Keith Richards to release solo album

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards on Thursday announced his first solo album in 23 years, saying the music was influenced by blues, country and reggae.

Entitled "Crosseyed Heart," Richards' third solo album will come out on September 18 and feature his singing -- a rarity on Stones songs dominated by Mick Jagger's vocals -- as well as guitar playing.

His label said the album features a range of collaborators including Norah Jones, the multiple Grammy-winning jazz and blues singer.

Other musical guests on "Crosseyed Heart" include the R&B singer Aaron Neville and Richards' frequent partners -- drummer Steve Jordan and guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who have both worked with many major names in rock.

Two songs will feature Bobby Keys, the saxophonist for the Rolling Stones and other bands who died in December.

The label said that the album also showed country and reggae influences and said that a first single, "Trouble," would come out on July 17.

"There's nothing like walking into a studio and having absolutely no idea what you're going to come out with on the other end," Richards said.

The 71-year-old Richards, who keeps a busy touring schedule with the Rolling Stones, has released two previous solo studio albums: "Talk is Cheap" in 1988 and "Main Offender" in 1992.

The Rolling Stones' last album of new material was 2005's "A Bigger Bang."
Source: AFP