The Welsh 'Boss' (From Penarth Times)

The Welsh 'Boss'

A PENARTH singer-songwriter dubbed "The Welsh Springsteen" is currently in the middle of a UK tour as part of the build-up to the release of a new album.

Penarth-born Martyn Joseph was voted the Best Male Artist in the 2004 BBC Welsh Music Awards.

Joseph has teamed up with Steve Knightley, who won the Best Live Act in the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, for his 17-date tour.

The pair have taken to the road playing selected major venues from Exeter to Birkenhead and Newcastle to Newport.

The tour comes to an end on April 3.

Martyn Joseph signed to Sony in the early 90s and had five Top 50 hits including Dolphins Make Me Cry and Working Mother.

Joseph was awarded an Amnesty International accolade for his work with the Brazilian Landless Workers' Movement and he also works with charities like War Child and Action Africa.

He says he attempts to deliver "songs that make a difference."

In a review of Joseph's work, Q magazine said he possesses:

"A depth, resonance and emotional punch that belies comparison - one of acoustic music's most original voices."

To coincide with the tour, Knightley and Joseph will release their first album together, The Bridgerow Sessions, named after the Welsh studio where it was recorded.

It contains the best songs they have performed live together but never yet captured on disc.

Joseph sings Knightley's ballad I Promise You and Knightley performs Joseph's moving song about Welsh folk hero Dic Penderyn.

The CD is also likely to include Knightley's brand new song Maybe.

Martyn Joseph said: "It's earthy and organic sounding - just about two mates sitting down and playing some tunes together."