19 October 2022 - 0 Comments

Singer-songwriter Paul Gurney launches his brand new album, Blue Horizon, on October 28th. The album features 11 songs, written and performed by Gurney, who is influenced by Americana and Roots music and has performed for many years as part of The DeSotos.

Blue Horizon is the musician’s second solo album and it explores personal themes, developed in Gurney’s writing over the past few years.

“The songs at the centre of this album speak to existential struggles and the associated feelings they generate, while also seeking to reveal the underlying human spirit and the belief that there will be better days coming ahead if we can collectively weather this period of unsettling turbulence,” explains Gurney.

“This sentiment is at the heart of Indian author Hrishikesh Agnihotri’s quote: ‘Sometimes victory lies not so much in conquering the glorious mountain peak but in simply having survived through a fatal and deadly storm.’ That is meaningful to me, and my work as a music tutor working with people struggling with mental health issues has allowed me to observe this first hand over the past two years. It’s no coincidence that songs on Blue Horizon such as Fragile, Ricochet and the eponymous title track lyrically explore these territories while being wrapped in melodic and atmospheric musical landscapes.”

The album also offers moments of lightness, in tracks such as Perfect Space, Moonlight Waltz and Windows. It was produced by Bob Shepheard of Bobtastic and Roundhead Studios, with final mix and mastering handled by Steve Garden. Gurney was accompanied by his band members and leading New Zealand musicians, including Neil Watson on pedal steel and violinist Richard Adams. Blue Horizon is licensed through Aeroplane Music.

Gurney, who has been performing in bands and playing music since the 1980's, will tour with The DeSotos in November and will play songs from Blue Horizon on that tour; a Blue Horizon launch gig will also take place at the Thirsty Dog on Thursday November 17th.

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