Nanci Griffith tours the world behind 'Clock Without Hands'

Country-folk singer Nanci Griffith has scheduled a massive world tour in support of her new album, "Clock Without Hands," her first collection original songs since 1997.

The tour kicks off with a radio show on July 20 in Baltimore, and the itinerary currently stretches through May 2002. It includes a mix of gigs with her band, acoustic shows and shows accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

"Clock Without Hands" (Elektra), due in stores in early July, was named after the last novel by Carson McCullers, according to Griffith's area of Elektra Records' site.

Griffith's last album with originals, 1997's "Blue Roses from the Moons," featured her longtime band Blue Moon Orchestra. "Clock Without Hands" offers Griffith-penned tunes as well as covers.