Dire Straits legend releases new studio album

John Illsley has been called ‘the engine room’ of Dire Straits. It’s an apt description. This is the man who drove the songs, the pace and the beats, a co-founder of the band who went the distance. And whilst he wasn’t necessarily in the limelight, his contribution to the sound and feel of the band and music is undeniable.

On May 17th John releases his first studio album proper since Dire Straits disbanded in 1995. And his talent and heritage simply shine through.

Streets Of Heaven is a collection of beautifully crafted songs that will surprise those that thought DS was a one man band and delight those who come new to John Illsley.

11 tracks in all, the new album was recorded in London at British Grove and is produced by Guy Fletcher together with John. It features a terrific musical line-up, an Irish rhythym section, a couple of mates from the old days and a certain Mark Knopfler guesting on two of the tracks. From the exquisite ballad, Only Time Will Tell, to the countryish Young Girl and the poignant I Thought I Saw It Coming, Streets Of Heaven is a very personal album that deals with family, friends and personal events.

The full track listing is as follows: Toe The Line, Tell Me, Streets Of Heaven, Young Girl, Only Time Will Tell, Banks Of The River, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, I Thought I Saw It Coming, Is It Real, Big Top, Foreign Land.

Streets Of Heaven is not, however, John’s first solo offering. While in Dire Straits he released two albums, Glass and Never Told A Soul (recently rereleased on Creek Records), the live Live In Les Baux in 2007 and a collaboration last year with Greg Pearle titled Beautiful You. Last year also saw him play sold out dates at Bush Hall and the 100 Club as well as undertaking a tour of Ireland and selected dates in Europe.

To support the new CD John and his new band plan to tour later in the year both in the UK and abroad.

When not playing live, writing or recording, John is often to be found in a different studio - painting. He has five highly successful solo exhibitions under his belt and a sixth is already in the pipeline. In addition he spends time helping the charity he co-founded, Life Education (now amalgamated with the UK’s oldest children’s charity, Coram).