Dan Crisp

Born in Bournemouth, September 1983 Dan has grown up in the South West.

He started learning to play a guitar at the tender age of 10 by picking up his Dad’s Acoustic one day and never putting it down.

Lessons followed with Chris Hardcastle, now of Arena Sound & Vision, and Dan quickly progressed his playing style, influences and began to take singing seriously.

A keen and talented music student at Somerset College of Arts and Technology gave Dan the opportunity to front a college band – playing local pubs and clubs around the town of Taunton.
In 2001, Dan’s early writing and recording was spotted by Brent Treloar – Upbeat Music – who encouraged him to form a band with bassist Alan Bray (Ska’d For Life, Squid 58) and Roger Luxton on Drums.

After a couple of rehearsals the trio were busy recording a demo at Trident Studios, Torquay, owned by the MTA desk developer and engineer to the Beatles, Malcolm Toft. Under the supervision of producer and engineer Tim Powell-Morris, the group went on to record a further EP.

Quickly securing regional gigs and a local following as a 3 piece alternative rock band – ‘State of Fury’ developed and strong and distinctive sound – albeit in a heavily competitive market space.
This coupled with a chance introduction to Martin Barre – guitarist with Jethro Tull – gave Dan the encouragement to continue his distinctive writing & vocal style. A series of acoustic gigs featuring Dan, Martin and bassist Alan Bray followed, including a sellout performance at Exeter’s Phoenix Theatre.

Following this success, early demo tracks of new acoustic music were produced in the ASV Studios, Wellington with support of Chris Hardcastle - Dan’s original music teacher from 10 years ago. This coincided with some experimentation with the band, which now featured drummer Robin Guy (Rachel Stamp, G.M.T.).

By mid 2007, Dan had finished writing the bulk of a possible album, and agreed to have this produced by Mark Tucker at his own Studio and Woodworm Studios, Oxfordshire.

The resultant album embraces 12 tracks depicting the life and key events of a fictional character - tackling challenges such as - rebellion, falling in love, getting a grip on life, winning and losing and the realization of one’s place in the world.

For this project, Dan is joined by some of the country’s leading musicians from the likes of Fairport Convention and The John Martyn Band. They include Gerry Conway (Percussion), Arran Ahmun (Drums), Spencer Cozens (Piano), Alan Bray (Bass) and Chris Leslie (Violin).
Dan is currently performing and promoting his album as a solo artist as well as with his band, made up of Drummer Robin Guy (Pearl Drums) and Bassist Alan Bray (Warwick Bass Guitars), combining to create an amazing 3-piece sound.
The album ‘Far From Here’ was released in August 2008.
For more information visit: www.dancrispmusic.com
Established 1954 Records: www.est1954.com