David Gray announces 12th studio LP Skellig featuring notable Irish contributions

British singer-songwriter David Gray has revealed details of his forthcoming 12th studio album, titled Skellig, involving distinctly Irish contributions.

As well as David Kitt's influence on the work, Mossy Nolan of folk band The Silken Same also features, as well as Sligo singer Niamh Farrell, cellist Caroline Dale and Gray's long-term bassist Robbie Malone.

The follow-up to 2019's Gold in a Brass Age was recorded before Covid-19 lockdowns struck at Edwyn Collins' studio in the Scottish highlands.

According to Gray, the exciting project is now slated for release in February.

"Hello there, I'm getting into the Christmas spirit by providing a free link to a brand new song 'Skellig' below," Gray said.

"You can either stream or download the audio as you wish. 'Skellig' is the title track from my forthcoming album. More detail on that to follow, as well as on the track itself and the gorgeous artwork that accompanies it. Time to travel out across the misty waters.....Hope you enjoy."

Gray also added that the song was inspired by a friend who visited the Skellig Islands off the coast of County Kerry, where a monastery was founded around 600 AD.

"The whole idea of getting that close to God in this extreme environment inspired all kinds of awed thoughts, and a song was born - not only that, but this drifting, dreamy song gave birth to other songs that gathered around it like some kind of nucleus, and soon an album was there."

Speaking about collaborating with Gray, David Kitt tweeted, "So proud to be a part of this incredible album with such a bunch of legends. the giddiest of times we had recording at Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell's studio in the Scottish highlands. definitely my favourite thing Dave has done and really excited for its full release in Feb."

The singer-songwriter was forced to postpone his White Ladder anniversary tour dates earlier this year as a result of the global pandemic, which has decimated the live music industry and forced performances to go digital.

Gray released his first album in 1993 and received worldwide attention after the release of White Ladder six years later.

'Skellig' is available to stream or download for free here.