CREDIT: SCOTT MUNN

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. Do you recall the first album you purchased for yourself? It's a question I ask artists sometimes, while I'm getting to know them, and you might be surprised to know how often the term “guilty pleasure” arises in conversation.

As life goes on, the listening tastes and habits of your average music consumer are sure to change significantly. But the connection we have with that first album goes beyond merely our listening preferences; it's rooted more in our interaction with the music and how it ignited our sense of discovery. And it's a connection that will endure even after we've fallen in love with new styles and genres of music.

That is the nature of my connection with Old Man Luedecke; I can recall the first time I saw him perform live, and being completely disarmed by his charm and the strength of his storytelling — both throughout his music and the events that inspired them. He returns to London this week, and if you only see one concert this year, you wouldn't be sorry to make it this one.

Chris Luedecke (pronounced LOO-de-kah) hails from Chester, Nova Scotia, and any claim to his being an old man is purely rooted in songwriting; he exhibits the kind of cool, effortless knack for storytelling that did the artists he sings about, but if he's feeling beyond his years it's probably a result of his staggering tour schedule.

On the road now, Luedecke kicked off his most recent tour with Australian singer-songwriter Jordie Lane in Newfoundland at the end of January. Beginning in the Maritimes and ending in British Columbia in March, the two are crossing the country together, stopping in town to perform at the London Music Club on February 19.

The tour marks the continuation of their recent Australian circuit; Lane took Luedecke on tour across the continent in October and November last year, and now in Canada it's time to return the favour. Additionally, Luedecke is also celebrating the release of his new EP entitled I Never Sang Before I Met You.

Only released on February 4, the EP is a departure from his awardwinning catalogue in that he's enlisted the production talents of notable East Coast rock fixture Joel Plaskett, whose Dartmouth studio New Scotland Yard provided the backdrop for this fresh collection of songs.

Born of a desire to expand his one-man, one-instrument roots, Luedecke had a broader vision for the songs that would become the EP. Plaskett's expertise and seasoned studio touch complement Luedecke's songs well — gentle phrases on guitar add character to “Baby, We'd Be Rich” without stifling its personality, for example, and the slow entry of the rhythm section on “Sorry If I Let You Down” supports his delicate banjo melody and self-effacing lyrics.

Lane, on the other hand, is still supporting his recent EP Not Built To Last, released in October. The record features “Here She Comes” — a most Beatles-esque offering — and was the impetus for their tour in Australia, where Lane received support from Luedecke. Here at home, Luedecke will have to follow Lane, but regardless of the lineup you can expect an evening of sterling songwriting and charming storytelling from two artists you may not expect to love.

For more on Old Man Luedecke, his new EP or present tour with Jordie Lane, visit him online at oldmanluedecke.ca or follow along on Twitter @oldmanluedecke. Tickets for their show at the London Music Club on February 19 are $17 in advance, $20 at the door.

And for more of the latest music news, album releases and concert previews, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. Nominations for the 12th annual London Music Awards have opened, head to scenemagazine.com to nominate your favourite local music figures! I'm out of words.