NEW ALBUM ACOUSTIC HYMNS VOL. 1 IS OUT NOW – LISTEN/BUY HERE

Richard Ashcroft has revitalized one of British music’s most renowned songbooks with his new album Acoustic Hymns Vol.1 which is out now.

The release of Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 was previewed by the release of the classic “Bittersweet Symphony” and the rediscovered fan-favorite “This Thing Called Life.” “Bittersweet Symphony” proved to be particularly poignant, having taken on a new power following the news that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards had decided to return the songwriting credit to Richard. “This Thing Called Life” then received a worldwide exclusive play on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, while far-reaching tastemaker coverage has included NME, Clash, and Brooklyn Vegan.

Produced by Richard with Chris Potter, Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 features his regular live band boosted by some special collaborators. Wil Malone provides the string arrangements, which were recorded at Abbey Road Studios. In addition, Chuck Leavell performs piano, Roddy Bloomfield leads the brass section, and Steve Wyreman contributes further acoustic guitar and backing vocal arrangements.

Richard commenced his current acoustic tour earlier this month with two sold-out nights at London’s Palladium. The tour continues tonight with a huge show at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena before heading to The Royal Albert Hall on Monday. His plans for 2022 are also taking shape with the news that he will headline Nottingham’s Splendour Festival on July 23rd.

Richard Ashcroft is a two-time Ivor Novello winner (Songwriter of the Year in 1998 and Outstanding Contribution to British Music in 2019) who has released five Top 5 solo albums, including the #1 debut “Alone With Everybody. ” He first came to attention with The Verve, with whom he released one of the biggest albums of the era in the shape of Urban Hymns as well as a succession of anthems which remain staples of his live set today, including “The Drugs Don’t Work,” “Bittersweet Symphony,” “Lucky Man” and “Sonnet.”