Renowned musician Mark Knopfler, former Dire Straits star, has announced the release of his much-anticipated tenth solo album, titled ‘One Deep River.’ The iconic artist shared the lead single, ‘Ahead Of The Game,’ showcasing his distinctive riffs and narrating the struggles of a musician.
Scheduled to hit the music scene on April 12, 2024, the full collection will be released through Knopfler’s British Grove label under the EMI umbrella.
The album’s title track holds a special connection to Knopfler’s hometown, Newcastle, situated in the North East of England, as it revolves around the River Tyne. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Knopfler stated, “Crossing the Tyne is always on your mind. It’s what you were doing when you were leaving as a youngster, and that feeling is always the same every time you do it. You’re heading out or you’re coming back, and it just connects with your childhood. The power of it doesn’t go away.”
Collaborating with a talented ensemble, Knopfler is joined by Jim Cox and Guy Fletcher on keyboards, Glenn Worf on bass, Ian Thomas on drums, Danny Cummings on percussion, Richard Bennett on guitar, and newcomer Greg Leisz on the pedal and lap steel. The album also features Mike McGoldrick on whistle and uilleann pipes, John McCusker on fiddle, and the Topolski sisters, Emma and Tamsin, providing backing vocals.
Fans can anticipate a variety of formats for ‘One Deep River,’ including CD, deluxe 2CD, double gatefold vinyl, cassette, and a special limited-edition box set. The box set will include the album on both vinyl and CD, 5 bonus tracks on CD, 4 exclusive bonus tracks on LP, a litho print of Mark and some of the guitars played on the record, a guitar pick set and tin, and an enamel badge.
In a philanthropic endeavor, Knopfler has announced the sale of 120 of his guitars on January 31 at Christie’s in London. Proceeds from the sale will benefit multiple charities, including the British Red Cross, Tusk, and Brave Hearts Of The North East, with estimated prices ranging from £300 to £500,000.
