Mark Knopfler to release eighth solo album

Mark Knopfler will release his eighth solo album on March 16th 2015 on Universal. Entitled 'Tracker' it features 11 new Knopfler songs inspired by a wide range of subjects including Beryl Bainbridge and Basil Bunting. The songs contain Mark's usual wryly but accurately observed vignettes of real life wrapped up in a musical accompaniment of distinctive subtlety.

As always, Knopfler allows the musicians space in the recordings to put their own stamp on the material but never interfering in the essence of the song itself.

His warm tones of both vocal and guitar combine to give the album it's unique MK feel. A dazzling collection of new songs makes this release possibly his most satisfying solo work so far.

Tracker has been produced by Knopfler and Guy Fletcher and was recorded at British Grove Studios in London. The band features Mark Knopfler on guitars, Guy Fletcher on keyboards, John McCusker on fiddle, Mike McGoldrick on whistle and flute, Glenn Worf on bass and Ian Thomas on drums. Guest musicians include Ruth Moody (from The Wailin' Jennys) on vocals, Nigel Hitchcock on saxophone and Phil Cunningham on accordion.

Knopfler says: "The album title 'Tracker' arrived out of me trying to find my way over the decades. Out of me tracking time - looking at people, places and things from my past, and out of the process of tracking as in recording tracks in the studio."

A European tour has been announced commencing in May.

"Part of the fun is thinking what you might have a go at, for a new tour. For me, that's part of the joy of it, getting that little crew together again, and setting sail once again. It's a real adventure."

The UK dates are – MAY

16 MANCHESTER Phones 4U Arena
17 SHEFFIELD Motorpoint Arena
19 GLASGOW The SSE Hydro
20 NEWCASTLE Metro Radio Arena
22 LONDON The O2
23 BIRMINGHAM LG Arena

Knopfler has always viewed touring as the final part of the process running from songwriting through recording and ending up on the road performing old and new songs. He now writes more music whilst touring.
"The songs 'Lights of Taormina' and 'Silver Eagle' came into being partly through my trips in Europe and the US with Bob Dylan."

Mark Knopfler has released seven solo albums as well as recording 'Neck And Neck' with one of his guitar heroes, Chet Atkins and collaborated with Emmylou Harris on 'All The Roadrunning'. He has created soundtracks for 'Local Hero' and 'The Princess Bride' and is currently working on a new film, Altamira. In addition to producing his own records Knopfler has also produced albums for Bob Dylan and Randy Newman amongst others. Knopfler was made an OBE in 1999 and was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ivor Novellos in 2012.

'Tracker' will be available on CD, double vinyl, deluxe CD with four bonus tracks, and a lavish box set (exclusive to the official store) that will include the album on both CD and vinyl with a bonus CD featuring six extra tracks, a DVD with an exclusive short film directed by Henrik Hansen and an interview with Mark where he talks about the new record. Sleeve notes have been specially written by acclaimed US author Richard Ford and it also contains a numbered art print and six photographic prints.