A SHIPLEY-BORN singer-songwriter is receiving rave reviews for his latest album and has a Bradford date on his 2021 UK tour.

The Times described Jason McNiff’s seventh album Dust of Yesterday as ‘wistful and nostalgic’, while Mojo magazine labelled him a ‘superb, finger picking folkie’.

The album, tracks from which have been played on BBC radio, has been met with widespread praise and will form part of Jason’s appearance at Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury on Sunday December 5.

“I've been blown away by the reaction to my latest album, both with the press coverage and the music buying public. It has reaffirmed my faith in this job,” he said. “In terms of lyrics, it's an album that celebrates memory. The sound is very lush and laidback, suited to a late night drive or an early morning coffee.

Jason, who describes his music as “folk with a dash of Country wrapped inside”, became interested in music through listening to his parents’ record and tape collection.

“My favourite thing to do as an eight-year-old boy was to ride my bike in Northcliffe Woods listening to Elvis or Glen Campbell on a Walkman,” he said.

The former Bradford Grammar School pupil, who as a teenager lived in Stoney Ridge, began having guitar lessons while at primary school. “I went for my lessons to Mannings Musicals on Westgate. I was taught by Bernie Sheehan who is in the Cajun Aces band, and who runs Saltaire Music Festival. Those lessons fired me up to become more involved with music.”

As a languages student at the University of Nottingham he become involved in the music scene and started playing in bands.

He later moved to London and formed a duo with a lyric writer. “I would write melodies for his words. We made three full-length albums which never saw the light of day and have long since disappeared.”

Jason, who now lives in Hastings, East Sussex, went on to write for himself, with his first album, 'Off the Rails' released in 2000. “It was inspired by my being young and moving to London and the kind of life I was living then. It is a song about following your path, which isn’t a conventional one,” he said.

Dust of Yesterday - which is made up of nine songs - was made at the Eastbourne home of singer/songwriter/producer Roger Askew.

He has performed at venues across the UK, including the Royal Festival Hall and the former Borderline club in London. He has also played overseas, including in New York and San Francisco. “I run and perform at a weekly event called the Sundowner close to where I live and also play online once a week.” His weekly performances can be accessed on his Facebook page every Thursday from 8am to 10pm.

Jason also teaches guitar and piano to children.

He retains close connections with Bradford - his parents and grandparents still live in the district.

“I come back three or four times a year. I have so many fond memories growing up in Bradford and am eternally grateful to the city,” said Jason. “Having lived in many cities across the UK, I realise what a brilliant place it is.”

*Jason will be playing at Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue in Queensbury, Bradford on Sunday December 5 from 4pm until 6pm.

*Jasonmcniff.com