The only way I can launch this videoblog about Artists chosen for each month's viewing that celebrate SPIRIT in their crafts, is to simply say, "I had a dream"...
In 1999, I envisioned a group of artists called S.E.E.D.S. ... the acronym stood for Salvation, Emancipation, Evolution, Determination, Success and it was to be made up of Brothers in Spirit from all over the world, each representing their own culture, their unique voice and language and their individual faith. They would travel the world and simply write and sing about all that we shared in commonality.., the universal themes that bind us on a common path. You see I basically believe we are more alike than different and now personally having such a diverse group of brothers, some I've met, and others I've never laid an eye upon.., I know this to be true simply because I feel it in my heart.., and I trust my heart.
Thank all of you dear brothers for graciously responding to my requests.
I do look forward to each month's opportunity to put together future SEEDS for the world to enjoy in this forum until that fateful day when these pairings become actual touring/recording opportunities.
I feel I'm finally beginning to realize my 1999 dream with intheSPOTLight.
I am originating this blog on MySpace for the simple reason that there are still more Music Fans, compressed on that site than in any other space, excluding YouTube, which technically is a video site.., but I digress.
A few weeks back UK phenomenon singer-songwriter JONO McCLEERY dropped his new single, Tomorrow, the first release from his forthcoming Major label release on Ninja Tune. It's available on iTunes, Amazon, Juno Plus and several other sites..., so check it out and become his fan on MySpace and Facebook for the latest on his growing appearance schedule in and around the UK. If you're one of the very few that's yet to discover the subtlety of this incredible artist, just click through and see what you've been missing.
An artist that is actually a 'new' friend that you really should know is PETE JOSEF. I'm sure you haven't heard him or he would have more friends on his MySpace page. He's not heavily promoting anything yet, but I'm sure with more encouragement, his management will have further incentive to do more marketing for this truly gifted artist. Click over, listen, and you'll know, like me, that's he's a goldmine just waiting to be harvested.
I'll do my best to come through every Monday and shine the EDENvisionSPOTLight on a couple each week that are presently promoting themselves and their projects.
I wouldn't begin 'to review' this release completely. Instinctively I know that no one can truly tell another what they're suppose to 'hear' when an artist shares from the depth of his soul and then puts that effort out on full display for all to peruse, judge and dissect. But in the case of Daniel March's latest release, The WONDER and HUNGER.., I feel I must try to find the words that would do justice to this absolutely spectacular offering that for me, feels like his debut.
Yes, I know he released the EP Live to Tell previously and several singles via various music sites, but all those tunes, for this listener, were simply an artist in search of a sound and home. Daniel March has found both his home and sound in this project and his journey will truly begin in earnest from this foundation forward.
The WONDER and HUNGER is a mature work full of incredible musical moments and anyone will be hard pressed to decide just which song speaks to them completely. Around every turn, there's a lyric, a string arrangement, a guitar riff that simply elevates these songs beyond the usual indie artist fare we've become accustomed to. Nothing here sounds hurried or rushed.., every tune plays out thoughtfully, as if Daniel has had years to decide exactly what each one needed and the patience to wait until he could create the perfect home for each lyric. His voicings are simple in delivery but far from simplistic. There's a touch of his Australian inflection that gives these tunes just a hint of island flavor but the sheer creative genius is that he never overpowers you vocally, but totally blends his voice into the movement of each tune and plays it as if it's just another instrument in the mix. The 'star' of every tune IS the tune!
WHEN I FLY AWAY opens up this release. It's just a delight to the ears. Light and airy, it moves you toward it's climaxing backing vocals that build in strength and complexity till you truly feel as if you've going to ascend with them. Then we move into a song that reflects the craft of a Paul McCartney penned tune in NINA. The opening bars with it's touch of bass and keys, just starts your hips to sway and you know that this artist has decided to not only to lift your spirits but to give your feet movement. The journey of this project is punctuated by the horns that close out this second tune. WHERE WOULD I BE is one of most lyrically laden tunes on the release and Daniel shows his craft as a songwriter as that takes center stage in this song that is the perfect balance of sensitivity and strength as displayed by the lone trumpet solo that enters strategically and takes us to through the reminder of the lyrical journey. Next on the horizon is The MERCHANT and the highlight is the organ that just gives this song it's perfect harmonic foundation into the rhythmic HELLO GOODBYE that sets us up for the turn in this music journey perfectly.
This eleven song release has so much more to offer, but it would be unfair of me to try and describe each and every nuance, when you don't have the ability to hear or feel my descriptions.., so I encourage you to just purchase the CD and listen for yourselves at this juncture. You can purchase The WONDER and HUNGER on iTunes, now, but if you happen to live in SDYNEY, Australia, there's an album launch on the 12th of JUNE where you can not only pick up the release but get to hear this artist, perform some of these gems 'live'. Information can be accessed HERE. There's a video, below, that highlights some of the tunes in their evolution, as well. You can learn more of Daniel and his music through his Facebook or MySpace pages, where you'll discover more of the journey of this accomplished musician and songwriter, there.
Finally this..., Daniel is a man of spirit. His music reflects this in ways that are truly indescribable but absolutely heart-felt. No one will ever be able to do justice in review or interview, to the depth of his talent or it's source. But what we can do is encourage artists like Daniel to continue to write and perform music that comes from these sacred places by our support of their efforts when they willingly toil to produce music that is healing, entertaining and sorely needed in these critical times in which we live. Let's purpose to let them all know how much they're needed by our continual support and encouragement of their crafts in all the ways we can.
...a simple seeking servant, more brother than friend, more visionary than practical but always present with love and respect for all other seeking servants. "Enlightenment--that magnificent escape from anguish and ignorance--never happens by accident. It results from the brave and sometimes lonely battle of one person against his own weaknesses."
A few weeks back UK phenomenon singer-songwriter JONO McCLEERY dropped his new single, Tomorrow, the first release from his forthcoming Major label release on Ninja Tune. It's available on iTunes, Amazon, Juno Plus and several other sites..., so check it out and become his fan on MySpace and Facebook for the latest on his growing appearance schedule in and around the UK. If you're one of the very few that's yet to discover the subtlety of this incredible artist, just click through and see what you've been missing.
An artist that is actually a 'new' friend that you really should know is PETE JOSEF. I'm sure you haven't heard him or he would have more friends on his MySpace page. He's not heavily promoting anything yet, but I'm sure with more encouragement, his management will have further incentive to do more marketing for this truly gifted artist. Click over, listen, and you'll know, like me, that's he's a goldmine just waiting to be harvested.
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