How do you follow up a debut album described by the Independent on Sunday as "the best debut album since Marquee Moon"? That's the challenge facing singer-songwriter John Canning Yates, two decades after the release of 'The First Album' by his band, Ella Guru.

Amid the rapidly changing musical landscape, the only thing that has changed for John is the number of musicians surrounding him. His ability to capture beautiful storytelling and magical musical moments that resonate long term remains unchanged.

Yates, happiest working alone with headphones in the early hours at his home in Liverpool, has crafted another masterpiece.

John explains, "In the wee hours, with loved ones asleep and the busy day behind, a quiet settles in. It's then I can hear the infinite possibilities. From these possibilities, I've drawn portraits capturing moments of love and peace in turbulent times, and of hope for calmer days ahead. I hope they resonate with you as well."

Entitled ‘The Quiet Portraits,' this new solo album weaves tales of people, places, time, family, history, belonging, forgetting, and remembering.

Fans of the melodic soundscapes of Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, and Tom Waits will appreciate ‘The Quiet Portraits,’ while Yates's vocals bring to mind the emotional fragility and narrative depth of Neil Young, Paul Buchanan, Mark Linkous, and Elliott Smith.

Mastered by Jason Mitchell (known for his work with PJ Harvey and Robert Forster) and featuring guest performances from pedal steel expert BJ Cole and multi-instrumentalist Andy Frizell, followers of Ella Guru will find their wait richly rewarded. ‘The Quiet Portraits’ stands as a testament to the understated yet immense talent of John Canning Yates.

The Quiet Portraits’ by John Canning Yates is released by Violette Records on 19 April 2024.