Album Notes

‘Ash and Bone’ is the highly anticipated debut release from Portland, OR based songwriter Dan Weber, who just 4 short years ago began bringing his well crafted songs out of his basement and into the light of day. What followed was a string of successes including: 2 West Coast Songwriters’ ‘Song of the Year’ awards; Appearances at such legendary venues and festivals such as the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA and the Sister’s Folk Festival; And a National Finalist in the prestigious Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Competition.

"Weber is one performer that’s living proof that you never know when a music career will bloom."
- Tim Hirsch, ‘Pacific City Sun’

‘Ash and Bone’ was recorded in the cozy confines of ‘Portlandia’ at Rob Stroup’s 8 Ball Studios with the backing of banjo and slide virtuoso Tony Furtado and master multi-instrumentalist Paul Brainard. It features the instantly iconic ‘Hank and Jesus’:

"‘Hank and Jesus’ by Dan Weber is easily the best folk song I heard in 2011. It has a timeless and authentic ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ feel to it. I've played ‘Hank and Jesus’ on every show since I heard it, and it's a highlight on my Best of 2011 compilation CD.”
- Jack Bohl, DJ, ‘Pastures of Plenty’ KBOO 90.7 FM Portland, OR

The breakout record also includes the heartbreaking ‘Goodbye to Dad’, a semi-finalist in the 2011 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest and the inspiration behind the ‘Ash and Bone’ title as well as the bluegrass tinged ‘Sarah Ann’, a true story by renowned author Michael Perry (‘Population: 485’, ‘Truck’, etc. ) that Weber so vividly brings to life.

“Dan Weber sings short stories with the exuberance of Kerouac, the economy of Hemingway, and the melodic elegance of Hank Williams.”
- Tim Connor, Americana Songwriter

Weber is a storyteller in the long tradition of great singer-songwriters and has been described by the legendary Tom Russell as “One of Portland’s finest young songwriters”. His insightful narratives about life, love, loss and redemption have led to favorable comparisons to James McMurtry with the poetic nuance of Townes Van Zandt and the whiskey grit of Hayes Carll. His live shows and off the cuff hilarious stories are often compared to the exuberance of Todd Snider.

"Dan is one of those rare performers that make you feel like you are the person in the room he is telling the story to"
- Suzan Lundy, McLundy’s Green Room

‘Ash and Bone’ includes the timeless anthem ‘Take the Central Georgia Home’, a classic train ballad from the closing days of the Civil War when Confederate soldiers regretfully returned home to the war ravaged South, and the deeply confessional ‘Lost and Found’, with insights like “this whiskey glass I’m drinking, was a desert once I’m thinking, fire and water making love at last.”

“He credits such musicians as Gordon Lightfoot, Marty Robbins, Bill Morrissey, Tom Russell and Todd Snider for inspiring him. ‘The truth of it is, I’ve always loved songs that told a story...its cathartic and life affirming to share our stories with each other and find that common ground...that’s why people have done it around campfires for 10,000 years”
- Rob Cullivan, ‘Outlook’

Featuring some of Portland’s finest studio and touring musicians ‘Ash and Bone’ contains liberal doses of classic Americana pedal steel, Dobro, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin as well as a fine sprinkling of piano, organ, cello and accordion throughout.

"Dan Weber has an instant classic on his hands. ‘Ash and Bone’ is a superb debut effort and I, for one, am looking forward to his next twelve albums."
- Diane Hunt, DJ, ‘Folk Espresso’, KBOO 90.7 FM Portland, OR