Former Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews is making her comeback with a solo album of folk music, which includes a version of a Welsh hymn.

Entitled Cock-A-Hoop, the album is due to be released in May and is her first since Catatonia split in September 2001.

Matthews has spent seven months living in the traditional home of country music - the US's Nashville, Tennessee -recording the album.

Cerys left Catatonia in September 2001

It combines a mixture of roots songs and folk and features six tracks which has were written by Matthews, as well as a Welsh hymn.

Covers include Roger Cook's Chardonnay, a 1920s Louisiana folk song, and All My Trials, which was previously recorded by Joan Baez and Greek singer Nana Mouskouri.

A spokesperson for her record company, Rough Trade, said: "Cerys is happy and healthy and very proud of the album. It has been a labour of love for her."

Tour

Matthews shot to fame with Catatonia, with hits including a duet with Tom Jones, Mulder and Scully, Road Rage and Strange Glue.

But the singer's hectic lifestyle took its toll and she quit the limelight suffering from health problems.

Matthews is planning to travel to the UK later this week to make arrangements for the record's release.

A spokesman for the record company said they would be discussing dates for a tour later in the year.

Asked whether the singer would be performing in her native Wales, he said: "We're hoping it will be a nationwide jaunt, taking in all parts."