Eric Clapton is releasing his 21st studio album on March 12.

The musician has announced via his official website that the follow-up to 2010's 'Clapton' will be called 'Old Sock' and feature a collection of ten classic covers as well as two brand new songs.

The hotly-anticipated new tracks are called 'Every Little' and 'Gotta Get Over' and will accompany ten of the guitarist's all-time favourite songs which have influenced his life.

'Old Sock' will be a mash-up of genres and see Clapton tackle rock and blues, including Gary Moore's 'Still Got The Blues' and Leadbelly's 'Goodnight Irene', reggae (Peter Tosh's 'Till Your Well Runs Dry') and jazz tunes including 'All of Me' and George and Ira Gershwin's 'Love Is Here to Stay'.

Guest stars include Sir Paul McCartney, who plays bass and sings on 'All of Me', returning the favour after the 'Tears In Heaven' star provided guitar on Paul's latest album 'Kisses on the Bottom'.

Clapton's former Blind Faith band mate Steve Winwood will also play organ on 'Still Got the Blues', R&B singer Chaka Khan has been roped in to play back-up vocals on 'Get On Over', while 'Angel' features JJ Cale on guitar and lead backing vocals.

The rocker will accompany the album with a US arena tour in the coming months, finishing up on April 12 with his Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

He will take to the stage alongside artists like B.B. King, John Mayer, Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck.