May 27th is the release date for the album One For The Road, rising British acoustic talent Sam Sallon’s long awaited debut album. A genuine labour of love, it took the London-based artist and his producer David Watson almost four years in all, working strange hours on downtime out of several studios, to create this exquisite record of twelve immaculate songs and a beautiful orchestral afterword.
Sam Sallon was born in London and raised mostly in Manchester as the fourth child of eight. He was encouraged to make his own music from a young age and went on to form bands from amongst his friends, playing gigs around Manchester in his early teens at venues like Night and Day, Band On The Wall and the Roadhouse.
There is something keenly fresh and original about Sam Sallon’s songwriting, never one to shy away from a desire to write songs that are memorable, classic even, he retains mystery and poise in his work. Covering topics such as war, relationships, love, the grinding toil of work, as well as the everyday nuances of life.
One For the Road is peppered with moments of the kind of musical telepathy you only get when great players are having a good time in the studio. Featuring veteran drummer Evan Jenkins, Neil Cowley (Adele) on piano and an extended line-up of top players borrowed from the likes of James Morrison, Van Dyke Parks, Eric Clapton, Africa Express and the LSO, the musicianship on this record, including Sallon’s innovative guitar style, gives it the weight and feel of an undiscovered classic; a dynamic, understated soundscape free from sequencing, loops or synths. The album also includes a few special appearances, including fellow songwriter Kami Thompson (sister of the better known Teddy) for a powerful duet on track two.
Sam’s soaring voice is reminiscent of Mark Hollis, Devendra Banhart, Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and Michael Head - haunting and passionate, a perfect foil to his intricate and driven songwriting.
Outside the studio, Sam has spent the last few years perfecting his delivery and finding fans on tour with a diverse set of homegrown and international talents including Paul Kelly, Pete Doherty, Mark Fry, Lyle Lovett, Dot Allison, Lucy Rose, Johnny Flynn, Son of Dave, Fionn Regan, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Johnny Bramwell, Nouvelle Vague, Paul Wassif and the Neil Cowley Trio. He will be touring the UK in May.
One For The Road follows on the heels of Sam’s acclaimed debut EP, Kathy’s Song (Indigo-Octagon 2013), featuring his distinctive take on the Paul Simon classic.
When not hunched over his guitar, Sam divides his time between poorly imitating his favourite film actors, trying to solve the world’s problems at 3am, and eating too much sugary food. He lives with his girlfriend and two flatmates in Kilburn. He is 33 years old.
One For The Road is scheduled for release on May 27th 2013 on indie imprint Indigo-Octagon.
Held by many to be one of the finest songwriters in the UK, Sam recently completed his first UK radio tour this spring, ending in London with an appearance for the BBC’s Robert Elms.
Sam will be performing solo, giving audiences a chance to enjoy his unique guitar style and his highly evocative lyrics in an intimate setting with a chance to meet Sam after the show, when he will be signing copies of his album.
May dates :
15 : Gillingham The Barge
16 : Birmingham Ort Art Cafe
17 : Halifax The Puzzle Hall Inn
18 : Durham Old Cinema Laundrette
19 : Manchester Castle Hotel
20 : Sheffield Delaney’s Music Bar
21 : Nottingham The Malt Cross
23 : St Agnes Tap House
25 : Totnes South Devon Arts Centre
26 : Leeds Milo
29 : London Slaughtered Lamb
The promotional video for Long Way Down is being made by celebrated underground animator Happy Toast (aka Chris Ollis), whose last collaboration with Sam resulted in a surge of over 100,000 youtube hits in less than a week.
Sam's live shows have seen him sharing billings with a diverse set of international talents including Paul Kelly, Pete Doherty, Lucy Rose, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Flynn, Nick Harper, Dot Allison, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Fionn Regan and Nouvelle Vague and many more. He will be touring the UK throughout May.
