LAST at the Corn Exchange in 2017 with Daniel Kimbro, Martin Harley makes a welcome return with an intimate solo acoustic show.

Through his road worn song writing style he explores hopes and fears for fast changing times.

Slide guitar, as always is at the root of Martin's sound, mirroring his whisky soaked northern breeze vocals.

Martin's new material finds a new and exciting sound. An intimate and gritty analogue album, recorded in a remote chapel deep in the wilds of Pembrokeshire.

Taking county blues riffs to the electric bottleneck slide guitar, served with sweet vocal harmonies over the driving rhythms of co producer and drummer Harry Harding (Yola Carter/William the Conquerer) Award winning Australian bassist Rex Horan finalises the line up. He has recorded and performed with Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and Laura Marling.

Through Harley's road worn songwriting style this record explores hopes and fears for fast changing times, offering gospel like comfort and consolation. The song 'Roll with the Punches' implores the listener not to get dragged down when challenges seem insurmountable. Coming Home asks questions beyond the end of life and ruminates on freedom from worldly desires.

If success can be measured by growing global demand to attend Martin's dynamic live performances then perhaps his touring schedule is proof of that. (He recently played to full house at the Union Chapel in Islington and has appeared at Edmonton, Vancouver, Canmore and Calgary folk festivals in Canada, Glastonbury, Bestival, Beautiful Days in the UK, numerous European and US tours and events including the AMAs, The Bluebird in Nashville and Tønder in Denmark)

In 2018 Total guitar ranked him #16 in the worlds greatest acoustic guitarist poll and he was nominated as Instrumentalist of the year at the Americana music awards.

*Martin Harley, Dorchester Corn Exchange, Friday, March 20, 8pm. Call Dorchester Arts box office for tickets.