British singer-songwriter Tom McRae is to precede his full UK tour in early 2010 with an incredibly intimate free show at Cardiff's North Star on Friday 11th December 2009.
Tom has been quietly moving up the ranks of the most respected songwriters in the world today after releasing four critically acclaimed studio albums over the last 9 years.
His eponymous debut album in 2000 was nominated for a The Mercury Prize, a Q Magazine Award, and a Brit, and the subsequent two years of touring cemented his reputation as one the most entertaining and powerful artists touring today.
Now, after a year away from touring, during which Tom moved back to London from Brooklyn, he is about to release his fifth studio album.
The Alphabet of Hurricanes, an album in two parts, is scheduled for release in February 2010. It is McRae's most ambitious album to date, recorded over three years in studios, hotel rooms, and backstage both in the US and UK. Having set up his own studio, Gunpoint, in east London, McRae has been taken charge of the production once again, with his haunting melodies and poetic lyrics given a new sonic palette in an eclectic selection of powerful songs.
Tom will tour the new album in 2010 with a full band, and - as his fans can attest - for an artist working in a genre often considered by the music press to be "sensitive and self-indulgent" he can take the roof off a venue with his passionate performances, as well as forging a strong humorous bond with his audience. This show is a unique chance to get up close and personal with Tom McRae.
The North Star is a converted Victorian pub on North Road, Cardiff (formerly The Maindy). This boutique conversion offers a huge open heated courtyard, drinks lounge, live music stage and an Italian open kitchen serving the best stone baked pizzas, pastas and grill dishes daily, from 12PM.
The North star offers all day breakfast menu from 10.30AM every Saturday and Sunday and serves up roast dinners from 12PM until 6PM every Sunday using only the best and freshest produce.
There's acoustic live acts throughout the week and weekend at these regular events.
The North Star
131 North Road Cardiff CF14 3AEYou can follow The North Star on Twitter by following @northstarinfo and on facebook, just search for 'The North Star Kitchen, Lounge and Courtyard'
Tom McRae plays the North Star Cardiff
Friday 11th December
support onstage 8.00pm
Tom McRae onstage 9.00pm
Free Entry