MALVERN singer/songwriter Clive John has just launched his new album and is currently playing gigs around the Malvern area.

The new record, Purple Sky, contains tracks written by Clive, many of which were inspired by his successful six-month tour of the US last year.

Recorded locally with producer Paul Farrer, the album was digitally mastered in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, by Robyn Robbins of the Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band.

At present, Clive is enjoying considerable success in the EMS Country Chart, having reached number three with I Still Want You and number four with In A Whisper.

He is also looking forward to a large folk festival in Yorkshire, where he is performing live to thousands over the August Bank Holiday. A bus trip to the event is being organised for anyone who wished to support Clive. For details, contact Paul Potts on 01684 540161.

Starting this week, Clive will be playing live every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Newquay, Cornwall, until October. However, the local gigs will continue at the weekends.

Purple Sky was released last week. It is available on Clive's website at www.clivejohn.com and also at his gigs. One man who will be anticipating the new album is German record producer Robert Kohl, who has been impressed with Clive's songwriting and the quality of his voice.

Clive will be appearing tomorrow (Saturday) at The Swan, Hanley Swan, and on Monday (April 9) at the Foley Arms Hotel, Malvern.