FAST-RISING rock ‘n’ roll troubadour Richard McMahon delivers his debut album this week with a launch party which includes an exclusive live set.
The former Fables Last Stand frontman will showcase The Illustrated Man at Newcastle’s Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane tonight.
And long-time collaborator Rohan Karsandas will kick off proceedings with a special spoken word set on what McMahon promises will be “a very special night”.
McMahon split with his Fables band mates last year and has already gone on to win critical acclaim as a solo artist supporting legendary Mott The Hoople singer Ian Hunter across the UK. But the Hexham-based crooner has been keeping a low profile as a live concern as he puts the finishing touches to The Illustrated Man.
And he said: “There is still plenty of evidence of my rock ‘n’ roll roots and my appreciation of all things Rolling Stones, Quireboys and Dogs D’Amour.
“But I’ve deliberately tried to make as diverse a record as possible in an attempt to lay all of my cards on the table.
“For five or six years I went down the classic rock road exclusively. But David Bowie has always been one of my greatest influences and he pinched the best bits from all kinds of genres.
“I’m hoping The Illustrated Man will appeal to a whole range of music fans and I’m hoping to see a few familiar faces – and a lot of new friends – at Newcastle’s Jazz Cafe this week.”
Entry to the launch party is £2 and Karsandas will deliver a solo spoken word set before contributing to The Illustrated Man‘s title track – which he recorded for McMahon some weeks back.
Tyneside outfit Fables Last Stand rose to fame on the back of a Mike Fraser (AC/DC) produced EP recorded in Vancouver three years ago. Tipped to be Britain’s next breakthrough classic rock band, the quartet supported Newcastle’s Quireboys, UFO and Hayseed Dixie and headlined scores of shows locally and nationwide.
But Fables split last year when Newcastle-based guitarist Twiggy moved to Los Angeles, McMahon chose to pursue a solo career and drummer Phil “The Beat” linked up with fellow North East trailblazers The Karma Heart.
For further information check out Richard McMahon on Facebook.For booking details email richardkeefmcmahon@hotmail.com
Simon Rushworth