Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler has had a long, varied, successful career, and no matter what he does, he does it with class and integrity. This hold true with his latest offering, Privateering.

It is his first double album in a 35-year recording career. These 20 tracks of folk, blues, country and rock originals reflect the creative exuberance of an artist whose exceptional abilities remain sharp.

The project was recorded in Knopfler's own studio, British Grove. The line-up of musicians Knopfler has been gathering around him since the mid-'90s include Guy Fletcher (keyboards), Richard Bennett (guitar), Jim Cox (piano), Glenn Worf (bass), Mike McGoldrick (whistle and flute) and John McCusker (fiddle) with the recent addition of the Ian Thomas (drums).

Special guests included Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Phil Cunningham (accordion), Tim O'Brien (mandolin), Ruth Moody (vocals) and Kim Wilson (harmonica).

Key tracks off Privateering include "Corned Beef City," "Redbud Tree," "Got To Have Something," "I Used To Could" and the title track.

"I chose to make a double album this time just because of the sheer volume of material," said Knopfler. "I didn't want to separate songs into blues and folk and country, and I didn't want to leave songs on the shelf. I just wanted it to be a reflection of the fantastic sessions we had. "

Knopfler was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Ivor Novellos. He has collaborated with artists of the stature of Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Emmylou Harris and Van Morrison. He has composed distinctive soundtracks for films such as "Local Hero," "The Princess Bride," "Last Exit to Brooklyn" and "Wag The Dog." He has been regularly acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists in the world.

A few U.S. date are book later this year with more to come:

• 10/23 Long Beach Terrace Theatre, Beach, CA
• 10/25 Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino, Las Vegas
• 10/26 The Wiltern, Los Angeles
• 10/27-28 The Fox Theater, Oakland, CA

For more information, visit www.markknopfler.com

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