YORK progressive folk-rock songwriter Joshua Burnell will launch his debut full-length album, Into The Green, in The Basement at City Screen, York, on June 25.

Joshua and his band will perform the record in track order from 8pm ahead of its July 1 release on the Misted Valley Records label.

"It's an album of two halves," he says. "The first half is a collection of independent songs with a more acoustic/folk-inspired sound; the second is made up of the seven Into The Green tracks and draws on sounds reminiscent of folk rock and progressive rock.

"All seven tracks – The Enchanted Wood, The Dark Wood, The Deep, The Dwarf, The Misted Valley, The Gremlin King and The Return – form one story that narrates the tale of a shepherd who loses his flocks of sheep and ventures into an enchanted wood to rescue them."

York Press: Local musician Joshua Burnell collaborates with Tolkien artist

Ted Nasmith's cover artwork for Joshua Burnell's Into The Green

Given the album's fascination with fantasy and folklore, Joshua asked Ted Nasmith to create the cover artwork as he is famed for his illustrations of Tolkien's works, while fellow Tolkien illustrator Ruth Lacon has provided the back sleeve's imagery. In addition, Nasmith has designed artwork for the vinyl version.

Joshua performs up and down Britain with his regular touring band and is planning a summer tour, taking in several folk festivals. His band members include vocalist Frances Sladen, Texan bassist Matthew Mefford and Sicilian fiddler Antonio Curiale, while Mostly Autumn flautist Angela Gordon and Blackbeard's Tea Party cajon player Liam 'Yom' Hardy make guest appearances on Into The Green.

Recording sessions took place at Paper Plane Studios with Dan Webester and at Middlesbrough College with Nathan Greaves; Webster and Burnell handled production duties.

Admission to the launch gig will be £3.