Singer songwriter Dan Webster hails from Scarborough but is now based in York. He has released two albums to date - 'The Other Side Of Brightness' (2003) and 'Diamond Land' (2009). A third studio album 'The Tin Man' is due for release in 2014.
Ahead of the upcoming new studio album, 'The Sea & Other Things' EP is being released on 17th September 2014. The EP comprises five tracks combining old, new and exclusive material. Track listing is:
Dan provides lead vocals and guitar duties on the EP and is ably assisted by band members Mark Waters (bass), Rachel Brown (cello) and Yom Hardy (drums and percussion).
The new collection of songs starts off in fine style with a brand new version of centrepiece track 'Frank Dalton'. This is a song about Dan's great granddad who was tragically killed whilst taking part in a dramatic sea rescue as a member of Scarborough lifeboat crew in December 1951. The song was originally released on 'The Other Side Of Brightness' in 2003 and reworked for a single release in 2012. Dan was not totally happy with these previous versions feeling that the narrative was not central to the production and he wanted to record a version that simply told the story of the sacrifice and heroism of the lifeboat crew. The song opens with the sound of rolling waves leading to the gentle introduction of cello and acoustic guitar that creates the perfect atmosphere and backdrop against which Dan can tell the compelling story through an engaging vocal delivery. This new version of the song is stunning and without any doubt the best version so far recorded.
Second track 'Price' is a new recording and only exclusively available on the EP. The song is sparsely arranged with Dan's vocals only accompanied by acoustic guitar. This creates the right mood for the track that considers the use of political propaganda as a form of ideological or commercial warfare to manipulate everyday life and relationships creating conflict and division. Very hard hitting stuff perfectly delivered!
Next up are three live studio recordings that perfectly encapsulate the quality, essence and camaraderie of Dan Webster and his band in a live setting.
'Elvis' is a new track that will feature on 'The Tin Man' album but has been aired in recent live outings. A jaunty, tongue in cheek song about the frustrations and woes of a singer making a living by performing cover versions in local hostelries. The irony of this lyrically clever song will help make it a firm favourite at gigs.
'Fishing' first appeared on the 'Diamond Land' album. This song conveying the psychological impact and aftermath of war is simply delivered with Dan's evocative vocals accompanied by the ebb and flow of the plaintive cello adding warmth and depth to the arrangement. A sublime rendition of the song surpassing the previously recorded version.
'Superstore' also featured on the 'Diamond Land' album. On this track Dan sings with passion and conviction to deliver a strong social commentary about consumerism, politics and the hidden agendas of war. Very different to the studio album version of the song but equally effective in provoking the listener to ponder the morality and ethics of life in the modern world.
'The Sea & Other Things' EP is a great collection of songs delivered with style and enhanced by immaculate and sparkling production. For newcomers this is a fine introduction to the music and craft of Dan Webster providing a fascinating insight to what inspires him to write songs. For those already familiar with his work, these songs are further affirmation of a highly talented singer songwriter still developing his art and continually striving for perfection.
The new EP is available to order at http://www.danwebster.co.uk/shop. The release of the EP will be marked with a launch gig at The Basement in York on Wednesday, 17th September 2014. Further information about the gig is available at http://www.thebasementyork.co.uk/event/2238.
Keep up to date with Dan's music at:
Ahead of the upcoming new studio album, 'The Sea & Other Things' EP is being released on 17th September 2014. The EP comprises five tracks combining old, new and exclusive material. Track listing is:
- 'Frank Dalton' (5:04)
- 'Price' (2:45)
- 'Elvis' (4:36)
- 'Fishing' (5:09)
- 'Superstore' (4:22)
Dan provides lead vocals and guitar duties on the EP and is ably assisted by band members Mark Waters (bass), Rachel Brown (cello) and Yom Hardy (drums and percussion).
The new collection of songs starts off in fine style with a brand new version of centrepiece track 'Frank Dalton'. This is a song about Dan's great granddad who was tragically killed whilst taking part in a dramatic sea rescue as a member of Scarborough lifeboat crew in December 1951. The song was originally released on 'The Other Side Of Brightness' in 2003 and reworked for a single release in 2012. Dan was not totally happy with these previous versions feeling that the narrative was not central to the production and he wanted to record a version that simply told the story of the sacrifice and heroism of the lifeboat crew. The song opens with the sound of rolling waves leading to the gentle introduction of cello and acoustic guitar that creates the perfect atmosphere and backdrop against which Dan can tell the compelling story through an engaging vocal delivery. This new version of the song is stunning and without any doubt the best version so far recorded.
Second track 'Price' is a new recording and only exclusively available on the EP. The song is sparsely arranged with Dan's vocals only accompanied by acoustic guitar. This creates the right mood for the track that considers the use of political propaganda as a form of ideological or commercial warfare to manipulate everyday life and relationships creating conflict and division. Very hard hitting stuff perfectly delivered!
Next up are three live studio recordings that perfectly encapsulate the quality, essence and camaraderie of Dan Webster and his band in a live setting.
'Elvis' is a new track that will feature on 'The Tin Man' album but has been aired in recent live outings. A jaunty, tongue in cheek song about the frustrations and woes of a singer making a living by performing cover versions in local hostelries. The irony of this lyrically clever song will help make it a firm favourite at gigs.
'Fishing' first appeared on the 'Diamond Land' album. This song conveying the psychological impact and aftermath of war is simply delivered with Dan's evocative vocals accompanied by the ebb and flow of the plaintive cello adding warmth and depth to the arrangement. A sublime rendition of the song surpassing the previously recorded version.
'Superstore' also featured on the 'Diamond Land' album. On this track Dan sings with passion and conviction to deliver a strong social commentary about consumerism, politics and the hidden agendas of war. Very different to the studio album version of the song but equally effective in provoking the listener to ponder the morality and ethics of life in the modern world.
'The Sea & Other Things' EP is a great collection of songs delivered with style and enhanced by immaculate and sparkling production. For newcomers this is a fine introduction to the music and craft of Dan Webster providing a fascinating insight to what inspires him to write songs. For those already familiar with his work, these songs are further affirmation of a highly talented singer songwriter still developing his art and continually striving for perfection.
The new EP is available to order at http://www.danwebster.co.uk/shop. The release of the EP will be marked with a launch gig at The Basement in York on Wednesday, 17th September 2014. Further information about the gig is available at http://www.thebasementyork.co.uk/event/2238.
Keep up to date with Dan's music at:
- Official Website - http://www.danwebster.co.uk
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/danwebstermusic
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/danwebstermusic