Not many musicians can call upon Britain's all-time greatest guitar players and the world's best known drummer to contribute to their side-gig solo album. 

But legendary singer, songwriter and keeper of the 10cc flame Graham Gouldman has made a few pioneering friends over the course of his 60 year career. Brian May, Hank Marvin, Albert Lee and Ringo Starr, among others, have all contributed to Gouldman's forthcoming 6th solo album, ‘I Have Notes’, released 5th July on British independent record label Lojinx. 

Graham has also announced two special one-off album launch shows on 1st and 2nd July at Pizza Express Live in Holborn, which will see him debut songs from ‘I Have Notes’, along with favourites from across his incredible career. Tickets available HERE

First single ‘We’re Alive’, which is out now and available to listen to HERE, displays an Americana tone, co-written with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman (Bette Midler, Trisha Yearwood, Neil Diamond) and songwriter/guitarist Gordon Kennedy (Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Garth Brooks).

"I wrote this song in Nashville last year with Beth Nielsen Chapman and Gordon Kennedy. Both of whom I’ve worked with before. I just started playing this opening riff, there's some nodding going on, it sounded quite exuberant and so the theme had to be something life affirming. Beth came up with the "We're Alive" title, and then we finished off the song really quickly together.

There are certain references, which I love, that are kind of interesting. "Pull back the sofa, wind up the gramophone". You know who's got a gramophone? Nobody!

It's always a real joy to work with Beth and Gordon and I think it shows in the song because it's full of life." says Gouldman.

The song was tracked with the writers between London and Nashville, with Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Billy Preston, Amy Grant) on drums, and produced by Graham Gouldman and Graeme Pleeth.

‘I Have Notes’ has a broad palette of musical styles and textures, reflecting the diverse nature of Gouldman’s catalogue. From the “I’m Not In Love” choral opening of literal space-ballad ‘Floating In Heaven’ (with Brian May), through the endearing romantic waltz of ‘When You Find Love’ (featuring Hank Marvin). The album also features the exuberant childish joy of ‘Play Me’, the cheeky festive swing of ‘Christmas Affair’ (featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman) to the Side A closer, the unashamed Beatle-inspired ‘Couldn’t Love You More’ (featuring Ringo Starr).

Side B kicks off with the overtly poppy ‘It’s Time For Me To Go’, followed by the country-tinged ‘Don’t Tell Lies’. The long-lost 10cc-era confessional ‘I’m Lazy’ leads into the instrumental palette cleanse of ‘Celestial Light’, followed by a return to country twang with ‘Say You Love Me Tonight (featuring Albert Lee). The album closes with a rocking live performance of ‘Heart Full Of Soul’, featuring an all-star band - Brian May & Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal on guitar, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Ric Fierabracci on bass and Simon Phillips on drums.

Having worked with the late Storm Thorgerson, of Hypnosis, for many 10cc covers over the years, Gouldman has continued the collaboration through Peter Curzon at StormStudios for the ‘I Have Notes’ cover:

“The cover art works beautifully, I think”, enthuses Gouldman. “You may understand it, you may not. But you know something interesting is happening.”

From his early 1960s songwriting hits (‘Bus Stop’, ‘For Your Love’, ‘Heart Full of Soul’) to global success with 10cc's classics (‘I'm Not in Love’, ‘The Things We Do for Love’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’) the enduring popularity of Graham's songs reflect his significant contributions to the history of pop music. Graham’s songwriting status was acknowledged in 2014 with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Graham’s work with 10cc continues to endure in the build up to next year’s 50th anniversary of the band’s iconic album ‘The Original Soundtrack’, having recently completed a UK wide tour, which included a sold out Royal Albert Hall show (The Mail on Sunday commented ‘It feels as if their time has come again’ in their 5* review). 10cc have also announced a further Autumn UK tour; and announced their first major US tour in over three decades. 

Graham Gouldman's new album ‘I Have Notes’ will be released on vinyl LP, CD & digital on 5th July 2024 on British indie label Lojinx. 

To pre-order visit HERE 

For tickets to Graham’s ‘I Have Notes’ album launch shows, visit HERE