With her new album “Tumble Bee”, a collection of folk songs for children, due for release next month on Bella Union records, Laura Veirs has just announced a 6-date UK tour for January / February 2012. (Dates below)

Recorded by Grammy-nominated producer Tucker Martine in their home in Portland, Oregon in the spring of 2011, ‘Tumble Bee’ covers a wide range of American folk songs, from early 20th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte. Inspired by the birth of her son Tennessee last year, and by countless fans who have told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music. She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from past centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous Anthology of American Folk Music. They selected what Veirs calls, “a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.”

“Many of these songs have been forgotten throughout the years,” adds Martine. “We wanted to bring these songs to a new generation with an instrumentation that both honours their traditions and creates something unique.”

Tumble Bee features guest appearances by The Decemberists’ frontman Colin Meloy, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and Carl Broemel, Basia Bulat, Bela Fleck, Karl Blau and members of Blind Pilot, among many others. Much more than simply a record for children, Tumble Bee stands on its own as a vibrant and sonically beautiful recording; listeners of all ages will revel in Veirs in her prime. “I love this record,” says acclaimed songwriter Sufjan Stevens. “Laura’s folk songs for children prove that the best children’s music never gets old” … “A brilliant kids record that anyone who loves good music will appreciate” adds James Mercer (The Shins).

Monday 30 January – LONDON – Queen Elizabeth Hall (£15 – £17.50)

Tuesday 31 January – NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms (£10)

Wednesday 1 February – MANCHESTER – Quay Theatre (£12.50)

Thursday 2 February – GATESHEAD – Sage Hall (£14)

Friday 3 February – GLASGOW – Arches (£10)

Saturday 4 February – BIRMINGHAM – The Library (£10)