Don’t go expecting synths or drum machines on Gary Barlow’s new solo LP. The Take That man releases Music Played By Humans on 27 November and it does exactly what it says on the tin. “My ambition when we started this album,” said Gary, “was to create something really bright, a celebration of music and the wonderful musicians that we have in the UK and around the world. Some of it is recorded with an orchestra, some with quartets, a Latin band, and some of the tracks have jazz and big band sections - it really is music played by people, hence the title of the album.”
First single Elita features Michael Bublé and Colombian star Sebastián Yatra, plus there are further collaborations with Barry Manilow, Beverly Knight and even James Corden. Barlow added: “The idea is of that big beautiful sound, there’s really nothing like it. For me, to be able to, as a songwriter, write knowing that that sound and emotion and style of playing is going to be on this work that I’ve composed - it’s thrilling.” Barlow has also announced an extensive UK arena tour for the summer of 2021 starting in Liverpool on 2 June and concluding at the O2 in London on 25 June.