Singer-songwriter Bobby Long is celebrating the completion of his forthcoming third album with a series of new live appearances. The British-born New Yorker joins the roster for three upcoming Communion Music shows in March-his first participation in the popular music series-beginning with their March 4 show at Milkboy in Philadelphia.  He returns to New York's Mercury Lounge on Saturday, March 14.

After two album releases, his notable debut A Winter Tale (2011), an homage to his acoustic roots, and the grittier follow up Wishbone (2013),Long's third album, called ODE TO THINKING, is structured around his vocals and guitar. Named for the first song on it, the album was recorded at the Congress House Studios in Austin, Texas, where he teamed with producer/musician Mark Hallman (Carole King, Ani DiFranco), who played bass guitar, drums, piano and organ on the recording. The result is a dynamic new collection of original material that was nurtured during his live performances. "I'd been cultivating these songs live for the last year," he explains, "so when I came into the studio with them, I was ready to go."

ODE TO THINKING was made possible by a hugely successful PledgeMusic campaign (pledgemusic.com/bobbylong) that was launched last summer and is ongoing. When the album is released later this year, more than 750 pledgers will receive a download of the album in addition to other items they have pledged for.   Plans are being finalized for its release this year. "So many people have come on board to help me make this new record that it was really overwhelming," Long says. "The pledgers have followed every part of the process of making the record, and it will be truly exciting to finally deliver it to them."

Upcoming Bobby Long shows:

March 4-Milkboy, Philadelphia (Communion Music show);

11-Zanzabar, Louisville (Communion Music show);

12-Mercy Lounge, Nashville (Communion Music show);

14-Mercury Lounge, New York City (early show);

27-The Music Hall Loft, Portsmouth, NH;

28-Club Passim, Boston;

April 1-The Space, Evanston, IL;   

2-Café Carpe, Fort Atkinson, WI

Ticket information is available at:  www.bobbylong.info