10cc singer Graham Gouldman has announced a new solo album that includes collaborations with Sir Brian May, Hank Marvin, Albert Lee and Sir Ringo Starr.
The 77-year-old musician will release his sixth solo LP ‘I Have Notes’, via British independent record label Lojinx, on July 5.
As well as the four legends legends, Graham is also joined on the record by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, who has previously worked with the likes of Bette Midler, Trisha Yearwood and Neil Diamond.
The two artists co-wrote ‘We’re Alive’, the first single from the record, which also features guitarist Gordon Kennedy – who has played with Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton and Garth Brooks.
Discussing the track, Graham said: “I wrote this song in Nashville last year with Beth Nielsen Chapman and Gordon Kennedy. Both of whom I’ve worked with before. I just started playing this opening riff, there’s some nodding going on, it sounded quite exuberant and so the theme had to be something life affirming. Beth came up with the ‘We’re Alive’ title, and then we finished off the song really quickly together. There are certain references, which I love, that are kind of interesting. ‘Pull back the sofa, wind up the gramophone’. You know who’s got a gramophone? Nobody! It’s always a real joy to work with Beth and Gordon and I think it shows in the song because it’s full of life.”
Queen guitarist May, 76, joins Graham on literal space-ballad ‘Floating In Heaven’, while the Shadows star Hank, 82, features on endearing romantic waltz of ‘When You Find Love’.
Beatles drummer Ringo, 83, adds his talent to ‘Couldn’t Love You More’ which is inspired by The Fab Four.
Legendary sideman Lee, 80, plays guitar on country track ‘Say You Love Me Tonight’ and the LP closes with a rocking live performance of ‘Heart Full Of Soul’, featuring an all-star band comprised of May and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Ric Fierabracci on bass and Simon Phillips on drums.
Having worked with the late Storm Thorgerson, of Hypnosis, for many 10cc covers over the years, Gouldman has continued the collaboration through Peter Curzon at StormStudios for the ‘I Have Notes’ cover.
Discussing the album artwork, Graham said: “The cover art works beautifully, I think. You may understand it, you may not. But you know something interesting is happening.”
Graham’s work with 10cc continues to endure in the build up to next year’s 50th anniversary of the band’s iconic album ‘The Original Soundtrack’, having recently completed a UK wide tour, which included a sold out Royal Albert Hall show, 10cc have also announced a further Autumn UK tour; and announced their first major US tour in over three decades.
Graham Gouldman’s new album ‘I Have Notes’ will be released on vinyl LP, CD and digital on 5 July, 2024. Visit Listen.link/i-have-notes to pre-order.
Go to Pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on? for tickets to Graham’s ‘I Have Notes’ album launch shows that take place on 1 July and 2 July at Pizza Express Live in Holborn. The gigs will see him debut songs from ‘I Have Notes’ as well as play some greatest hits.