TOP Cotswold singer-songwriter Johnny Coppin has released his first major album in 12 years.

The Nailsworth-based performer was a member of 1970s folk rock band Decameron before he embarked on a solo career which has won him much acclaim from different quarters, not least from his local following in the Cotswolds.

The Winding Stair is his first non-Christmas or compilation album released since 1993. The 13-track collection comprises material from England, Ireland, Scotland and America as well as a mix of his new songs and favourite tracks played on his weekly BBC Radio Gloucestershire folk roots show.

Its launch also coincides with an 11-date UK tour in April and May, which comes to Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre tomorrow night (Friday, April15).

For the Follow the Dream tour, he joins forces with Mike Silver, another top singer/songwriter who was one of the first signings to Elton John's Rocket Records label back in 1973. He also had a BBC Radio 2 hit with Not a Matter of Pride and is known for his entertaining live shows.

Mike Silver co-wrote a couple of new songs on the album, and other inspiration has been drawn from experience and the countryside, including the title track, inspired by the Winding Stair bookshop in Dublin. Coppin, who had a hit collaboration album putting Laurie Lee's poems to music, has also set Mary Webb's The Lost Orchard and Gloucester poet Ivor Gurney's The Fire Kindled to music for the new CD.

The tour stops off at Bristol, Banbury, Stourport and Nailsworth Festival among other venues nationwide. To book in at The Roses, call 01684 295074 (www.rosestheatre.org).