SINGER, guitarist and song-writer with the legendary Moody Blues has released his long-awaited new solo album, Spirits of the Western Sky.

This is Justin’s first solo album since The View From The Hill, and along with his trademark crystal-clear voice and exemplary musicianship, this album sees Justin veering off into bluegrass territory.

Speaking at his home in the south of France, Justin explains how he came to move into this genre.

“It came about initially about 15 years ago, when I attended a showcase in Nashville. I’d never been there as a songwriter and was made so welcome and made many friends.”

He continues. “The record company actually want me to do a bluegrass album, with no electric guitar or electric bass – it’s a bit like skiffle really.”

Overall, the album is very upbeat and uptempo and took a while to put together.

“I’ve been writing and collecting material for years and in fact the track Eastern Sun was done a long time ago – about the same time as my last solo album.” He says.

The album kicks off with the very jaunty – and radio-friendly In Your Blue Eyes and One Day, Someday (which is also featured with an alternative extended version later in the album).

Another highlight of the album (one of many) is the track On The Road To Love, which was written and recorded with Kenny Loggins.

“He and I were both on the road and staying in the same hotel. We had a great day playing guitar together and came up with the song.”

Right in the middle of the album comes the bluegrass section with the tracks: It’s Cold Outside Of Your Heart, What You Resist Persists and Broken Dream, and all three songs were recorded in Nashville (the rest of the album was recorded in Genoa, Italy).

The album ends with Justin revisiting one of has favourite Moody Blues songs – I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.

Entitled Out There Somewhere.

“I was contacted by two Swede, Carl Ryden and Peo Haggstrom. They had tried to sample a section of my vocals from IKYOTS (as the song is known to the Moodies), but they couldn’t extract the part they wanted.”

“So they asked would I consider recording the bits they needed. I liked the groove of the song and I just said ‘yes’.”

“It was funny really, we were listening to the song and we were dancing around the studio to it.” He admits, laughing.

“Then Raul Rincon did a remix of it for the clubs in Ibiza, and I decided to put both versions on the album.”

The strings on the album were recorded by Anne Dudley, who was in he Art of Noise.

“Anne is one of the true greats,” says Justin.

“I’ve worked with her on different projects over the years and it’s always a joy.”

Summing up his thoughts of this superb album, Justin says simply.

“Every track is truly from the heart.”

Eagle Records EAGCD497.

Release date: February 25th 2013.