Jack Johnson Previews New Album Tracks in London

Surfer-friendly singer-songwriter Jack Johnson dropped into London on Friday, Mar. 5, to preview songs from his forthcoming album 'To the Sea.'

In contrast to the Hawaiian singer songwriter's grizzled appearance, the venue was an elegant, chandeliered gallery in a Georgian terrace overlooking the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Its stage, though, was decorated with beachside paraphernalia, including a wooden sign bearing the record's title. A backdrop featured a picture of Johnson's father, who died last August, erecting a windbreak.

Before a short four-song set, the solo artist introduced a playback of five tracks from 'To the Sea' that suggested a fuller sound than 2006 predecessor 'Sleep Through the Static.' The title track itself featured a firm backbeat and raw electric guitar solo. Bearing an acoustic guitar, Johnson returned to the stage with multi-instrumentalist and long-term collaborator Zach Gill, the bashful artist admitting he found it awkward hearing the new recordings with the crowd. The duo loosened up with 'Banana Pancakes,' from his 2005 album 'In Between Dreams,' before performing two of the quieter moments from 'To the Sea.'

'No Good With Faces' was a wry, gentle number, while Johnson dedicated 'My Little Girl' to his five-month-old daughter. The simple tune began with him warning, "This is not the kind of song you can sing along to," before he crooned the refrain, "You stole my heart and made it your own." He and Gill closed with another favourite from 'In Between Dreams,' 'Better Together.'

'To the Sea' is set for release on May 31.