Saw this dude last week in Birmingham - 1 of the most amazing gigs ever. Jumping around the stage like a madman knocking the hell out of his banjo. So nice to see you a young guy playing this music with guts and really performing it instead of just standing there. I bought this CD and it's almost as amazing as watching him live. A big sound, great playing and singing and brilliant songs and tunes. Buy it buy it buy it and go and see him!
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I discovered this guy on youtube when searching for Bela Fleck - I have a new favourite banjo player! Got to see him the weekend just gone in Bristol in a duo with the harmonica player on this album. Absolutely astounding! I bought this and haven't stopped listening to it since. Incredible playing, first-rate musicianship, terrific voice, great writing. It's different, it's new, it's eclectic - highly recommended.
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I'm from Broadstairs in South East England and recently went for a morning coffee with some friends. When I saw a banjo player sitting there I thought I might leave it! But that banjo player was this man Dan Walsh who was perfoming as part of Broadstairs Folk Week. And he was quite simply astonishing. For an hour he gave us an amazing mix of songs and tunes from all manner of backgrounds and I can honestly say it was my first proper introduction to banjo and I was totally blown away. His ending particularly was truly unreal - I've never seen fingers move so fast in my life! He sold a hatful of CD's and I'll bet not one person regrets buying it.  It's a gem from start to finish - some wonderful lively stuff like the funky 'Hammer and Nail' and 'Deep Down', the banjo rock (trust me it works!) of 'Pointless Greedy Figures' and 'Drive The Cold Winter Away, the bluegrass of 'Every Day Is A Better Day', the extraordinary Northumbrian epic 'Northumberland and Back' although my personal favourite is the last track 'Last Chance To Believe The Truth' which is a profoundly moving song about personal difficulties which is a surprise ending but very poignant indeed. I must add as well when I saw Dan, he was the nicest guy as well and deserves every success that will doubtless come his way. This is an amazing album, a rollercoaster of styles that somehow works as a whole. There's some wonderful guests on here as well on all manner of instruments (the harmonica is really good) but Dan shines through as an incredible talent - and he's only 22 I seem to remember. I almost want to hate him he's so talented! Enjoy!
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