Hey hey, one of the key exponents of the nu-folk strum-wave scene (man) has announced her first tour dates for some time - around four years in fact. Beth Orton made it cool to be an acoustic-guitarist back in the 90s, winning herself a BRIT with the help of the best-selling "Central Reservations" album in 2000.

After an absence of nearly 5 years since her last album, "Comfort of Strangers", Beth has announced a few initial tour dates to support the release of her next album due in 2011. Her most recent foray into recording has been on the recent Beatles "Let It Be" tribute album, offered free with Mojo last month (unless you stumped up £15 for the vinyl version, that is).

So far she has confirmed four towns including Holmfirth on 2nd December followed by Leamington (3rd), Portsmouth (6th) and Brighton (8th). Bigger cities have yet to be announced but tickets for these four are available now priced at £16.50-£18.50, depending on location (don't forget the fees!).

Since severing ties with Heavenly Records, she has inked a deal with vibrant indie-label Anti-Records, home to Tom Waits, Swell Season and the late Solomon Burke. The new songs are to be produced by Jim O'Rourke and should see the light of day in early 2011.