jamescuarterodotcom

i had the pleasure of handling sound duties (read: bringing the PA) for denison witmer’s show last night at tunes in marlton. i’d read a few reviews of his new record but can’t say i’ve ever had the chance to check him out. to make a long story short, i’m glad i made it out. anyone can strap on a guitar and be called a singer-songwriter but after the first few notes you can tell that denison is the real deal. the songs are incredibly well-crafted and by his careful musicianship you can tell that he’s been at this for a long time.

i got two records, philadelphia songs and his latest, are you a dreamer? i listened to the latter a bit last night and in the car this morning; it’s a rich, wonderful twilight folk record that at times recalls the best moments of the innocence mission. interestingly enough, there are guest spots from don and karen peris on the album, and i remember reading that don had taken denison ‘under his wing’ (i’m not exactly sure what that means) at some point. the songs are heartfelt and sincere but not in a “hey look, i’m being heartfelt and sincere” way if you know what i mean. the art for both albums is unbelievable as well.

i don’t know who reads this on a saturday but if you can, check him out tomorrow at the first unitarian in philadelphia, opening for rainer maria. being a fan of both, i may be there but i’ve also got a kitchen to paint. he’s also embarking on a month+ long tour as follows:

aug 29 2005 8:00p
detroit bar costa mesa, ca
aug 30 2005 8:00p
fingerprints records long beach, ca
aug 31 2005 7:00p
sea level records los angeles, ca
sep 8 2005 7:00p
taylor university upland, in
sep 9 2005 8:00p
concordia college ann arbor, mi
sep 10 2005 8:00p
borders book store wheaton, il
sep 11 2005 2:00p
borders book store chicago, il
sep 12 2005 8:00p
borders book store indianapolis, in
sep 15 2005 8:00p
cbgb’s new york, ny
sep 16 2005 8:00p
borders book store philadelphia, pa
sep 19 2005 8:00p
borders book store nashville, tn
sep 22 2005 8:00p
the journey coffee house madison, wi
sep 24 2005 8:00p
calvin college grand rapids, mi
sep 26 2005 8:00p
borders book store columbus, oh
sep 27 2005 8:00p
borders book store canton, oh
oct 10 2005 8:00p
chameleon club lancaster, pa
oct 10 2005 8:00p
houghton college houghton, ny

check him out when he comes to your town!