Club, Whitchurch, HAMPSHIRE – Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk
Oct 6 Green Note, LONDON
Oct 9 Rosslyn Court, MARGATE
Oct 10 The Brunswick, BRIGHTON & HOVE – Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk
Oct 11 Winscombe Folk Club, Winscombe, SOMERSET
Oct 15 Willows Folk Club, Kirkham, LANCASHIRE
Oct 16 Café #9, SHEFFIELD
Oct 23 The Bear Club, LUTON
Oct 24 Sheepdip Sessions, Harbury, WARWICKSHIRE
Oct 25 St Mary’s Church Hall, MARLBOROUGH
Oct 26 The Prince Albert, STROUD
Oct 29 Red Lion Folk Club, BIRMINGHAM
November
Nov 3 Colchester Arts Centre, COLCHESTER
Nov 8 Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, SHROPSHIRE
Nov 14 Blaxhall Sessions, Blaxhall Village Hall, Blaxhall, SUFFOLK
Nov 15 Kett’s Books, Wymondham, NORFOLK
Nov 24 Croydon Folk Club (Ruskin House), SOUTH CROYDON
Website: https://jonwilks.online/