Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here
“A stunning return” – Q ****
“As striking a return as you’re likely to hear all year” – Observer Music Monthly ****
“an album of stark grandeur, replete with both beauty and sadness”- Mojo ****
“Spellbinding” – Dazed & Confused
Due for release tomorrow Gil Scott-Heron has returned with his first new album in almost 16 years, entitled “I’m New Here”. In the intervening years he’s had a rough time, including numerous brushes with the law over drugs offences, and developing a crack cocaine habit.
It looked like his recording career was finished as his downward spiral continued – until XL Recordings boss Richard Russell visited Scott-Heron (in jail for another offence) at Rikers Island Prison in 2006.
Discussions took place and and result was the recording and now subsequent release of “I’m New Here”.
It’s short, clocking in at just 28 minutes odd. But the unmistakable gravelly bourbon voice and social commentary in his lyrics give you a lot to think about in that time.
Ranging in style from from hip-hop and gospel to dubstep and blues it’s a brilliant album.
Have a listen to the first single from the album- a cover of Delta blues man Robert Johnson‘s “Me And The Devil“.
If you’d like to hear the album in its entirety for free then visit his website. The album itself is available to buy from all the usual outlets such as Itunes, Amazon & the like.
