“Y Not,” the upcoming self-produced set from Ringo Starr, will be featuring several guest performers. They include Paul McCartney, Starr’s former band mate with the Beatles who will sing along with Starr on “Walk With You,” the fist single from the album. In addition McCartney will play bass on “Peace Dream,” another cut from the album.

Starr said in a recent statement that McCartney was a genius in how he laid his vocal track down for “Walk With You.” He described the song as one that was an even and moving spiritual meditation regarding friendship’s lasting power.

Starr said, Paul was going to the Grammys. He came to my house and on “Peace Dream” was playing bass. I played the other track for Paul. He went up to the microphone and invented the part that follows my vocal. It was all pure Paul McCartney. Nothing could be better. Paul makes things fuller and bigger.

The release date for the album is January 12. It also contains special guest performances from Glen Ballard, Ben Harper, Joss Stone, Don Was, Benmont Tench, Dave Stewart and Joe Walsh among other artists.

Starr said deciding to produce the album himself was based on confidence.

With the Beatles records I was the least involved, Starr added. Then when it came to my solo albums, I have worked with great producers. Then all of a sudden there came a point in my life when I just said, I will do this now. From now on, anything I make I will be producing. “Y Not” is a way for me to say, yes I can.

Zac, Starr’s son, gave the new album a positive review, thrilling his father. In a recent statement Starr said, Zac was great. He told me, Dad this rocks. It’s great. This is what you should have done forever. That’s nice to hear coming from your son, particularly when he’s a great drummer.