Award-winning Altfolk songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Chris Cleverley unveils glimpses of his first new material in nearly three years, at his solo headline performance at Ashburton Arts on Saturday 14th May.

“I had lost my way with song writing for a long time; unable to connect deeply with what I was doing and had done in the past, during the arid emotional landscape of the pandemic. This body of new work feels exhilarating, indescribable; something like a personal renaissance.”

FATEA Magazine’s ‘Male Artist of the Year’ Cleverley is currently working on his 3rd studio album with critically acclaimed producer John Elliott (The Little Unsaid). The ground-breaking new material – scheduled for release in November 2022 - promises to be a radical leap forward from his more acoustic-based folk roots.

The new album was recorded in Devon’s very own creative hub of Totnes in an intimate pop-up basement studio. Drawing on inspiration from the great American songwriters, Cleverley harnessed the influence of heroes like Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens and Anais Mitchell throughout the writing process. The album’s 11 original songs tackle diverse, resonant themes, telling stories of climate emergency, artificial intelligence and displaced people.

Despite the album’s experimental approach to instrumentation, the Ashburton date offers audiences the chance to see Cleverley perform in one of his most renowned roles, as solo acoustic guitarist. As a student of Nic Jones and Joni Mitchell records, Cleverley’s guitar playing is infused with the hazy, dreamlike essence of the 60s Folk Revival. Rich with lightning fast melody and dexterous percussive slap, his blistering yet delicate technique places him firmly amongst the standout musicians on the New British Folk Scene.

The evening features a very special guest performance from renowned Devon-based songwriter Ollie Dixon, whose latest single ‘St Agnes’ has received rave reviews and inclusion on Official Spotify playlist ‘Fresh Finds’.

Tickets: £7-£14

Doors: 7pm