FURNESS musician Matt Kassell plays his first solo show in around four years, to launch his album in front of a hometown audience.

By Karl Steel ( email )

Recorded under the name Emker Cel, material from the self-titled record has already had one airing with a show in Kendal last month, but the performance on Wednesday August 31 will be the first chance for a Barrow audience to hear it played live.

A limited number of spaces are available for the intimate gig, taking place at the Art Gene Gallery in the Nan Tait Centre, and anyone interested in attending should send a message to the Emker Cel Facebook page.

Matt says: "I wanted to do a show in Barrow, after the first one I did in Kendal, where I got some lovely feedback, and I was so happy that people from Barrow came through there to see me.

"But finding an appropriate venue in this town is difficult for quieter music. So I asked about the gallery.

"Art Gene is where I have my recording studio, where I made the album, and it will be a pleasure to have it there. I'll try to make it visually pleasing too, seeing as we're in an art gallery."

The album was released online initially as three EPs - Green Light, Amberlina and Turning Red - and then as a physical nine-track compilation, which will be available to buy at Wednesday's show.

The Beatle5 member and ex-April Maybe May singer-songwriter turned his attention to recording solo material after a break of almost a decade, and both old and new material will feature in the set.
Matt at the Kendal show (photo by Nigel Parrington)

Fellow Furness musician Danny Lewthwaite provides the support, while work from Dominic Manderson - who created the cover art for the record - will also be exhibited.

Matt continues: "I will be playing songs from the album as well as songs from the last 10 years that I've written and released, either solo or with April Maybe May. It will be a solo performance, and I'll be playing piano as well as various guitars.

"Danny, who I think is one of the best songwriters in this town, will be doing a support slot. There will also be artwork on display from Dominic, and it will be his last show before he goes away to study his art degree at Leeds University.

"I haven't played my own music in Barrow for about four years, so I'm very much looking forward to this. I'll try not to leave it so long next time!"

Doors open at 6.30pm on Wednesday, with last admission at 7.25pm. To attend, send a message to the Emker Cel Facebook page .

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