Jim Kirkpatrick is delighted to announce the single release of ‘Ain’t Goin’ Down Alone’, taken from his forthcoming solo album ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’. The single is now available on all digital and streaming platforms, whilst Jim’s full, 12-track album is due for release on 4th September, 2020.
Hailing from Cheshire, Jim is well-respected in the Blues and Rock scene, both as a songwriter and as a deft-fingered, multi-skilled guitarist. Jim is best-known as the lead guitarist of the legendary British classic rock band FM, with whom he’s served as lead guitarist since 2008, but has worked with many other major names.
Along the way, Jim has built an enviable and ever-growing rep amongst his fans and peers, particularly as one of the UK’s premier slide, blues and rock guitar players. Jim describes his forthcoming album as “…a blues-rock outing with some songs co-written with friends and some fine contributions from many of my colleagues. There’s a whole host of well-known guests playing and contributing to the album which is very rocky, bluesy and with LOTS of guitar playing! I’m hoping that my fans and audience will love it.”
The album’s debut single, its title track ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’, became one of Classic Rock’s Tracks of the Week and won amongst those picked. PowerPlay Magazine have given the album 9/10 and Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ has been described by rock journalist Neil Mach as “a masterpiece of technical bravado and driving rock.”
“’Ain’t Goin’ Down Alone’ is a dark track,” explains Jim, “If I’m going down then I’m taking you with me’ is the sentiment.”
Composed by Jim Kirkpatrick and Scott Ralph, the track features some tasty guitar work from Jim, including solos, and, like many tracks on ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ this number draws in Jim’s friends from the business as collaborators.
“The track features Rory Gallagher’s last rhythm section on it,” says Jim, “Also, one of my favourite guitar solos from the new album”.
It’s a great sounding line-up, with strong guitar solos, great rhythm section and backing vocals. Playing on the track you’ll find: Jim Kirkpatrick (guitars, vocals, percussion); Richard Newman (drums); Dave Levy (bass); John Gunstone (keys); and Paul Westwell (harmonica).
Fans have heard echoes of Whitesnake and Bernie Marsden in the music and acknowledged it as “great Blues!”
Check out ‘Ain’t Goin’ Down Alone’ and soak up Jim’s guitar and blues-rock vocals, plus the fantastic collaborations and contributions from talented friends and colleagues.
