AN acoustic duo with 22 years of musical partnership behind them will be playing at Carlisle Folk & Blues Club this month.

While and Matthews, who have gathered significant award nominations and critical acclaim over their career, will be touring in support of their tenth album.

'Shoulder to Shoulder' is an album of eleven songs that aims to build on the duo's already-solid reputation as songwriters that has seen them perform in projects such as ads and Ballads of Child Migration.

As well as the upbeat radio friendly Here It Comes Again and the powerful ballad Ordinary Day, Julie Matthews also offers two powerful songs of political comment: Pride, a calling for solidarity in support of LGBT rights across the globe and Are We Human, an answer to the intolerance and ignorance facing refugees fleeing to Europe.

Chris While’s recent co-writing partnership with acclaimed songwriter Charlie Dore brings to the album with three songs: Slim to Nil, about long-distance relationships; the quirky and charming Nothing Yanks My Chain (Like You Do) and Leap of Faith, a moving account of a mother and daughter reunited after 25 years.

While and Matthews will play in Carlisle on October 28.