BANJO-wielding Chicagoan livewire singer-songwriter Al Scorch will perform at the Flying Duck in Ilkley.

He will perform as part of his UK tour on September 16 to promote his well-received album Circle Round The Signs.

The Huffington Post described Al as “the finest country-punk-folk-bluegrass banjo player in the country”.

Al will be accompanied at the gig by fiddle player and vocalist Jess McIntosh.

Al Scorch grew up in Chicago, and is said to perform with the enthusiasm and charisma of a Maxwell Street preacher.

A spokesman said: “He eyes the prize of that ever-elusive promised land that’s worth scrapping for, wherever or whatever it may be.

“With a stentorian bullhorn of a voice, he exhorts, not with a holy book in his hand, but a banjo and guitar.

“He’s a messenger and a conduit, a believer that a soul-stirring song will march you forward.”

Al balances on wedges of punk, old-time string band, American and European folk, and soulful balladry, while serving as an entertainer, road warrior, storyteller, and “one helluva musician”.

His second album is said combine the Bad Livers’ lawless next-gen take on traditional country and bluegrass, and Black Flag’s burn-it-all-down revolt and breakneck tempos.