RM Hubbert is a guitarist from Glasgow in Scotland. He writes music about love, death, friendship, mental illness and occasionally a dog called D Bone. It’s not as depressing as the previous sentence suggests.

History Lesson Part 1
One of Glasgow’s more prolific artists, RM Hubbert has released music under a variety of guises since 1993.  It was El Hombre Trajeado’s triptych of albums released between 1995 and 2005 though, that really put Hubbert on the musical map, earning swathes of critical acclaim, three Peel Sessions and support slots with the likes of Sebadoh, Tortoise, Nick Cave, Deerhoof, Mùm and Mike Watt.     

History Lesson Part 2
Following El Hombre Trajeado’s demise, guitarist Hubbert took a break from playing live and began studying a host of different musical forms before returning to the scene in 2008 and self releasing his debut solo album ‘First & Last’, in March 2010. This album was later re-released on Scotland’s legendary Chemikal Underground Records in February 2011.  The album’s nine instrumentals skilfully blended elements of flamenco and samba with contemporary melodies to create a truly unique, understated record.  

‘First & Last’, by Hubbert’s own admission, was informed by three dark events in his life; the death of his father; his diagnosis with chronic depression and finally, the death of his mother. That these traumatic events resulted in album of such beauty is testament not only to Hubbert’s technical prowess as a guitarist but, perhaps more importantly, his considered and subtle strengths as a composer.

With ‘First & Last’ and a return to regular live performance, RM Hubbert’s profile grew steadily as he garnered support slots with Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra Band, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, King Creosote and Alasdair Roberts as well securing the main support slot on both Mogwai’s mammoth European tour and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat’s UK and European tour in 2011.

The Punchline
The second album, ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ is released through Chemikal Underground Records on January 30th 2012. Produced by long-time friend Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) the album features collaborations with some very special artists including Hanna Tuulikki (Nalle), Emma Pollock (The Delgados), Luke Sutherland (Long Fin Killie, Mogwai), Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap), Alex Kapranos and Alasdair Roberts amongst others.

Having found that it was easier to connect with people through music, ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ was conceived by Hubbert as a way of reacquainting himself with old friends while making some new ones. Each piece was written collaboratively with the respective artists; with the emphasis placed on spontaneity and experimentation. The resulting collection is eclectic and beautiful: voice, percussion, violin, piano, banjo, accordion, vibraphone and gu zheng all joining Hubbert’s idiosyncratic guitar over the eleven songs.  

RM Hubbert will be heading out on his first headline tour over February, March and April 2012. For full details, see http://www.rmhubbert.com/

Some reviews

Technically dazzling and deeply moving, First & Last is a work of depth, skill and real beauty.
Uncut – 4/5

A set of mesmerising acoustic instrumentals utilizing a number of percussive guitar techniques to thrilling effect.
The List

Technically Hubbert is an incredibly good guitarist, but there's nothing showy or self indulgent about the music on the album. Instead the emotion of the songs shines through, whether it is happy or sad. It's wonderfully executed, brilliantly crafted and packed with soul and feeling.
Ayetunes

‘First & Last’ is a triumph of melodic nous and raw, sedated talent. Each of the songs on the album are object lessons in how to compose something beautiful without allowing your ability to stomp all over the finished product. RM Hubbert has produced something truly beautiful and incredibly rare.
Glasgow Podcart

The depth and range of emotion involved can be quite raw and cutting. I'm still finding it hard to listen to "Jumphang" all the way through, as I find it just too harrowing. Fortunately, it's not all doom and gloom, as the musical love letters to his wife attest. With more joy to be found in the likes of "Hey There Mr. Bone" and "Temple Circa 89", it's a remarkable achievement and something more people should strive for in an increasingly banal musical world.
Blogcritics

‘First & Last’ is capable of enveloping you in some sort of lovely escape.  Imagine Kaki King falling in love, then getting drunk.  Does that work?  All in all it’s a very tasteful, pure, and one-of-a-kind album….
Lovesound