AWARD-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood crosses the Atlantic to offer music to lift the soul when his second UK tour comes all the way from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Malton on Saturday, June 4.

Ian takes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories and mixes them with intricate guitar playing, sax and pop/rock grooves. His fusing of contemporary song styles, from pop to country to jazz and contemplative lyrics, energetic stage show and honest presentation have quickly gained him wide recognition.

His music dances the line between folk and pop and his live performances complete with wit and story-telling thrive on intimacy, making the Milton Rooms an ideal venue.

“Ian played here last year and the audience really wanted to see him again. This is a show not to miss,” said event organiser Libby Pearson.

Ian rates James Taylor, Paul Simon and Bryan Adams among his musical influences and his voice has a resonance of Tim Hardin. He has penned tunes for many other artists as well as for theatre, film and television and was named Contemporary Singer of the Year by the 2013 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Starting his music career as an in-demand saxophone player in Toronto, Sherwood soon began looking for an outlet for his poetic side. His unique musicianship combined with his tales of heart-break, victory and adventure quickly earned him a following as a solid performer, lyricist and player.

His show will feature music from his fifth album, “Everywhere to Go”, which is considered to be his best to date, full of instantly appealing hooks and sing-along choruses while sitting comfortably in his signature style of imaginative narrative writing. It is described as "a brilliant slice of Canadian folk pop, songs to make your toes tap and lyrics to lift your soul".

Tickets, priced £10, are now on sale at the Milton Rooms box office in Malton or by telephone 01653 696240.