Distinguished song-craftsman, Tom Baxter, is today sharing his new single, ‘The Ballad of Davey Graham’, the latest track to be taken from his long-awaited third album, The Other Side Of Blue – listen here. The album, the first from Baxter in ten years, will be released via The Orchard on August 17, 2018, in support of the release, Baxter will embark upon a full 31-date UK and Ireland tour, beginning in Belfast on September 29, 2018, before taking in a date at Union Chapel, London on November 6.
The Other Side of Blue is underpinned by the new single, a song Baxter was inspired to write after a request to play at the unveiling of a blue plaque for the great guitar pioneer of the title. In a moment of pure serendipity, Davey’s partner had written to request Tom’s contribution because Graham was not only an admirer of his, but she revealed that Baxter’s music was the last that Davey had listened to. Baxter, as a long time fan of Graham’s, repaid the compliment by performing at the ceremony. In turn, Tom also discovered the creative inspiration to etch out the rest of what would become The Other Side of Blue.
When discussing the new album, Baxter says: “I feel like I’ve been through a very slow metamorphosis over the years,” he says. “Even I’m not sure into what, but I can say I’m calmer inside, and I thought it was time for a full-on new release.”
Baxter made his name with such heart-stopping originals as ‘Better,’ ‘Almost There’ and ‘Day in Verona,’ and his songs have been covered by or admired by artists including Tom Waits, Rufus Wainwright & Dame Shirley Bassey, alongside a steadfast set of fans who’ve been waiting for word of his next adventure for more than a while. An English original has returned.