UK-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Sunjay will release his new album, I’m Just Like You, on 11th November 2024. The album, available for pre-order from 20th September, is a tribute to blues legend Chris Smither, featuring 15 of his original songs. Originally recorded as a private gift for Smither’s 80th birthday, Sunjay was inspired to share the album with a wider audience. “I’ve kept the guitar parts true to Chris’ original recordings, but added my own flavour with the arrangements and production,” he says. The first single, Link Of Chain, also drops on 20th September, and is available for pre-save on major streaming platforms.
I’m Just Like You is the second in a planned trilogy of albums inspired by Sunjay’s pandemic-era livestreams, which he themed around different musical styles. The album follows Black & Blues Revisited (2022), which was born from one of these livestreams. Sunjay explains, “I started the VIP (Virtually In Person) global livestream tour with themed sets, and one of those was ‘Sunjay Sings Chris Smither’.” The album’s title, I’m Just Like You, is a nod to a line from Smither’s debut album.
Sunjay’s connection to Chris Smither runs deep. After discovering Smither’s music at 16, Sunjay was inspired to pursue a similar style, eventually meeting and playing guitar with his hero. “Chris’ music showed me how to write deep lyrics with blues-based guitar work,” Sunjay reflects. This tribute album marks a significant moment in Sunjay’s career, especially as he prepares to release his first album of original material after a decade-long publishing contract limited him to covers.
The album features an impressive lineup, including Josh Clark on drums and bass, Jonny Henderson on keys, Katriona Gilmore on fiddle and backing vocals, Charlie Barker on backing vocals, and Lee Southall on harmonica. Sunjay will kick off a UK tour on 3rd November in Twickenham, wrapping up on 14th December in Bewdley.
03 NOV – Twickfolk TWICKENHAM
08 NOV – Woodman Folk Club KINGSWINFORD
09 NOV – Finstock Village Hall CHIPPING NORTON
10 NOV – Balmoral Club SALTBURN
11 NOV – White Horse Folk Club, BEVERLEY
13 NOV – Cramlington Folk Club, CRAMLINGTON
15 NOV – Stables 2 MILTON KEYNES
19 NOV – Tuesday Night Music Club LONDON
20 NOV – Atherstone Folk Club WARWICKSHIRE
26 NOV – Dartford Folk Club DARTFORD
28 NOV – Wren, STONE
14 DEC – St. Georges Hall, BEWDLEY
