Texas singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo [ tickets ], who is back in action after a years-long, near-fatal battle with hepatitis C, has lined up a series of concert dates in support of his forthcoming album, "The Boxing Mirror."

The outing, currently scheduled to visit 16 North American cities, launches March 29 in Philadelphia. The Alejandro Escovedo String Quintet--two cellos, two acoustic guitars and a violin--will be featued on the trek's March and April stops. Beginning in May, the eight-piece Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra--electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, cello and violin--will perform.

Included in Escovedo's itinerary are stops at three different venues in his hometown of Austin, TX, on three consecutive days in May.

"The Boxing Mirror," produced by John Cale (The Velvet Underground), marks Escovedo's first new studio album since 2000's "Man Under the Influence." Due in stores on May 2, the set includes 11 Escovedo originals.

The album tackles some difficult subjects, including Escovedo's liver disease and the recent death of his father.

Escovedo collapsed onstage in April 2002, and was later diagnosed with hepatitis C. After years of treatment he is now healthy.