Some people come into your life for a reason. Sometimes to challenge you, sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for bad reasons. I believe Dan Blakeslee came into my life for good and I am better for knowing him. Dan is the kind of guy who makes you smile with his music, his personality and his performances. More than just a songwriter or a guitar player, he is a performer and an artist. His shows are as entertaining as they are moving. I am extremely happy to showcase Dan, his music, and who he is for the month of June.
Blakeslee’s roots run deep in the performance realm. While attending art school in Baltimore, he would sneak into the galleries to play his guitar through the late hours of the evening surrounded by easels and oil paintings. Playing on streetcorners, subway platforms and some of the best listening rooms in the country are all habitats where you may catch this gentleman. We are damn lucky that he has made our city his home and has been performing here ever since moving here so many years ago.
With five records already under his belt, Blakeslee’s next album “Owed To The Tanglin’ Wind” will be a testament to his position as a working artist and musician. Recorded at the historic Columbus Theatre in Providence, RI with friends from The Low Anthem (also curators of the venue/studio). This is on the top of a very short list of my most anticipated records for 2014. One song in particular, about a man and his horse, has quickly become one of my favorite songs of all times.
What sets Blakeslee apart from most artists (and people for that matter) that I know is his attitude. His songs range from compelling stories of characters he often times sketches out, introspective looks at a man made to ramble, and happy songs about life and the joys it can bring. Even with seeing some of the sorrows of life, Dan always manages to put a smile on any ones face that he comes across.
For your art and you smile, Dan, we thank you. We love you buddy!
Pledge to Dan’s album campaign here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/danblakeslee