Mick Hucknall - Manchester Holds Sad Memories for Mick Hucknall

Manchester Holds Sad Memories for Mick Hucknall

Mick Hucknall is back with a new solo album - American Soul - and the Simply Red man has been discussing his long and illustrious career and music, his new family and memories of his beloved Manchester. 

American Soul sees Hucknall handpick twelve of his personal favourites from the genre's rich back catalogue, including Etta James' classic I'd Rather go Blind, The Flamingo's I Only Have Eyes for You as well as tracks by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, Gregory Isaacs, and the Valentine Brothers. As you may well be aware, Hucknall has been out of the limelight for a while, bringing up a young family, though does he ever get back to his old stomping ground? Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after announcing a show at the city's Apollo theatre, the singer explained, "Since my father died I get a bit sad when I go back. I can't deny it. But on the other hand, Manchester's been so good to me. I made it in Manchester, and it was the things that Manchester provided for me shaped who I am. I remain ever grateful for what that city did for me." You'd be forgiven for suggesting American Soul is a quick money spinner for Hucknall and his record label, though the 52-year-old clearly has plans to get back into the studio and start making records again. Another album in the pipeline sees Hucknall returning to songwriting, "They're all original compositions, I've worked very hard on them and I hope people will like them," he says.

American Soul hits shelves in the UK on Monday (October 29, 2012).