Vonda Shepard © Dana Tynan 2026
VONDA SHEPARD RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM ‘NINE SONGS’ AHEAD OF
30th ANNIVERSARY OF MUCH-LOVED HIT TV SHOW, ALLY McBEAL
OUT 25th SEPTEMBER 2026
‘NINE SONGS’ FEATURES A SPECIAL GUEST SPOT FROM JACKSON BROWNE AND
IS OUT IN ADVANCE OF VONDA’S NEWLY ANNOUNCED AUTUMN UK & IRISH TOUR
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “SUGAR RUSH” HERE
Award-winning singer-songwriter, pianist and performer Vonda Shepard returns with ‘Nine Songs’ on 25th September 2026 – her first new studio album in almost five years — a stunning collection that reaffirms her place as one of contemporary music’s most compelling and soulful singer/songwriters
Written entirely by Shepard, ‘Nine Songs’ captures an artist at the height of her creative powers. Produced by the legendary Mitchell Froom (Crowded House) and engineered by David Boucher, ‘Nine Songs‘ showcases Shepard’s unmistakable voice and unique piano style. Every song reflects the artistry that has earned her a fiercely loyal global audience in a career spanning more than four decades.
“Working with Mitchell Froom as a producer, is a great gift to me,” says Vonda. “Besides the fact that he’s my husband, I have been a huge fan of his, ever since I heard Crowded House in the ‘80s. When I recorded my 1995 album ‘It’s Good, Eve,’ I deliberately tried to emulate his production style. It’s truly a magical experience playing a new, unfinished song for Mitchell and to have him play it back to me exactly as I just played it (and in the right key!) His additions to the arrangements are brilliant, so I’m always sure to turn on the recording device before he sits down at the piano, to capture that inspiration.”
A defining element of the album’s character is Shepard’s long-standing band, whose chemistry and musicianship form the core sound of the record, featuring James Ralston on guitar, Jim Hanson on bass and Michael Urbano on drums, also featuring Paul Taylor on drums and percussion and Mitchell Froom on keyboards, bringing a dynamic energy that has been honed over years of collaboration.
‘Nine Songs’ also features a very special appearance by Los Angeles rocker and political activist Jackson Browne on “Written On The Water.” Shepard was a member of Browne’s band in the ‘90s and says of their history of collaboration; “When I wrote ‘Written On The Water,’ I had this strong vision that Jackson’s voice belonged on this song. We are friends, so I asked him and he said yes! We’ve worked together previously – I was in his band for a while and he lent me his world-class studio to record my 1995 album ‘It’s Good, Eve,’ on which he sang harmonies on ‘This Steady Train.’ I went on to sing on his song ‘Looking East,’ from the album of the same name.”
The forthcoming album’s first single “Sugar Rush” is out now and delivers an infectious burst of deep groove energy, all wrapped around Vonda’s soaring vocals. “’Sugar Rush’ is one of those easy tunes to play and sing and it has a very danceable groove,” explains Shepard. “The song itself has a simple theme of having a crush that might be more than a crush. It’s one of the most ‘pop’ songs I’ve written.”
Further album highlights include ‘Hallelujah Anyway,’ an uplifting anthem of perseverance and grace which finds hope even in life’s most uncertain moments, transforming struggle into something quietly hopeful. Another album standout, ‘Don’t Stop The Train,’ is driven by irresistible momentum and emotional urgency, with echoes of some of the greatest ‘70s singer/songwriters.
Following a string of acclaimed releases and countless sold-out performances around the globe, ‘Nine Songs’ marks an exciting new chapter for an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations and borders.
A recording artist since the late-Eighties, Vonda Shepard first shot to fame in 1997 via her long running appearances, performances and musical accompaniment on the wildly popular US TV show Ally McBeal. She was cast in the much loved show (which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027) as the resident performer in the bar where the characters would hang out at the end of each episode. She had a massive hit worldwide in 1998 (including a UK Top 10) with the show’s theme song, Searchin’ My Soul, and produced over 500 songs for the series. She has sold a staggering twelve million albums worldwide, won two Golden Globes, two Emmys and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. And to this day, Vonda holds the Billboard record for selling the most television soundtracks in history.
Talking today about her work on the worldwide smash TV show, Shepard enthuses, ”I can hardly believe that the 30th anniversary of ‘Ally McBeal’ is next year! I can’t say the time has flown by, because I’ve done so much writing, recording and touring since then. I’m still close with some of the cast members, and we are all awestruck that it’s been this long since we were on the set of the show back in the ‘90s. There is a deep bond that comes from working with people on a groundbreaking phenomenon like ‘Ally McBeal’ — none of use saw it coming, until we watched the pilot! We need to have a 30th reunion party! Rest assured, I’ll be sure to play some of those ‘Ally’ faves on my upcoming UK & Ireland tour!!”
Almost exactly two years since her last barnstorming sold-out tour, Vonda will be returning to these shores to play a set of greatest hits and favourites from her extensive catalogue at the following shows (presented by RLN Music);
1 October Dublin Whelan’s
2 October Belfast Empire Music Hall
4 October Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
6 October Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre
7 October Glasgow Òran Mór
9 October Gateshead – The Glasshouse ICM
10 October Sale Waterside Arts
11 October Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room
13 October Shrewsbury Theatre Severn
15 October Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
16 October Lowdham Village Hall
17 October Worcester Huntingdon Hall
19 October Cardiff Acapela (SOLD OUT)
21 October Stroud Sub Rooms
22 October London Bush Hall
23 October Milton Keynes Stables
Tickets for the above shows are available here
Vonda Shepard – Nine Songs album tracklisting;
01 Soul Crimes
02 Don’t Stop The Train
03 Hallelujah Anyway
04 Sugar Rush
05 Gonna Get Up
06 Paper Plane
07 Written On The Water
08 Tryin’ To Find The Road
09 Boxer In The Corner
