DAVID Francey, the Scottish-born Canadian carpenter turned songwriter, singer and storyteller, will appear at the Black Swan Folk Club, Peasholme Green, York on September 29 on his most extensive tour to date.

The three-times Juno award winner will be airing songs from his 11th album, Empty Train, his February collection that turns the spotlight on working-class heroes such as sailors, signallers and stokers, while telling the stories of everyday people from hospital patients to sex workers, with typical Francey realism and honesty.

Originally from Ayrshire, Francey was a late-starter in the folk world, not playing his first professional gig until his forties. After years of secretly writing songs as he worked on construction sites, in rail yards and in the Yukon bush, he shared some with his wife, the artist Beth Girdler, who encouraged him to take them out to the public.

An instant positive response saw Francey release his first album, Torn Screen Door, an immediate hit on the Canadian folk scene in 1999. He won his first Juno, for Far End Of Summer, three years later and has since become established on both sides of the Atlantic.

On stage, Francey links his songs with seemingly off-the-cuff storytelling, drawing listeners into songs that reflect a fascination for reportage picked up from the newspapers he delivered as a boy in the village of Kilmaurs before the family emigrated to Canada in 1966.

His songwriting has caught the attention of roots music luminaries Del McCoury, Malinky, The Rankin Family, Chris & Kellie While and The Barra MacNeils, likewise attracting Black Swan Folk Club organiser Roland Walls, who first booked him in 2004.

"Around 30 people attended David's club debut in one of his very first UK shows, preceding a slot at Towersey Festival, and everyone went away thoroughly impressed and asking when he’d back," recalls Roland. "He first returned four years later, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Craig Werth, and has become a favourite of ours over his three visits. So we're delighted to welcome him back, together with regular guitar accompanist Mark Westberg.

"His wry humour and astute observations, combined with his open-hearted singing style, have earned him a loyal following across Canada and the USA. His songs are timeless gems that will be sung for many years to come, and on stage, he's an absolute gentleman and a truly inspiring performer."

Tickets cost £10, concessions £9, at wegottickets.com/event/371201