In his 25 years as a folk/jazz troubadour, John Martyn has collaborated with such lauded musicians as Richard Thompson, Steve Winwood, and Phil Collins. Now, the Scottish native who has almost two dozen albums under his belt will receive a proper introduction in the U.S. Thirsty Ear will release Martyn's latest set, "The Church With One Bell," July 7 in North America; the album, a generation-crossing amalgam of jazz, rock, blues, and hip-hop, covers such classics as Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit," as well as newer material, like Portishead's "Glory Box."

In addition, the singer/songwriter will play a rare clutch of dates in the States starting June 11 in New York. From there he joins the Irish-leaning Fleadh festival, performing in New York (June 13), Chicago (June 20), and San Francisco (June 27). Then he will go to Los Angeles, wrapping his jaunt up there June 30. These shows will arrive on the back of Martyn's U.K. tour, which ends June 6 in London.