HITMAKER Paul Carrack has announced a brand new album release, which he will be performing live at the Cliffs Pavilion.

The album, These Days, is being released on September 7 on his own label, Carrack-UK, which he will follow up with an extensive 30 date UK tour in 2019 (book via southendtheatres.org.uk).

It reaches the Southend theatre in Station Road, on March 1.

These Days is Paul’s 17th album. His breakthrough moment came when he wrote and sang How Long, the much-covered 1974 classic from his days with Ace, and was the voice of Tempted from his tenure with Squeeze.

As an in-demand collaborator, his decades of distinction include sessions with the Smiths, Roxy Music, B.B. King and countless others, culminating in a request from Eric Clapton to join his touring band.

Five tracks on These Days have lyrics by Paul’s friend, former Squeeze bandmate Chris Difford. The album is “grown-up pop music made by, and for, people who’ve had the ups and downs that life unfailingly provides”.

“It’s about getting to an age, and appreciating what you’ve got,” adds Carrack. “I hope it will resonate with people who are going through the same stuff. It’s not being frightened of it, and just trying to enjoy it.”