Cherrytree/Interscope/A&M Records is pleased to announce a new album of original material from Sting, entitled The Last Ship, scheduled for release on September 24, 2013 (internationally on September 23, 2013).
The album is inspired by Sting?s forthcoming play of the same name and explores the central themes of homecoming and self discovery, drawing upon his
memories of growing up in the shadow of the Swan Hunters Shipyard in Wallsend. His personal reminiscences illuminate universal truths the complexity of relationships, the passage of time and the importance of family and community to form an affecting, complex parable for our modern times.
The play, in which Sting has been creatively immersed for nearly three years, debuts on Broadway in 2014 and is a collaboration with Tony Award winners Joe Mantello (director; Wicked, Other Desert Cities), John Logan (writer; Red,Skyfall) and Brian Yorkey (writer;Next to Normal).
The Last Ship tells the story of the demise of the shipbuilding industry in 1980s Newcastle which had, for so long, shaped and overshadowed the city, its development, and its community.
The new album, with musical roots firmly in the North East, will feature the voices of Brian Johnson, who found fame with rock band AC/DC, folk group The Unthanks, Teesside singers the Wilson Brothers and Jimmy Nail who in Newcastle played shipyard foreman Jackie in the show.
Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell and her brother Peter, on fiddle, also feature on the new album produced by Rob Mathes who has also worked with Eric Clapton, Elton John, Lou Reed and Carly Simon.
Sting said of Kathryn Tickell: “Since the 1990s she’s been on a lot of my records and I have a great deal of respect for her. She’s grown from this young pipe player into this grand dame of North East folk music ? an extraordinary musician. And she came on board this project very early and loved it.” Sting said it was through Kathryn that he met the Wilson Brothers. “They’re five brothers who have been singing together in harmony for a long time. And they have very, very powerful voices. They have a family sound and a natural, bone-deep understanding of music and harmony. And it’s quite something.”
The Last Ship album is produced by Rob Mathes (Sting, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Lou Reed, Carly Simon) and engineered and mixed by Donal Hodgson.
The Last Ship will be available as both a digital and physical release in two configurations
a 12 song version and a 2 disc deluxe version featuring 5 additional tracks. (The 12 song version will also be available on vinyl.)
A super deluxe edition, containing 2 discs comprised of 20 tracks within special packaging, will also be sold as a physical product exclusively at Amazon.com.
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