The Golden Times are finally here!

For today sees the launch of the debut album from Nick Hall titled The Golden Times.

Otley resident Nick is one half of The Hall Brothers, the acclaimed acoustic song-writing duo. Together, the brothers have toured in Britain, Ireland and Holland for over a decade and have earned the respect this incredibly exciting live act deserves.

Nick has now gone on to develop a collection of new songs that he has been performing with his own band as a side project.

With the backing of his record company along with past andpresent bands, young musicians and the Otley Folk Festival, 'the Golden Times has come together as a stunning album of contrasting styles and themes.

From acoustic finger-picking to out-and-out rock, and covering nearly all bases in between, it is full of beautiful singing, expert musicianship topped with the superb production skills of producer Nev Barker.

When asked why he had included young, untried musicians on the album, Nick replied, "When Duncan Hall and I were starting out, it took a few brave people to stick their necks out and put us on the big stage to see how we fared.

"Some influential people saw something in us and tried us out. "That's what we're trying to do. There are few places and times where young musicians can be heard these days.

"And the results are beautiful - the singing, flute and violin-playing on the album are just haunting."

With a perfect marriage between 'real' instruments and tastefully-applied technology, The Golden Times looks set to be one of the albums of the year.

To launch it, a party is being held tonight at Korks Bar in Otley, West Yorkshire.

Tickets are priced at £3 with all profits going to the Otley Courthouse Project.