NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ SUSAN CLARY) - It's been ten years since Chris Difford toured America, but starting February 25th, fans of the
Squeeze lyricist and singer will have their first chance to hear him perform as a solo artist.
He's making the trip to support his second solo album, "South East Side Story." On the album, Chris revisits ten of Squeeze's biggest hits, turning their familiar melodic pop into gently spare country twang. With Melvin Duffy adding guitar, pedal steel and banjo and vocalist Dorrie Jackson's stunning harmonies, the album presents the songs in an exciting new light. Mojo pronounced it "impeccably tasteful" and "immaculately sung" while the BBC's website wrote that "it adds a new dimension to great songs and makes you want to seek out the originals again."
As good as those originals are, Difford hasn't been resting on his laurels. A much sought after songwriter, he's collaborated on songs with stars such as Elton John and Bryan Ferry, legendary Motown songwriter/producer Lamont Dozier and Hi Records mastermind Willie Mitchell. His songwriting workshops and web-casts have attracted a wide range of musicians, including Cathy Dennis, Turin Brakes and Jane Birkin. He also wrote the lyrics for "Still Crazy" a 2002 musical comedy about the comeback of a 70s rock band, which was nominated for a Golden Globe and won Chris the prestigious Ivor Novello award. "I Didn't Get Where I Am," his 2003 solo debut, was well received in England, where he was described a "quintessentially English pop lyricist...the link between Ray Davies and Jarvis Cocker."
For his American shows, Melvin and Dorie will accompany Difford. In addition to the Squeeze songs featured on "South East Side Story," he'll also be playing material from his first solo album as well as previewing material from "Another Day Above Ground," which is scheduled to be released this summer. The show gives audiences a unique chance to hear Chris Difford's past, present and future.
February 2007
25 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, TN (*live radio broadcast on WRLT!)
26 Smith's Olde Bar Atlanta, GA
27 Pour House Music Hall Raleigh, NC
28 Jammin' Java Vienna, VA
March 2007
1 Rams Head On Stage Annapolis,MD
2 The Tin Angel Philadelphia, PA
3 The Towne Crier Pawling, NY
4 The Turning Point Piermont, NY
6 B.B. King Blues Club New York, NY
7 High Fidelity Rochester, NY
8 The Winchester Cleveland, OH
9 The Music Mill Indianapolis, IN
10 The Abbey Chicago, IL
11 Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI
