ONE of Ireland’s biggest exports has found a new groove. Imelda May is just about to start her first tour in three years which includes a date in Bournemouth.

The announcement follows the release of her new album ‘Life, Love, Flesh, Blood’ in which she explores blues, soul, gospel, folk, rock, sensitive acoustica, cinematic drama on a set of the most personal and intimately autobiographical songs she has ever written.

Long celebrated by peers as one of the most sensational singers of contemporary music, Imelda worked with legendary record producer T Bone Burnett in LA and it features some of the most well renowned musicians in America with guest appearances by long-time supporters; guitar hero Jeff Beck and piano maestro Jools Holland.

T Bone said afterwards: “I’ve never met anyone quite like Imelda May. She is full of life. When I first happened onto her music, she was a punky Irish Rockabilly singer with a great band. I was intrigued by her deep feeling for and understanding of that American art form, much of which, of course, had originated in Ireland. When I ran across her several years later, she had gone through a change of lives and was writing about it with a wild intensity and singing about it in the most open hearted way. I was inspired by her honesty and her generosity, and I continue to be intrigued.”

Imelda’s life changed considerably in the run up to recording, and first single ‘Call Me’ is one chapter that needed to be covered.

In the past she would sometimes “hide things in my songs and twist them around” but this time the singer tells it exactly how it is.

Imelda May doesn’t just sound different, she actually looks physically different. “I always loved the Fifties rockabilly style but there was a point where I felt I was almost dressing up as Imelda May. It was as if I was getting into character for a gig. And I didn’t want to do that anymore. This is me. I’m so proud of this album and can’t wait to bring it out on the road to you”

Taking the biggest band line up she has ever toured, the shows promise to delight both old and new fans. of Imelda’s music. Featuring members of her longtime band with some additional finest musicians in the UK, the new line up brings the wonderful new material and old favourites to full colour whilst also showcasing Imelda’s unique ability to evoke the purest of emotion using her voice as her sole instrument.

Imelda May will be at Bournemouth Pavilion on Friday, May 12. To book tickets, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk or call 01202 055660.