22a founder, flautust and producer Ed Cawthorne aka Tenderlonious has announced a fourth LP for his quartet Ruby Rushton. Ironside follows on from the 2018 Tenderlonious release The Shakedown. Also coming up on 22 February is a limited edition release of the album single “Eleven Grapes”.

Ironside is said to take its title from an old English name given to “one who is courageous, possessing great physical and mental strength” and also references the famous US TV series soundtracked by Quincy Jones.

“This record is more disciplined and thought-out,” says Cawthorne. “The Shakedown was a free, unplanned jam, but this has detailed arrangements with lots of changes.

“The tracks are shorter too – they’re more concise, as is the whole thing, which makes it more accessible. I like the idea that people can play the album quickly, then play it all over again.”

It has the group go from a six to four piece, with drummer Tim Carnegie replacing Yussef Dayes, who'll be joining Aidan Shepherd on keys and Nick Walters on trumpet and percussion. Cawthone leads on flute, soprano sax, synths and percussion.

Also announced is a host of tour dates throughout March and April, and the reissue of Trudi's Songbook Volume One & Two.

Ironside is released by 22a. Listen to “Eleven Grapes” from the forthcoming single.