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PLEASE ALLOW 57 DAYS FOR DISPATCHRichard Ashcroft is set to release the new album lsquoAcoustic Hymns Vol. 1rsquo on October 29th via RPA BMG. The album features twelve newly recorded acoustic versions of classic songs from his back catalogue spanning both his solo career and his time with The Verve.After lockdown was lifted, Richard decided to start the project as a way to reunite the community around him, bringing a selection of great musicians and old friends back together again. As the project took shape, they discovered just how varied their new approaches could be. Some of the arrangements proved to be timeless and remained similar to the originals, with years of experience and a new found passion that saw Richardrsquos vocals express a fresh empathy within their lyrics. Meanwhile, other songs took on a new shape in this strippedback setup.The rebirth of the iconic lsquoBittersweet Symphonyrsquo was an emotional moment for Richard. It felt particularly poignant rerecording a song that he had written almost twentyfive years ago, especially as its now officially his composition after Mick Jagger and Keith Richards relinquished their writing credits to him.Another big moment comes with the new version of lsquoCrsquoMon People Wersquore Making It Nowrsquo, a duet with Richardrsquos old friend Liam Gallagher. The pair have often talked about recording or performing the song together since it was first released in 2000, and now itrsquos finally happened the sheer energy and delight that they shared during the session is palpable as the new recording beams with a joyous feeling of optimism.lsquoVelvet Morningrsquo is another track that has been transformed. The vocals on the original version, as featured on The Verversquos classic lsquoUrban Hymnsrsquo, were sung via a megaphone that Richard had purchased from a car boot sale the day before the recording session. Now Richardrsquos vocal really shines as it unleashes the songrsquos full magnitude.The biggest surprise on lsquoAcoustic Hymns Vol. 1rsquo is the inclusion of lsquoThis Thing Called Lifersquo, a song which Ashcroft has rarely played live. It was originally recorded with No I.D. in the USA as a highlight of his soultinged RPA amp The United Nations Of Sound project. Now taken back to basics, the new arrangement reveals a song that feels perfectly at home alongside Richardrsquos most highly regarded work.Produced by Richard with regular collaborator Chris Potter, the album features his regular live band boosted by some special collaborators. Wil Malone provides the string arrangements, which were recorded at Abbey Road Studios. In addition, Chuck Leavell The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers performs piano, Roddy Bloomfield leads the brass section, and Steve Wyreman Leon Bridges, Vic Mensa contributes acoustic guitar and backing vocals.