Alexander O'Neal has been in the music business a long time.

He opened for top soul acts in the Seventies and took dead end jobs to keep his musical dreams going, before achieving international acclaim in the Eighties thanks to multi-platinum selling album Hearsay.

He has spent most of the last decade sorting out his troubled private life failed marriages, domestic abuse, drug addition -before returning to the fray this year with a new album Saga Of A Married Man, and an extensive tour of Britain.

The new album took eight months to record. Why so long?

Alexander laughs: " You know, we took our time. It was a great experience. It's a concept album that's saying something. I wanted to put it together exactly the way I felt. I want it to be a mirror effect for men and women, to help them make that commitment."

The album has a very contemporary urban sound and Alexander worked with a new producer Bobby Z. Was it a concious decision to take such a step?

"Bobby Z was Prince's old drummer. You wouldn't have thought someone like him and me would work together after what happened in the past, but we got together and it worked!"

"I wrote the title song (Married Man) myself and everything on the album revolves around it."

It's got a controversial theme...

"That's what Alexander O'Neal is about! I've always tried to be different. "

You have obviously been listening to the likes of Timbaland, and I also spotted Craig David's garage soul sound...

"Yes it is contemporary. But that's also a business decision. When you're putting out a new record you've got to take into account the business element. "

It's a big change from when you first came to prominence in the 80s. You were lumped in with the likes of Luther Vandross and Freddie Jackson...

"With this album I've gone in leaps and bounds away from that thing. I wanted to do a concept album. "

Soul singers are mostly known for a few songs they've recorded - they are not usually noted for producing a complete body of work. Sad to say it often means that in their lifetime they are not appreciated. This album reminded me of Marvin Gaye's Here My Dear and Donny Hathaway's Evocation of a Man.

Alexander:"Thank you! I want to be in a different category. If you've heard one Luther Vandross you've pretty much heard them all. From here on in, this is where I'm coming from."

A couple of years ago, Alexander underwent a spiritual rebirth. He released a gospel track. I asked him if he was likely to move more in that direction?

He replied: "I'm a spiritualist. I believe in a personal one to one relationship with God. Maybe I'll do a gospel album in the future."

" Maybe in 16 months we'll sit back and think about the next step. But for now, and for the next 16-18 months, I'm going to be pushing this album real hard. "

You've played at the big arenas in Britain. But on your tour you've set out on an extensive tour of the provinces as well as major cities. Is that deliberate?

Alexander: "We'll be playing from Scotland downwards.We are really going to promote this album. Britain has been real good to me and I love the fans!"

So is there truth in the rumour that you plan to move to Britain?

"Its true. After the tour we'll be looking for a spot."

Alexander O'Neal plays the Fairfield Concert Hall on Wednesday, February 13 with support from Sarah Jane Morris. Tickets are priced £18.50 and £15.50 from the box office. Call 020 8688 9291.

o For a review of Alexander O'Neal's new album Saga of A Married Man, please turn to page 28