Raconteur Benson releases 4th solo album

DETROIT -- Brendan Benson was a successful solo artist before his days with the Raconteurs brought him increased fame.

The Michigan-born singer-songwriter is returning to those roots with his fourth solo album, "My Old, Familiar Friend," which is being released Tuesday.

The 11-track CD was recorded in Benson's current home of Nashville, Tenn., as well as in London.

He's hitting the road in support of the record, heading to Chicago on Thursday; Ann Arbor on Saturday; and Toronto Aug. 24.

Benson spent years in Detroit's rock scene as an artist and producer before releasing his 2005 breakthrough album, "The Alternative to Love." He formed the Raconteurs with friend and White Stripes frontman Jack White and the Greenhornes' Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler.