Dan Walsh announces live album and tour dates

Dan Walsh

Recorded just before the first lockdown, Live At The Floodgate is the first live release by top banjo player, singer and guitarist Dan Walsh. Recorded in his spiritual home of Stafford, the album sees a varied set featuring material from each of his five critically acclaimed albums as well as brand new material and old live favourites that have never been recorded before.

BBC Folk Awards nominee Dan has been one of the most in-demand live performers on the folk scene for the past decade and his hectic touring schedule has seen him play regularly in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. He is also a member of the popular band Urban Folk Quartet and an in demand session musician who has performed on stage or record with among others Joss Stone, Ward Thomas, Imelda May, The Levellers and Seth Lakeman. Describing what Dan does is no easy task but at the heart of it is British, Irish and American folk music delivered with a healthy dose of funky grooves – all performed with his unique and dazzling take on clawhammer style banjo helping to challenge all preconceptions about the instrument. Add to all that poignant songs, astonishing musical departures and lively humour and the result is a truly memorable live show which has wowed audiences across the world from intimate seated rooms to huge dancing crowds in festival fields.

The album also contains brand new songs including the bluegrass flavoured jig ‘Moonshine 68’, ‘Still A Town’ which is a song about the decline of the high street but the power of communities in keeping towns strong and the beautiful ‘On The Border’ tune set. Also included are long time live favourites that have not been previously recorded such as his version of Johnny Handle’s ‘Jack Crawford’ and his slap guitar version of Paul Simon’s ‘You Can Call Me Al’. Finally, there’s familiar favourites such as the Indian raga meets reel frenzy of ‘Whiplash Reel’ and the moving ‘Song Always Stays’ about the impact of music on those living with dementia.

Truly a live album that captures the zest, dynamic and energy as well as the intricacies of a fine and dextrous banjo player.

Artist’s website: https://www.danwalshbanjo.co.uk/

‘Old Bush Reel Set’ – live somewhere:

LIVE DATES

OCTOBER

10 WALTON-ON-THAMES Riverhouse Barn, Walton Road, Walton-On-Thames 1-3 pm Doors open from mid day Tickets £13 01932 253354
https://thelittleboxoffice.com/riverhouse/book/event/140632

16 HARTLEPOOL Folk Festival (Urban Folk Quartet)
https://www.hartlepoolfolkfest.co.uk/

21 FAREHAM Ashcroft Arts, Osborn Road, Fareham 7.30 pm Tickets £10 ashcroft@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk 01329 223100
https://www.ashcroft.org.uk/

22 NEW MILTON Forest Arts, Old Milton Road, New Milton 7.30-9.30 pm £10 forest.arts@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk 01425 612393 or 01425 619983
https://www.forest-arts.co.uk/

23 ALDERSHOT West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot 7.30-9.30 pm £10 west.end.centre@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk 01252 408040
https://www.westendcentre.co.uk/

NOVEMBER

18 WINCHESTER Hyde Tavern, Hyde Street, Winchester 7.30-9.30 pm hydetavern57@gmail.com 01962 862592
Ticket link to come soon