A “PECULIAR and wonderful” guitarist and songwriter is promoting his new album with some warm-up shows.

Richard Durrant, from Shoreham, will return to his hometown to play at the Ropetackle Arts Centre on Saturday, April 25.

Richard is performing some warm-up shows ahead of an epic musical cycling pilgrimage from Orkney to Spain.

The concert will feature excerpts from his new double album Weald Barrows, which is due to be released on June 4.

The official release of the new album will take place in St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney, in June, before Richard cycles all the way to northern Spain to perform concerts in Santiago de Compostela.

Richard said of his new double album: “If you imagine a world where Segovia is a member of Hawkwind, then you are close to understanding the sound world of Weald Barrows.”

The album is a follow-up to 2018’s double vinyl album Stringhenge, which inspired a 45-minute feature on BBC6 Music.

Weald Barrows has the same sense of place and features beautiful guitar solos alongside a prog rock mix of instrumentals and songs.

6Music DJ Tom Robinson said Richard “sits completely outside the accepted genres”.

He said: “He has a peculiar and wonderful mind and is my new favourite guitarist.”

Richard, who trained at the Royal College of Music and has enjoyed a long career as a classical recitalist, has spent more time in recent years in the studio writing and producing his own material.

In his warm-up shows, as well as during the pedal-powered concert tour from Orkney to Spain, Richard will continue to advocate for climate change awareness and promote European friendship.

Richard will be on stage with his guitars and ukulele to perform a collection of new material, as well as some old favourites, with plenty of stories from a lifetime in music.

Tickets for Richard’s show are £15 for adults and £5 for under 18s.

To book tickets for the show, which is from 7.30pm until 9.30pm, call the Ropetackle Arts Centre box office on 01273 464440, or book online at www. ropetacklecentre.co.uk/whats-on.

Food will be served before the event from 6pm, with main courses for £8, desserts for £3.50, or a two-course meal for £10.00.

To book a meal, which must be done in advance, email lesleyskitchenltd@gmail.com.