Andy Irvine to release album reimagining the songs of Woody Guthrie

Andy Irvine has announced an album reimagining the songs of Woody Guthrie, called Devoted, out September 4.

He released the lead single 'Rambling Round your City' on July 30, the first of 12-track's dedicated to his hero. Irvine's take on the Guthrie anthem sees an additional verse from the song 'Dustbowl Refugee' introduced to the tune. As well as singing, he plays the bouzouki and mandola on the track.

"This album has been germinating in my mind for well over thirty years and I am very grateful to the Arts Council here in Ireland for viewing this project positively, so that I have, finally, been able to bring this dream to fruition," Irvine said.

Also featured on the album are longtime collaborators and fellow multi-instrumentalists; Dónal Lunny, Bruce Molsky, Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle, Rens van Der Zalm and Nikola Parov.

The folk musician has been influential for the last six decades, with a huge catalogue of songs and tunes as a founding member of Sweeney's Men, Planxty, Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and Usher's Island.

Beginning as a child actor, he learned classical guitar from an early age but transitioned to folk music after discovering Woody Guthrie, adopting the harmonica and mandolin. Later the two formed a correspondence while Guthrie was hospitalised for Huntington's disease.

Devoted full track-list:

1. Buffalo Skinners
2. Waiting At The Gate
3. Wallace-Taylor Train/Bet On Wallace
4. Pastures Of Plenty
5. Rambling Round Your City
6. Tom Mooney Is Free
7. Seamen Three
8. 1913 Massacre
9. Tom Joad
10. Rangers Command
11. Mister Charlie Lindbergh
12. Never Tire Of The Roa

Listen to 'Rambling Round your city' below: