Floating like a butterfly...

Byline: By Sam Wonfor

I've just been doing the Letterman show, you know how it is," laughs Tom Russell who is currently whistlestopping his way around America before landing in the UK at the end of the month.

The acclaimed folk-country singer had "done" the world-famous David Letterman talk show the night before to promote his new album, Modern Art - a collection of songs which "speak from my subjects' voices and life experiences".

But far from depriving fans of his wealthy back catalogue which spans three decades and 17 albums of original material, Tom says anyone who wanders along to the Live Theatre to catch him on Tyneside will not be disappointed with the range of work he will be performing.

He says: "Obviously I'm going to be doing stuff from the new album because I want people to hear my latest songs, but I'll also be doing a good range of material from the last 30 years.

"There's a lot to choose from you know," he muses.

Known for his ability to empathise with the lives of others through his music, some of the "subjects" he sings about on Modern Art will be instantly recognisable.

The Kid From Spavinaw refers to the life of baseball legend, Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali is a reflection piece on the challenging experiences of the boxing legend.

Tom, 53, says: "I grew up looking up to Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali and I wanted to write something about them.

"Muhammad is such an international figure. I was always a fan and continue to be so. It's so sad to see him suffering from Parkinson's - but the magic is still in his eyes."

Along with his original material, Tom has once again teamed up with fellow stateside singer/songwriter, Nanci Griffith for three duets on the album, including Dave Alvin's Bus Station.

But fans will have to wait to see if Nanci will be joing Tom on the Tyneside stage during his performance.

"Nanci will possibly be coming to surprise some audiences with guest appearances during the tour, but she hasn't firmed up the dates yet. So you never know and it would nice to have a night out with her on Tyneside."

Although Tom lives in El Paso, Texas, he's not short of an idea or two about the best places to go out for a night in Newcastle.

"Is Dylan's Bar still goin?" he asks hopefully. "I was drawn to that place the last time I was in Newcastle playing at the City Hall because I'm a huge fan of Bob Dylan and we had some good times there.

"There's a good chance we might pay a repeat visit this time round."

Tom says he is looking forward to seeing the changes which have stunningly materialised along the banks of the Tyne - and was delighted to hear the venue he will play this time round is located directly on the Quayside.

"I've chosen smaller venues to make it a much more intimate experience for the audience and myself," he says.

"It will be like we're all just sitting around together enjoying some good music."

* Tom Russell plays Newcastle's Live Theatre on June 29. Tickets are available from the box office on [phone].