Guy Garvey explores new sounds in solo album

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Guy Garvey explores new sounds in solo album Elbow frontman Guy Garvey may be the face of the five-piece Mercury-winning Manchester band, but the group remains a democracy with every musical move they’ve made over their six-album career. And even when Garvey is branching out on his own with his BBC Radio 6 show ‘Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour’ or his first solo album ‘Courting The Squall’, his loyalty remains, even if he does compare his solo career to ‘like having an affair.’ Garvey has been working at the same studio in Manchester where Elbow have settled, and recalls bandmate Craig Potter, who was working in the next room on a project, recently popping in to say hello. “He said it was like catching me in bed with another woman. Although he was finding plectrums about the place, rather than rogue earrings. But it’s just good fun, and I can’t wait to see Elbow in the crowd at my gigs. That’s going to be a treat of the age for me.” The new album reflects Garvey’s diverse musicality and influences from folk, funk, jazz and American roots. “I personally like solo albums from people in bands, because it’s a chance to hear what said member does in the band that you love. And sometimes it’s really satisfying, because they go off at a tangent.” says the 41-year-old singer and guitarist. “I think there’s a stronger link to my radio show on this album than there is with Elbow’s music. Just by virtue of me being the only writer here, you can hear the sorts of things I’ve been listening to over the past few years.” Garvey wanted to make this album for some time, but admits he’s only been able to release it because of Elbow’s success, allowing him the indulgence. He wasn’t going to tour the album either, until bandmate Pete Turner persuaded him to. The band was very supportive of his first outing that Craig, Pete, Mark Potter and Richard Jupp instantly fired him congratulatory texts when the record hit number three in the charts. He’s also well aware that Elbow fans might not receive it the same way, but says even non fans are taking notice. “This has been an opportunity to work with loads of people that I’ve always wanted to work with and it’s been fascinating. With Elbow, it’s like a team of scientists trying to crack a code; working out problems, and at its best it’s meditative. The pace with the solo album, it’s more how it felt to produce other people’s albums, with the added pressure of singing and being the writer. And I’ve loved every second.” features@7days.ae Read the original story at: Guy Garvey explores new sounds in solo album