CLASSICAL Carrack - that's next from the voice behind world-wide pop classics The Living Years, How Long and Over My Shoulder.
South Yorkshire rock and soul star Paul Carrack is about to revisit his past with a full orchestra.
But for now he's celebrating his latest studio offering, I Know That Name, with a free download from the album, of It Ain't Easy (To Love Somebody). Get it from his web site -
CLICK HERE Meanwhile, Paul is about to make a unique homecoming appearance with a difference for his old pal, the late DJ Dave Kilner, at Sheffield City Hall on Friday, April 30.
He can't be at the star-studded concert to launch a new children's charity in Dave's memory.
But The Star was invited to his home to film him playing piano and singing a spine-tingling version of one of his greatest hits to be screened at Dave Kilner A Night To Remember.
We asked the singing sensation about his fond memories of Dave - but also what he's got planned next for fans.
VIDEO: Click the play button to watch our exclusive video chat with him.
There's no question about Paul's excitement when you ask him about his next recording project.
He can't wait to get to work with a full orchestra.
The former Ace, Squeeze and Mike and The Mechanics singer is hoping to hit the right notes all over again with loyal fans, while introducing others to his back catalogue and new tunes, he told The Star.
Paul, who celebrated his 59th birthday this week, now writes and usually records in the studio at his picture-postcard home, where he has lived for more than two decades, just off the M25 motorway north of London.
But even his luxury base might be a tad on the small side for his next project.
"I'm going to record with an orchestra,'' he revealed, in an exclusive video chat.
"I'll be redoing some of my own tunes and a couple of classic type things. I'm really looking forward to that.
"We had fantastic support on the last album and it's continued to get air play. We're about to release our sixth single from it, called If I Didn't Love You. So there hasn't been a desperate need for a new album, other than to keep things fresh and alive.
"For the last 10 years I've had my own little label. It's not a big deal. It's just that's how I release my solo material now. I record the albums at home. It's a small operation - all on a very realistic basis."
He also recognises the importance of new technologies, including downloads, the web and social network sites, to keep fans informed and nourished with the music they love.
His live shows are all recorded and tracks are available to download at
www.carrack-uk.com Yet he agrees that recorded music is something of a calling card these days, a by-product of what makes him tick - live performance.
Paul, who has just completed more than 60 dates on a UK tour and is about to play mainland Europe, explains: "Our mainstay is being on the road and performing concerts. That's where the fun is, with the instant response from playing live."
Sitting at the keys of the baby grand piano, in his home studio, he looks almost unrecognisable without his trademark hat and dark glasses.
But this is Paul Carrack the family man, who hasn't lost any of his Sheffield warmth and hospitality. As he offers to brew a cuppa and make a sandwich for his guests, he explains that he's never really been away.
He's still a regular at his beloved Hillsborough. His 30-year-old son, who also lives near him, never misses a match, home or away. They are used to the 300-mile round trip to cheer on the Owls. And they will be praying Sheffield Wednesday escape the drop.
"Sheffield is still amazingly important to me. It's still home.
It just stays with you wherever you go,'' he says.
"But I left as a teenager really, to go on the road and play in bands all over Europe, living rough and ready in the van. I'd go home every now and then to get a decent meal from my mum."
He's worked alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Ringo Starr, The Eagles, Eric Clapton and Elton John. But he's so modest that he leaves it to others to mention it.
"You don't think of all the big names you've played alongside at the time – because you're just busy getting on with it. But it's beyond my wildest dreams, when I started out as a kid playing in a band at school," he says.
"If you had told me I was going to have a great, long career, and play with all these great people – I probably wouldn't have believed you. So I really do count my lucky stars.
"It's very hard to advise anyone just starting out, because things have changed a lot. It's going to be tough. But it's worth it in the end.
You'll meet some great people, have some fantastic times and an interesting life to talk about when you're old."
Paul is saddened not to be able to make a special star-studded charity concert back home – though he will still be performing at Dave Kilner A Night To Remember, at the City Hall on Friday, April 30.
The Star filmed him at the piano playing one of his greatst hits, to be revealed on the night, as a tribute to his late DJ and fundraising pal, who supported him and many other local stars throughout their careers.
Def Leppard superstars Joe Elliott and Rick Savage, Amarillo hitmaker Tony Christie, St Elmo's Fire rocker John Parr, electro legends Heaven 17, singer-songwriter comedian Steve Womack and impersonator Jon Culshaw are appearing in person.
Paul said: "I would have loved to have been there. But the next best thing is for me to perform in some way.
"Dave was a great guy, very supportive of me and lots of others. He did much for charities, especially children. So it is important for me to be part of this event in some way."
Dave's widow Shirley and his daughters Nicola and Rebecca are organising the concert to launch a new charity, to help local disadvantaged children, called Help A Child Have A Chance. Tickets are £25 and £30.
Paul Carrack returns to Sheffield City Hall on December 4, 2010, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £23.
Ticket for both shows are available from the Sheffield City Hall box office. Call 0114 2789789 or book online at
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