James McCartney brings solo tour to Fresno’s Fulton 55

It’s hard to talk about James McCartney without mention of his dad, the ex-Beatle and solo-powerhouse musician Paul McCartney.

That’s especially true considering the younger McCartney plays Fresno less than a month after his father kicked off (rather successfully) his One on One tour at the Save Mart Center.

James McCartney plays Thursday, May 12, at Fulton 55.

It’s the second date on his second U.S. tour, in support of his latest release “The Blackberry Train.” The album (out Friday, May 6) was recorded by Steve Albini, the outspoken audio engineer who did hit albums for Nirvana and the Pixies (and also Fresno’s own Sparklejet).

It’s 11 tracks of edgy and eclectic rock. Here’s a quick email correspondence we had with McCartney, 38, in advance of the show.

Q: What made you decide to do the tour as a completely solo act?

A: My last tour was solo as well. I love playing solo, because it gives me a chance to connect with the audience, and also have them connect with me, and the music. It’s actually lovely.

Q: Is it more difficult to be on stage without the backup of a band (physically, musically and emotionally)?

A: No.

Q: Does it change the way you perform the songs?

A: Well, the guitar solos are a bit quieter, but otherwise no.

Q: Tell us about working with Steve Albini on the new album.

A: He’s brilliant and was lovely to work with.

Q: What is it about his process that jelled so well with yours?

A: I think it was just our mutual love of music that made this happen.

Q: Dhani Harrison (son of George Harrison) is on the album, which is no doubt exciting for Beatles fans. How was it working with him?

A: I wrote (the song he played on) in L.A, and tried to infuse it with a country feel to really bring out that desperation and the idea of trying too hard. Dhani Harrison came into the studio and we both collaborated on the guitar solo in the song.

Q: So, your father just played in Fresno and it was like the biggest deal, ever, for a lot of people. Is it difficult to deal with people’s expectations for you as his son?

A: Coming from the kind of family that I’ve come from and I am a part of, it’s kind of public, so there’s a fair amount of attention towards me. I have to be careful. But, privacy is a good thing if you want it.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 4:38 PM with the headline "James McCartney brings solo tour to Fresno’s Fulton 55."