This is my best surprise of the week.

Out of the blue comes a new Gillian Welch album.

Whatever roll Gillian was on in 2003, it all came to an abrupt and unexpected halt soon after. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve searched for news of a follow up release and was on the point of giving up entirely.

Now, 8 years after Soul Journey, she’s back with The Harrow & The Harvest. Ten tracks with her wonderfully lilting voice with immaculately crafted songs – it’s like she’s never been away.

The notion of ‘timeless’ music has become something of a cliché but if ever there was an artist that fully merited this label, then Gillian Welch is that person.

Today she kicks off her US tour at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom, Santa Cruz and I dearly hope she and partner Dave Rawlings add some European dates soon.

For a flavour of what to expect from the shows, check out the song ‘The Way It Goes’ performed on Conan on 28th June :