John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras) - Still or Sparkling?
Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras, presents his new 4-track 'Still Or Sparkling EP', released via Reveal Records, along with a video for the title track 'Still Or Sparkling?'.
A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural live-take approach, the new EP involves some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right), Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly - all also part of Reader's band.
Musically, the arrangement nods its head to Roger Miller’s finger-clicking, double bass driven 'King Of The Road' with added soft husky harmonies from John’s partner, Eddi Reader. Lyrically, the song evokes the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light. The song also name checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo
"This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other,” says John Douglas.
Starting October 1, Douglas also embarks on the 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One'. This first American headlining tour offers an intimate snapshot of Douglas' talent, charisma and depth. He is joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, and for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve.
There are two dates on this tour involving special guest appearances by fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston - both of them appear in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.
In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.
Douglas recently marked the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album 'Weightlifting' with a live rendition of 'Weightlifting'. Earlier, he shared the moonlit video for 'Oranges & Apples', preceded by 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone'.
As of September 27, the 'Still or Sparkling?' single will be available from fine online platforms. Until the EP's official release date of November 8, the full EP is available exclusively via Bandcamp. This EP will be available on CD during Douglas' North America tour, which kicks off in Los Angeles. His debut album will also be offered on CD and on vinyl here for the first time, as well as Douglas' mini-book 'Rambling - How I got here to your town on my own', featuring superb photos by Stephanie Gibson.
