Dan Raza

Dan Raza has already established a considerable reputation on the UK singer songwriter and folk roots scene. His distinctive approach has won him many fans and led to his supporting Joan Armatrading on a recent European tour, as well as opening for artists such as Mary Gauthier, Badly Drawn Boy, Cara Dillon and Alejandro Escovedo at concerts throughout the UK and USA. He also had a song, Every Little Dog endorsed by Neil Young when Shakey chose it for his 'Living with War' website.

His live performances are noted for their strong emotional impact and his songs are informed by literary influences such as Ben Okri as well as musicians such as Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and Bobby Womack. Indeed, Dan's songs receive colourful treatment on this his first album. From the yearning sweep of 40 Miles to the vibrant energy of Cool Dark Night and No-One Shed A Tear, the intense originality of his writing is balanced by strong and varied musical texture.

Raised in Bedfordshire, Dan is of mixed Indian and British origin. Many of his songs draw on images from his past and there is an enigmatic and whistful quality at the heart of his writing.

A chance meeting at a gig in South London led Dan to record his debut album with Charlie Hart, who has worked previously with Ronnie Lane, Ian Dury, Eric Clapton and Mose Allison. It features a stellar array of guest appearances from Geraint Watkins (Van Morrison, Paul McCartney), BJ Cole (Dolly Parton, Martin Simpson) Steve Simpson (Eric Bibb, Ronnie Lane), Frank Mead (Albert King, Eric Clapton) and Mosi Conde (Mory Kante, Salif Keita).