DAVE McPherson is set to link up with Jonah Matranga of onelinedrawing for an unusual gig that showcases both their own work and that of Neil Young.

Young, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his album, 'Harvest'.

McPherson is known as the frontman for rock band InMe, while Matranga has been involved in Far, Gratitude and New End Original, and will come together at Stereo in York on June 4 and Trillians in Newcastle on June 7.

onelinedrawing will perform the album 'Visitor' in its entirety, which is marking its tenth anniversary, along with some tracks from 'Harvest' and songs suggested by the audience.

McPherson, meanwhile, will play a set of his own, including some brand new material, and songs from Young's seminal work.

The two will also make guest appearances in each other's sets.

Asked what came first, music or friendship, Matranga told The Northern Echo: "Music first, as we've never met! We just have mutual friends that thought it'd be a good idea, so here we are.

"Playing music is my favourite way to meet other musicians, honestly. Much more important than any conversation."

He regards 'Harvest' as a timeless classic and can't wait to play the songs to audiences in the north.

"That said, because of the nature of Neil Young's genius, it's not like taking on Sgt. Pepper's or something, in that the songs aren't that weird or complex," he said. "It's more about just feeling them, having the spirit. I think that's actually harder in some ways than playing lots of notes, but it's a difficulty I really enjoy playing with."

Matranga said there were parallels between Young and himself.

"As much as I love his tunes, the way he's gone about his business over the years has been just as inspiring to me," he said. "He takes it incredibly seriously, yet keeps it really loose and fun. That's a balance I've always tried to live by. I want to keep surprising myself, as well as anyone that cares about the stuff I make. I'm not sure there's a better embodiment of that quality in music than Neil Young."

McPherson, meanwhile, said lovers of live music would be richly rewarded if they come to the gig.

"I'm over the moon to be playing with such a well-respected, passionate artist," he said. "I love touring the UK with just my acoustic guitar, but this tour is something different to conventional tours which makes things that much more exciting.

"I'll be playing some Neil Young tunes as well as airing some new material from my upcoming second solo album. I'm also really looking forward to sharing a stage with Jonah and collaborating musically.

"Everyone should come along to this celebration of sorts and reap the rewards of supporting live music."