Legendary crooner Tony Christie has penned a new deal with Acid Jazz ahead of his latest studio album.
Tony Christie is a graduate of the old school. The performer is a veteran of the Working Men's Clubs, honing his act by playing three or four shows per day. Given a new lease of life by Peter Kay, the Sheffield singer is enjoying a remarkable second showbiz life.
The Bolton comedian took 'Is This The Way To Amarillo?' back into the charts, sparking a renewal of interest in Tony Christie. Now the crooner has penned a new record deal with Acid Jazz.
The imprint is itself enjoying something of a renaissance, after a blank period earlier in the decade. Acid Jazz has swooped to sign Tony Christie, with the veteran singer working on a new album.
Matching his trademark sound with the label's love of Northern soul and British beat, new album 'Now Is The Time!' is a revitalised effort. Containing guest appearances from the likes of Roisin Murphy, Jarvis Cocker wrote a song especially for the singer.
The one time Pulp singer constructed a new take on the Get Carter theme, recorded in Tony Christie's home city of Sheffield. A departure for the singer, but some things never change - Christie will launch a forty date tour this January.
Meanwhile, Acid Jazz boss Eddie Piller has explained how the signing came around. "Ever since I heard 'Avenues And Alleyways' as a kid, which Christie recorded for Gerry Anderson's cult TV programme 'The Protectors', I've wanted to get him into the studio, and at last I've done it.”
Continuing, the label boss argued that Tony Christie will fit in well with a roster which includes work from Andy Lewis, The Third Degree and more. "The massive success of Amarillo a few years ago cemented Tony Christie’s iconic status, he's working in his first musical on the west end stage and has put down some killer tunes. I am extremely excited, and once you've heard the material, I reckon you will be too."
“The spread on the album is amazing, quite filmic but with some nods to Johnny Cash, Spaghetti Westerns and a classic soul sound."
Tony Christie will release 'Now Is The Time!' in January.