American songwriter Ben Harper will be joined by Ringo Starr on his forthcoming Relentless7 album.
As a songwriter, Ben Harper recalls the greats while retaining his own distinct voice. Indebted to blues singers, soul songwriters and rock legends the American star mixes all these influences and more.
Which is why it’s not too surprising to find Ben Harper working with Ringo Starr on the new Relentless7 album. The follow up to 2009’s ‘White Lies For Dark Times’ the self-produced album is a deeply collaborative effort.
Speaking to media sources at a Canadian press conference, Ben Harper explained that the former Beatle is assisting with new material.
“Not only are we excited about the songs, but Ringo Starr is playing on one of the songs and that’s just a huge deal for us. And Jackson Browne is singing in the background of one of the songs”.
Titled ‘Give Till It’s Gone’ the new album is expected to be released in Autumn. Recorded in California, Ben Harper explained that the new material showcases the entire group.
“Any musician is always excited about their new record,” said Harper, “but I can say when we made the first Relentless7 record, we became a band just after we made that record and this new record, ‘Give Till It’s Gone’, is the record we made as a band. And I think you can hear and feel that.”
Continuing, Harper revealed that the sessions happened as a spur of the moment thing. “I had originally scheduled three days in the studio with them. And after those three days I just kept the studio on hold, and we proceeded to not only finish the record, but we became a band in the process of making the record.”
Ben Harper is due to release ‘Give Till It’s Gone’ later this year.
